The Sandman Essay: Rejecting The Enlightenment

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Rejecting the Enlightenment Conflict provokes a response. While, passion reflects fervent, yet dynamic, outburst. Reason, however, illustrates human rationale of one’s environment. When one faces conflict, his or her reaction reflects elements of either passion or reason. “The Sandman” depicts a tale ranging from Nathaniel’s consciousnesses to Clara’s reliance on logic, while contrasting their perspectives of Coppelius’s role in Nathaniel’s father’s death. Clashing sentiments of reason and passion also exist throughout today’s culture. Likewise, the modern church not only faces the conflict between reason and passion but a cultural shift of the ages through the changing viewpoints of various generations. “The Sandman” hallmarks the …show more content…

Nathaniel portrays Coppelius as an evil monster, aiding the Romantic theme, darkness. Nathaniel relies on emotion to develop his perspective. However, Clara ignores a fantasy-like approach and views Coppelius as a guiltless scientist. She embraces the Enlightenment’s viewpoint by only utilizing reason. In Clara’s letter, she criticizes Nathaniel’s viewpoint by calling his mind childish and noting that his portrayal of the Sandman only exists in within his own mind. While, in Nathaniel’s letter to Loritare, he criticizes Clara for her logical approach. (Tales from the German: Comprising specimens from the most celebrated authors). Reason and passion clash throughout the Enlightenment's criticism of Romantic Era’s value, emotional …show more content…

Nathaniel’s temperament changes to one of despair after Coppelius murders his father. Nathaniel’s emotions are no longer viewed as a dreamy state. Throughout the episotalary, there is a constant battle whether Clara’s or Nathaniel’s perspective of Coppelia's role in the murder of Nathaniel’s father is correct. A shift of tone occurs in Loritare’s letter. Clara notes, “Yes, Nathaniel, you are right. Coppelius is an evil, hostile principle; he can produce terrible effects, like a diabolical power that has come invisibly into life; but only then, when you will not banish him from your mind and thoughts. So long as you believe in him he really exists, and exerts his influence; only your belief is his power." Clara, a figure of the Enlightenment, acknowledges that Nathaniel, an image of Romanticism, is correct by agreeing that Coppelius portrays characteristics of evil. Through the acknowledgment of Nathaniel’s correct view, the transition of tone eases the conflict between reason and passion by showing that Romanticism provides

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