The Dark Force

Traces the theme of the dark force that Nathaniel believes controls his life.

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Nathaniel's belief in dark forces

The Supernatural Worldview The Premonition Nathaniel felt that dark clouds were casting a pall over his life. He believed in a terrible fate. The Explanation He argued that dark forces pull the strings from behind an invisible curtain. He saw Coppelius as the incarnation of evil. The Conflict with Clara Clara argued that such forces only exist if we believe in them. This became a central philosophical debate.

The poem about the dark influence

The Artistic Expression The Composition Nathaniel wrote a poem about a dark fist destroying his love. He saw Coppelius as the agent. The Reading He read the poem to Clara, expecting her to be moved. She was not. The Breakdown Clara's rejection deepened Nathaniel's belief that she was under the influence of a prosaic spirit, not the dark force.

Coppelius as the dark force

The Embodiment The Childhood Trauma Coppelius was the Sandman, the source of Nathaniel's fear. He became the symbol of the dark force. The Recurring Appearances Each time Coppelius appeared, Nathaniel's life was disrupted. He seemed to be the external agent of fate. The Destruction Coppelius's presence at the tower triggered Nathaniel's suicide. The dark force won.

The rational counterargument

The Refutation Clara's Philosophy Clara believed that the dark force is a phantom of our own self. If we recognize it as such, it loses power. The Challenge She challenged Nathaniel to banish Coppelius from his thoughts. She argued that the real world is what we make it. The Unresolved Debate The story leaves the question open. Is the dark force real or a projection? Nathaniel's death suggests the power of belief.

After the return of Coppelius

During Nathaniel's visit home

Throughout the story

Clara's letters and conversations