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Throughout the story, Hoffmann incorporates a number of symbols which either emphasize the stifling nature of reality or illustrate the freedom of imagination. Exploring this thematic binary through symbols invites the reader to find the parallels between the Stahlbaums’ world and the Puppet Kingdom, ultimately suggesting that the divide between them is not as clear as it may initially seem.
The Mechanical Castle
One of the first key symbols that Hoffmann introduces is the mechanical castle that Drosselmeier brings for the children on Christmas Eve. In addition to foreshadowing the Marchpane Castle in the Puppet Kingdom, Drosselmeier’s gift represents the monotony of reality. The repetitive motions of the figurines within the castle completely erase the whimsicality typically associated with such a structure, and as a result, the Maria and Fred dismiss it. They dislike the singular way in which Drosselmeier’s invention operates, a perspective which suggests that they still have the capacity to imagine alternative ways of seeing the world. Mrs. Stahlbaum’s appreciation for the machine’s inner-workings, however, emphasizes the idea that she embraces its repetitiveness.
The Glass Case
Another symbol that calls attention to the bleakness of reality is the glass case in which the Stahlbaum’s store all of Drosselmeier’s gifts. The toys and figurines, sources of endless possibilities, are clearly visible to any observer, but the glass panes render them inaccessible. This see-through barrier symbolizes the limitations that realistic worldviews place on creativity and fantasy. By isolating Drosselmeier’s creations in the case, the Stahlbaums are essentially teaching their children to distance themselves from anything that will ignite their imaginations. Notably, the glass breaks during the Nutcracker’s battle with the Mouse King, and the wound that Maria receives from it hints at the harm that such barriers can cause.
Drosselmeier’s Tale of the Nut Crackatuck
Hoffmann also uses symbolism to celebrate the power of a free spirit, particularly in Drosselmeier’s tale of the nut Crackatuck. Many of the characters from this story within the story have a symbolic element to them, such as Princess Pirlipat representing vanity and the King representing selfishness, but Drosselmeier’s nephew is arguably the most significant. With his unshaven beard and lack of shoes, Young Drosselmeier is completely free from the burdens of social expectations. He symbolizes purity and open-mindedness, and his unique ability to crack the nut Crackatuck serves as a literal reflection of the strength that comes with this kind of freedom. Hoffmann uses Young Drosselmeier’s character to suggest that anything is possible for those who refuse to abide by social norms and limited ways of thinking. At the end of the story, Maria illustrates this very concept when she turns the Nutcracker back into Young Drosselmeier by loving him despite his ugly appearance.
