Sandman

In this reading I noticed the author’s use of multiple perspectives.  I think that this narrative choice helps the reader decide how to classify the events in the story.  By getting the perspectives of Nathanael and Klara, we can have a better view on the Sandman character and can decide whether or not to believe in it.  Nathanael represents the fantastic and imaginative view on the Sandman, while Klara seems to bring the voice of reality and reason.  I also thought it was interesting that Nathanael found a real person, Coppelius, scarier than any Sandman he could have imagined.  He states on page 139 that he was old enough to realize that the story his nanny told him about the imaginary figure, “couldn’t be altogether true,” but when he realizes the Sandman is Coppelius, he becomes terrified.  This suggests that when fears become a reality, it is even more horrifying than something fantastic.