The Struggle for Clara's Love

Traces the relationship between Nathaniel and Clara from betrothal to tragedy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Childhood affection and betrothal

The Tender Bond The Orphan Cousins Clara and Lothar, orphaned children of a distant relative, were taken in by Nathaniel's mother. Clara and Nathaniel grew up together and developed a deep affection. The Betrothal No one objected to their love. They were betrothed before Nathaniel left to study in G. Clara was devoted to him with all her heart. The Separation The first storm clouds appeared when Nathaniel went away. His letters became less frequent, and Clara's cheerful nature worried about his state of mind.

Clara's letter of reason

The Rational Response The Mistaken Address Nathaniel's letter to Lothar was mistakenly sent to Clara. She read it and was deeply upset by the description of Coppelius. The Philosophical Argument Clara wrote back, arguing that the dark forces Nathaniel feared were products of his own imagination. She believed that if he stopped believing in them, they would lose power. The Rejection Nathaniel was angered by Clara's rationalism. He felt she did not understand him. Their relationship began to fray.

Reunion and growing rift

The Cold Embrace The Initial Joy Nathaniel returned home and flew into Clara's arms. For a moment, he forgot all about Coppelius. But soon, his brooding returned. The Mystical Arguments Nathaniel began to lecture Clara about dark forces and fate. He tried to initiate her into esoteric teachings. Clara found it boring and repugnant. The Irritation Clara would respond with practical concerns, like coffee boiling over. Nathaniel slammed books shut and ran off in a rage. They drifted apart.

The poem and the quarrel

The Painful Reading The Composition Nathaniel wrote a poem about Coppelius destroying their love. He polished it carefully, then read it to Clara in the garden, expecting her to be moved. The Reaction Clara, bored, started knitting. As the poem grew darker, she looked at him intently. When he finished, she told him to throw the 'raving, senseless fairy tale' into the fire. The Explosion Nathaniel called her a 'lifeless, accursed automaton' and ran away. Clara wept bitterly. Lothar defended her, leading to a duel.

Reconciliation through the duel

The Sword and the Tears The Challenge Lothar confronted Nathaniel, harsh words were exchanged, and a duel with rapiers was arranged for dusk. Clara's Intervention Clara discovered the duel and rushed to the garden. She begged them to kill her first rather than let them fight. Her love broke through their anger. The Embrace Both men dropped their swords. Nathaniel fell at Clara's feet, asking forgiveness. The three reconciled and swore to hold by their love. Nathaniel spent three blissful days at home.

Final separation and loss

The Final Betrayal The Tower Top Nathaniel and Clara climbed the tower happily. But when he looked at her through the looking-glass, his madness returned. He tried to throw her off. The Rescue Lothar saved Clara. She was unconscious but alive. Nathaniel jumped to his death. The Aftermath Clara later married a friendly man and found domestic happiness. The love she had for Nathaniel was a tragic memory, but she survived.

Before Nathaniel left for university

After Nathaniel's first letter about the barometer salesman

Nathaniel's visit home after his first semester

Later in Nathaniel's visit home

The evening of the quarrel

The tower incident