The Sunken Bell: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Sunken Bell" features a rich tapestry of characters that explore the themes of artistic aspiration, love, and the struggle between spirit and materiality. Central to the narrative is Heinrich, a dedicated bell-founder who embodies the archetype of the artist striving against societal limitations. His journey is marked by love and loss, particularly in his relationship with Rautendelein, a mountain sprite who saves him and captivates his heart. Despite their deep connection, Heinrich faces numerous challenges, including the death of his wife, Magda, which further complicates his quest for a transcendent bell.
Rautendelein, torn between her love for Heinrich and her obligations, ultimately marries the Nickelmann, a water spirit, yet remains drawn back to Heinrich in his final moments. The character of Wittikin, Rautendelein's grandmother, adds a mystical dimension to the tale as she provides wisdom and guidance. Other characters, such as the Vicar, the Schoolteacher, and the Barber, symbolize different aspects of human experience—spirit, mind, and body respectively—creating a multifaceted exploration of existence.
Through these characters, "The Sunken Bell" delves into the complexities of human desire, artistic ambition, and the eternal struggle for meaning amidst life's ephemeral nature. This interplay invites readers to reflect on their own aspirations and the forces that shape their journeys.
The Sunken Bell: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Gerhart Hauptmann
First published: 1896 as Die versunkene Glocke (English translation, 1898)
Genre: Play
Locale: A mountain, a valley, and the paths between
Plot: Fantasy
Time: Indefinite, timeless
Heinrich (HIN-rihkh), (A Study in Scarlet)a bell-founder who symbolizes the artist against the world. Trying to carry a bell to a mountain church, he is injured by the spirits of wood and water, and his bell is pushed into a lake. He is saved by the mountain sprite Rautendelein, and they fall in love. A rescue party carries him home, but he returns to Rautendelein. His efforts to make a superlative bell are frustrated by the dwarfs. His wife dies, and her dead hand rings the sunken bell. Dying, and renounced by Rautendelein, he tries to reach a flaming cathedral-castle. Wittikin gives him the wines of life and of the questing spirit; Rautendelein, the wine of aspiration. Embraced by Rautendelein, he dies, hearing the chimes of the sun.
Magda (MAHG-dah), his wife.
Rautendelein (row-TEHN-deh-lin), a mountain sprite. She is intended as the bride of the Nickelmann but falls in love with Heinrich. When he is taken home dying, she revives him. Renounced by Heinrich, she marries the Nickelmann but returns to Heinrich as he dies.
Wittikin (VIHT-tih-kihn), a sorceress and the grandmother of Rautendelein.
The Nickelmann, a water spirit whom Rautendelein marries.
The Vicar, representing spirit.
The Schoolteacher, representing mind.
The Barber, representing body.