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’.