The Sandman Myth

Traces the development and impact of the Sandman myth on Nathaniel's life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The nursery tale

The Origin of Fear The Story Nathaniel's nanny told him that the Sandman throws sand in children's eyes and carries them to the half-moon to feed his children. The Impact This story terrified Nathaniel. He believed the Sandman was real. The Merger The Sandman figure merged with the real Coppelius. The myth became a psychological reality.

The Sandman as Coppelius

The Identification The Discovery Nathaniel saw that the Sandman was Coppelius. The myth became embodied in a real person. The Confirmation Coppelius's threat to take out his eyes matched the Sandman's actions. The myth was reinforced. The Power The Sandman myth gave Coppelius a supernatural aura. Nathanial's fear was amplified.

The Sandman's return in adulthood

The Myth Reawakened The Barometer Peddler Nathaniel saw Coppelius and immediately thought of the Sandman. The childhood terror returned. The Looking-Glass Coppola's sale of 'eyes' echoed the Sandman's threat. Nathaniel's fear was projected onto the objects. The Inescapable Myth The Sandman myth continued to dominate Nathaniel's psyche, leading to his downfall.

The Sandman's final triumph

The Myth Becomes Reality The Final Vision Nathaniel saw Coppelius below and screamed 'Eyes a pretty!' The Sandman's threat was fulfilled. The Suicide He jumped to his death, escaping the Sandman's clutches in the only way he could. The Enduring Myth Clara survived, but the Sandman myth destroyed Nathaniel. The story is a cautionary tale about the power of childhood fears.

Nathaniel's early childhood

Nathaniel's childhood

Nathaniel's university years

The tower incident