he gallops along.”13 The representation of Death as someone majestic sitting upon a horse avoids any connotations of grief or sorrow and rather depicts the topic of death as intriguing to the young boy. “Why Death is the most beautiful Sandman. I’m not afraid of him,” Hjalmar exclaims after seeing Death take away both the good and bad citizens.14 Andersen has the boy make this strong assertion that truly represents how a topic of utmost sadness is portrayed in a way that is deemed positive and exciting in Biedermeier literature. The story of “The Sandman” also demonstrates the importance of having an introspective connection to nature. As Hjalmar enters his dreams, he becomes closer to nature: “At once all the potted plants grew into huge trees that reached all the way to the ceiling… the room became the loveliest green arbor.”15 As Hjalmar becomes closer to nature through his dreams, he is able to explore his fantasy while leaving behind the shadow existence of civilization that is imprisoning his imagination. Nature is seen as the venue of escape that Hjalmar uses to explore his unconscious. In the text, nature is described in glorious and extended detail. The in-depth description of nature and limited details for other aspects of the story represent the importance and value of nature above man-made and artificial objects. Hjalmar views nature with amazement and therefore it is described in vivid detail. The happiness of Hjalmar is juxtaposed
to the unhappiness of the man-made objects in his room. In the midst of the beauty of nature that is taking over the bedroom, two objects are left saddened: “The sound of sighing and whimpering came from the table drawer where Hjalmar kept his schoolbooks… It was the slate that was sighing.”16 In a bedroom full of beauty and happiness, the two things that were not overjoyed were the two manmade creations – the slate and the exercise book. The selection of these two items as representations of unhappiness symbolizes the distinction between culture and nature. Nature brings Hjalmar happiness while these two items, which symbolize manmade culture, deter his sense of joy and his ability to be creative. The dualism of culture and nature signifies the desire for man to become closer with nature. Nature is what brings him pleasure while the corporeal society that surrounds him leads to displeasure. Nature encourages imagination and creativity whereas manmade objects seem to prevent it. The Biedermeier movement puts a strong emphasis on creating a connection between oneself and nature. Andersen was greatly influenced by the Biedermeier movement when writing “The Sandman.” The text centers around the beauty and goodness that arise from being close with nature. Because of his reflection on inner qualities, avoidance of evil topics, and emphasis put on having a connection with nature, Andersen utilizes many Biedermeier characteristics in his tale “The Sandman.” Contrary to Andersen’s Biedermeier tale, ETA Hoffmann wrote “Der Sandmann”
9. Tom Lundsker Nielsen, “Andersen, Hans Christian,” in Encyclopedia of the Romantic Era, 1760-1850, Vol. 1, ed. Christopher John Murray (New York: Routledge, 2003), 19-21. Google e-book. 10. Anders Buch-Jepsen, “A Brief History of Denmark-Denmark in the 1800s,” My Danish Roots, Last modified 2013, http://www. mydanishroots.com/history-culture-heritage/a-brief-history-of-denmark-denmark-in-the-1800s.html. 11. “Biedermeier Style of Art,” Encyclopedia of Art History, last modified 2010, http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of art/ biedermeier.htm. 12. Hans Christian Andersen, “The Sandman,” in Hans Christian Andersen: The Complete Fairy Tales and Stories, (New York: Anchor, 1983), 177-89.
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