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A Thermographic Reading of E. T. A. Hoffmann's "Der Sandmann"

1982; Wiley; Volume: 55; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/406086

1756-1183

Susan Brantly,

Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies

thermograph is a device that automatically records variations in temperature and is often used in medicine to help differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues. If it were possible to adapt thermograph so that it could be used upon works of E.T.A. Hoffmann, results would raise some intriguing points for consideration. Even a cursory reading of Hoffmann soon reveals that he was a temperatureconscious author; adjectives related to temperature can be found in abundance. In Der Sandmann, word glihend alone appears no less than thirteen times. The object of this study is to attempt a translation of Hoffmann's language of temperature as it appears in Der Sandmann, and to explore extent to which temperature-related observations can be used to illuminate some of more baffling aspects of tale. Among related studies, Gaston Bachelard's chapter on Hoffmann in The Psychoanalysis of Fire ought to be mentioned. Of Hoffmann, Bachelard writes, A poetry of flame runs through his entire work.' Bachelard coins phrase the Hoffmann Complex, particularly referring to Hoffmann's fascination with alcohol as liquid fire. In his book, Bachelard connects alcohol, poetic inspiration and love with metaphor of flame. However, Bachelard's approach to Hoffmann has one primary shortcoming. If one focuses one's attention only on points where Hoffmann's prose actually bursts into flame, then one overlooks nuances of precombustive states. Der Sandmann not only flames, but also smolders and glows. At points tale is even ice cold. In Der Sandmann cold represents elements against which burning passions and creative flames of poet must struggle. Nathanael is obviously poetic hero of Der Sandmann and as such is often connected with heat. But Nathanael is not alone in this respect. Let us turn our thermographic scrutiny upon a memory from Nathanael's childhood: