Olympia's Fate

Traces the creation, existence, and destruction of the automaton Olympia.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Creation by Spalanzani and Coppola

The Mechanical Bride The Collaboration Spalanzani, a professor of physics, created the automaton's clockwork. Coppola, the lens grinder, made the eyes. Together they built Olympia. The Purpose Olympia was intended to be a perfect imitation of a human. Spalanzani kept her hidden for years, waiting for the right moment to unveil her. The Secret Only the two creators knew the truth. Olympia was a lifeless doll, operated by clockwork.

Debut at the party

The Performance The Introduction Olympia appeared in elegant attire. She played the piano and sang with a bell-like voice. Her movements were stiff and measured. The Reaction Nathaniel was captivated. Others found her odd. She was passed off as Spalanzani's daughter. The Deception Olympia's only responses were 'Oh, Oh!' and 'Good night, my dear!'. She was designed to be a passive listener.

Nathaniel's courtship

The Illusory Romance The Daily Visits Nathaniel visited Olympia daily, reading his poetry. She sat motionless, staring at him. He interpreted her silence as profound understanding. The Perfect Listener Olympia never yawned, knitted, or looked away. She was the ideal audience for Nathaniel's narcissistic art. The Proposal Plan Nathaniel decided to marry her. He fetched his mother's ring, unaware that he was in love with a machine.

Destruction and revelation

The Unmasking The Fight Spalanzani and Coppola fought over the automaton. Coppola tore her apart, revealing her wooden body and empty eye sockets. The Eyes Spalanzani threw the eyes at Nathaniel. Olympia was a doll, not a living being. The End Coppola fled with the body. Olympia ceased to exist as a whole. Her purpose was fulfilled and destroyed.

Before the story's events

The night of Spalanzani's party

Weeks after the party

The day of Nathaniel's proposal