| Dr. Coppelius | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Dr. Coppelius |
|
First Appearance |
The Sandman (1817) |
|
Created by |
E. T. A. Hoffmann |
Origin[]
Dr. Coppelius is an enigmatic and sinister figure with ambiguous motives, whose presence instills fear and unease in the protagonist, Nathanael. Coppelius is described as an alchemist and a maker of mechanical dolls, but there are hints throughout the story that suggest he may be involved in darker, occult practices.
Physically, Dr. Coppelius is depicted as grotesque and unsettling, with a disfigured face that inspires dread in those who encounter him. His appearance is often associated with the uncanny and the supernatural, adding to his mysterious aura. He is also portrayed as possessing a hypnotic and manipulative charm, capable of exerting a powerful influence over Nathanael and other characters.
Because of his heavy footsteps and frequent appearances, Nathaniel incorrectly thinks Coppelius to be the Sand Man upon his first encounter as a small child. However, because Coppelius is real and relishes in frightening Nathaniel and his siblings, he later regards him as far more dreadful than the fable, becoming an embodiment of Nathanael's worst fears and anxieties.
Throughout his life, Coppelius seems to stalk Nathanael, appearing at crucial moments to torment him and disrupt his sense of reality, ruining all that is good for him. This psychological torment ultimately leads Nathanael to question his own sanity and descent into madness.
Coppelius' desire for control and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge leads to him creating his robotic "daughter" Olimpia, a doll so lifelike that Nathanael mistakes her for a real woman. However, this quest for perfection comes at a cost, as the revelation of his experiment's true identity ultimately leads to Nathaniel’s final manic plunge from the town hall tower.
Opera[]
In the 1870 opera "Coppélia" by Léo Delibes, Coppelius plays a central and more complex role in the story, serving as both antagonist and a tragic figure. Here he is portrayed as an elderly and eccentric inventor of a sinister demeanor, and is somewhat of a recluse, living in a mysterious workshop filled with mechanical dolls and various contraptions. His appearance is often described as disheveled, with unkempt hair and piercing eyes.
On the surface, he appears to be a lonely and misunderstood inventor, driven by a passion for creating lifelike dolls. He seeks companionship and validation through his creations, yearning for a love and admiration that he believes they can provide. However, this facade conceals a darker side, a deep desire to exert control over others, manipulating their perceptions and emotions for suit his own gratification. He is consumed by his desire to bring his creations to life, even if it means resorting to unethical means to achieve his goals.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- The Sandman (1817)
Public Domain Stage Play Appearances[]
- Coppélia (1870)