Analysis of "The Sandman" - Eric Lindae

                                 Analysis of "The Sandman"

                    One of the most interesting aspects of Hoffman's "The Sandman" is the way in which the text implies the existence of multiple realities which can exist simultaneously for different individuals. the notion that monsters only exist by means of belief is an old one, but this story demonstrated the power of belief and impressions in more than one figure. The first character made monstrous by belief is the eponymous "Sandman", who's identity is never totally clarified. Existing as two potential individuals, and in the nightmare terrors of a young child's perception, the Sandman is never more than a possible character.
                 The way in which Nathanael projects his fears and his trauma over his fathers death is described at length by Clara and Lothar. Secondly, the way in which Olympia is realized as the ideal woman solely by Nathanael demonstrates that reality is profoundly subjective. The author demonstrates that a prior point of view can be shown to override all other perceptions or additional external judgments. However, even more that the terrifying events of the story, the true horror of the narrative is the authors implication that, when a personal perception is contradicted by reality, the only possibility is insanity. This creates a nerve-wracking situation for the reader, who could imagine their own reaction to realizing that their own personal truths might be false as well, and the consequences that might entail.