The Aesthetic Function of the Grotesque in E.T.A. Hoffmann’s „The Sandman”
The Aesthetic Function of the Grotesque in E.T.A. Hoffmann’s „The Sandman”

Summary/Abstract: This article explores the aesthetic intricacies of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s „The Sandman,”through the lenses of Kantian and Burkean philosophy, examining the profoundimplications of the grotesque within the narrative. Drawing from Kant’s notion ofthe sublime and Burke’s concepts of terror and delight, the article analyzes howHoffmann masterfully intertwines elements of the grotesque to evoke a sense ofastonishment and transcendence in the reader. Through an analysis of theprotagonist Nathaniel’s tumultuous journey and his fraught relationship with thegrotesque figure of Coppelius, we aim to elucidate how Hoffmann addresses themesof trauma, obsession, and existential dread. Furthermore, the article delves into thebroader implications of the grotesque within Romantic literature, highlighting itsrole as a means of approaching complex psychological and societal phenomena.Ultimately, by unravelling the enigmatic connection between the narrator andNathaniel, the article underscores how „The Sandman” emerges as a hauntingenquiry into human frailty and the elusive nature of reality

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