Dr. Tanya Bedavadzhieva
University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”
https://doi.org/10.53656/bel2022-6-9tA
Absract. The present observations are an attempt at the study of the novel “The Golden Pot” by E. T. A. Hoffmann. The purpose of the article is to propose a possible way of interpreting Hoffmann's work full of symbolism through the prism of alchemical art. Through the juxtaposition of the “Golden Pot” and alchemical symbolism, parallels are sought between the fusion of Anselmus and the Serpentine and the alchemical fusion of the White Queen and the Red King that creates the Philosopher's Stone. The observations are directed, on the one hand, to the overall
structure of the novella, as a kind of alchemical opus. Individual elements and
symbols that could also be interpreted as alchemical are also sought.
Keywords: E.T.A. Hoffmann; alchemy; “The Golden Pot”; alchemical symbols; Philosopher's Stone