The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Style and Technique

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann is written in the fairy tale genre. The author employs traditional genre techniques such as anthropomorphism—attributing human qualities to animals, objects, and other inanimate entities. A distinctive feature of the work is its duality: the simultaneous existence of real and magical worlds, with the narrative presented by an omniscient narrator who allows the reader to see the story from multiple perspectives. Hoffmann actively uses contrasts, wordplay, and complex imagery, adding depth to the tale and making it appealing to both children and adults. The story's structure is dynamic, with numerous sudden plot twists and eventful episodes, maintaining the reader's interest and attention throughout.