Fantastik in E. T. A. Hoffmanns Prinzessin Brambilla.

Abstract

This thesis looks at E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Prinzessin Brambilla and whether it belongs into the ‘fantastique’. It focuses on Prinzessin Brambilla by comparing it in some basic aspects to Hoffmann’s previous work Der goldne Topf, which is part of his Phantasiestücke nach Callots Manier and was thus considered as part of said genre by the author himself. Furthermore, a look at the basis of Prinzessin Brambilla is also crucial, as Hoffmann explored the copper engravings of Callot and the commedia dell’arte, as well as some ideas from his role model Novalis. Finally, Hoffmann’s understanding of humour is an important factor that needs to be explored further, particularly his preference for the ‘grotesque’. The results of this research show that although Hoffmann himself did not think of his Prinzessin Brambilla as such, he incorporated a to of elements that make it possible to classify it as part of the ‘fantastique’.