Genre
psychological novella
Setting and Context
Einfried the sanatorium, Germany - exact location not included; Exact time not given - evidence pointing to the beginning of the 20th century
Narrator and Point of View
Omniscient, third person
Tone and Mood
Tone: ironic, indirect
Mood: depressed, melancholic
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Herr Spinell; Antagonist: the clutches of common life societal rules
Major Conflict
Herr Spinell falls in love with Frau Kloterjahn, which leads him to write hate-filled letter to Herr Kloterjahn because he diminished her potential artistic path.
Climax
Herr Kloterjahn enters Herr Spinell's room asking for explanation to the letter and throwing insults at him. Suddenly, a maid knocks on the door to announce that Frau Kloterjahn's health is deteriorating quickly.
Foreshadowing
Herr Spinell and Frau Kloterjahn taking interest in each other at the beginning foreshadows their friendship.
Understatement
Herr Spinell understates the effect his letter to Herr Kloterjahn will make.
Allusions
Allusion to Richard Wagner's opera Tristan and Isolde
Imagery
Imagery of sunset
Paradox
"Her attack was at once firm and soft."
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
metonymy - Spinell: a precious stone
Personification
"...the embellishments seemed to cling with slow grace about her limbs."
