E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fantastic stories are, due to their complexity, structure and subject matter the source of many adaptions and reworkings. One of the most popular of these is Jaques Offenbach’s opera „Les contes d‘Hoffmann“, itself n adaption of the original theatre play which was also the inspiration for many other television and cinema adaptions.
Narrative techniques and storytelling motives demand different approaches from the various media. An in depth study of ‘Eyeglasses’ (Der Sandman / Olympia Act) and ‘Appearance’ (Rat Krespel / Antonia Act), will reveal how these elements function and are depicted in the various media.