Spalanzani's Experiment

Traces Professor Spalanzani's creation of the automaton Olympia and its consequences.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The hidden daughter

The Secret The Lecture Hall Nathaniel noticed a glass door usually covered by a curtain. Through a crack, he saw a beautiful woman sitting motionless. He learned she was Spalanzani's daughter Olympia, kept locked up. The Mystery Spalanzani was a professor of physics, known for his strange manner. The daughter was never seen in public. Nathaniel suspected she might be simple-minded. The Preparation Later, Spalanzani's house became busy. Carpenters and decorators prepared for a grand party. Olympia was to appear for the first time.

The party and debut

The Grand Reveal The Elegant Attire Olympia appeared richly dressed. Her figure was admired, but some noticed a strange stoop and bone-thin waist. Her movements were measured and stiff. The Performance She played the piano and sang with a bell-like voice. Nathaniel, using the looking-glass, believed she was singing for him. The audience was impressed but puzzled. The Aftermath Guests gossiped about Olympia's strange behavior. Many thought she was mentally deficient. Spalanzani smiled with satisfaction as Nathaniel courted her.

Approval of Nathaniel's courtship

The Encouraging Father The Smile Spalanzani often walked past the couple and smiled with strange satisfaction. He encouraged Nathaniel to visit often. The Consent When Nathaniel hinted at a future bond, Spalanzani said he would leave it to Olympia to decide. This emboldened Nathaniel to propose. The Hidden Agenda Spalanzani's cooperation was part of his experiment. He had created the automaton with Coppola's help and used Nathaniel to test its effect on humans.

The fight over the automaton

The Falling Out The Struggle Spalanzani and Coppola fought over the automaton. Spalanzani claimed he made the clockwork, Coppola the eyes. They tore Olympia apart. The Revelation Spalanzani threw the eyes at Nathaniel, revealing the truth. Nathaniel went mad and attacked Spalanzani, wounding him with glass shards. The Aftermath Spalanzani recovered but was forced to leave the university. A criminal investigation was opened for fraud. He disappeared from the town.

Before Spalanzani's party

The night of the party

After the party, during Nathaniel's visits

The day of Nathaniel's proposal