Dark mirrors: Fantastic elements in E. T. A. Hoffmann's 'Die Serapionsbrueder

E. T. A. Hoffmann's Die Serapionsbruder is a multifaceted collection of stories which scholars have studied primarily with regards to narrative structure, or more recently in connection with communication theory. This study explores these technical aspects of the tales only in light of their relation to an analysis of the major themes. This presentation emphasizes thematic content rather than structural form. It focuses on fantastic elements included in some narratives.;The theoretical discussion of fantastic literature presented by Tzvetsan Todorov is important for this study. Todorov's distinction between the "pure fantastic," the "uncanny" and the "marvelous" are essential for the chosen analytical approach. Todorov's ideas and other recent theories of the fantastic are presented in detail.;The study demonstrates the existence of a unifying theme in most tales in the collection, i.e. the fantastic as a primary device of the narration. A thorough discussion of several Hoffmann stories included in other collections lends further support to the conclusions arrived at regarding Die Serapionsbruder. This examination of the collection shows that many examples of the fantastic in Hoffmann's production cannot, as is sometimes maintained, be understood exclusively on a psychological level. The supernatural does, on the contrary, exist beyond the imagination of the characters.;Manifestations of supernatural power and uncanny events in this collection are analyzed by using concrete examples. Hoffmann's inclusion of supernatural elements can be divided into groups, i.e. satanic figures and their victims, and more traditional supernatural entities, such as ghosts and vampires. Hoffmann often juxtaposes the existence of fantastic elements against the sanity of his characters, but rarely provides an answer to that question thereby leaving the reader to interpret the event.;A discussion of Hoffmann's treatment of the concept as a whole ties together various aspects of the fantastic. Todorov provides tools for such an analysis. This examination of Die Serapionsbruder demonstrates that Todorov's "pure fantastic" applies to most Hoffmann stories since rational explanations for supernatural occurrences are not offered. Only occasionally does Hoffmann offer a natural explanation for the supernatural thereby deviating from his normal pattern where the hesitation of someone facing a supernatural event is stressed.