Nathaniel vs Clara

Traces the conflict between Nathaniel's mystical worldview and Clara's rationalism.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Clara's letter of reason

The Philosophical Clash The Analysis Clara argued that Coppelius was only a product of Nathaniel's imagination. She denied the existence of dark forces. The Rejection Nathaniel was angry. He felt she was cold and prosaic, unable to understand his deep insights. The Growing Rift This disagreement marked the beginning of their romantic conflict.

Mystical lectures at home

The Unwanted Education The Readings Nathaniel read mystical texts to Clara while she prepared breakfast. She ignored him. The Coffee Incident Clara joked that his evil principle would make her coffee burn. Nathaniel slammed the book shut and ran off. The Irritation Clara found his mysticism boring. Nathaniel felt she was a 'lifeless automaton'. Their conflict escalated.

The poem rejection

The Explosive Reaction The Reading Nathaniel read his poem about Coppelius. Clara knitted quietly, then told him to burn it. The Insult Nathaniel called her an automaton. Clara wept bitterly. The conflict became physical. The Duel The quarrel led to a duel between Nathaniel and Lothar. Clara's love temporarily resolved it.

Attempted murder on the tower

The Final Act The Trigger Nathaniel looked at Clara through the looking-glass. His madness turned her into an enemy. The Attack He tried to throw her off the tower, screaming 'wooden doll'. The Rescue Lothar saved Clara. The conflict between Nathaniel and Clara ended with her escape and his death.

After Nathaniel's first letter

Nathaniel's visit home

Later in the visit

The tower incident