Nathaniel vs Coppelius

Traces the adversarial relationship between Nathaniel and Coppelius/Coppola.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Childhood abuse

The First Attack The Threat Coppelius threatened to tear out Nathaniel's eyes. He threw him at the hearth and twisted his limbs. The Plea Nathaniel's father begged for mercy. Coppelius relented but left a lasting trauma. The Resentment Nathaniel hated Coppelius and blamed him for his father's death. The conflict was born.

Recognition of the peddler

The Confrontation The Identification Nathaniel recognized Coppelius in the barometer salesman. He threatened to throw him down the stairs. The Escape Coppelius left, but Nathaniel's hatred was rekindled. He vowed to avenge his father. The Fear Nathaniel was terrified by the reappearance. The conflict moved from memory to reality.

The looking-glass purchase

The Uneasy Transaction The Terrifying Lenses Coppola's eyeglasses seemed to stare at Nathaniel. He was overwhelmed by horror. The Purchase Nathaniel bought a looking-glass to prove his courage. He tried to convince himself that Coppola was harmless. The Internal Conflict Nathaniel's rational mind fought with his fear. He failed to banish the image of Coppelius.

The revelation fight

The Final Clash The Fight Coppola and Spalanzani fought over Olympia. Coppola tore the automaton apart and threw the eyes at Nathaniel. The Madness Nathaniel's mind broke. He attacked Spalanzani, but Coppola was the true agent of his destruction. The Escape Coppola fled, leaving Nathaniel in madness. The conflict culminated in Nathaniel's insanity.

The suicide

The Final Victory The Sight Nathaniel saw Coppelius in the crowd. His madness peaked. The Leap He screamed 'Eyes a pretty!' and jumped. Coppelius's presence was the final trigger. The End Nathaniel died. Coppelius disappeared. The conflict ended with Nathaniel's death.

When Nathaniel was ten

30 October, at noon

After the move to the new apartment

The day of Nathaniel's proposal

The tower incident