The Devil's Elixirs

E.T.A. Hoffmann

Save:

The Devil's Elixirs by E.T.A. Hoffmann is a classic Gothic novel that delves into themes of madness, crime, doppelgangers, and the temptation of the devil's elixir. The protagonist, a monk named Brother Medardus, becomes entangled in a web of mystery and darkness after drinking the enchanted wine from a monastery relic. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and turns keep the reader on the edge of their seat, revealing a labyrinthine inner and outward journey that leads the characters through Italy and into a realm of supernatural encounters.

Hoffmann's writing style in The Devil's Elixirs is described as bizarre, hyperbolic, emotionally overwrought, and fun. The novel combines elements of Gothic horror, romance, and mystery, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere filled with eccentric characters, intricate plot developments, and a touch of humor. The narrative structure includes multiple nested narratives, tangling up the plot in a way that adds to the overall excitement and suspense of the story.

Characters:

Characters are complex and often exaggerated, featuring a mix of flawed protagonists and bizarre figures that drive the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotive and lengthy, with a tendency for convoluted and excessive narration.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features classic Gothic themes, with a monk's downfall and intertwining identities leading to moral conflict.

Setting:

The setting is a mix of medieval and 18th-century elements, ranging from monasteries to forests, creating a distinctive yet confusing backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and unpredictable but can feel rushed and occasionally drag due to excessive detail and complicated plot threads.

My life, from my fourth to my sixteenth year, was spent at a lonely farm-house, on the banks of the river Saale, near the Cistertian Monastery of Kreuzberg. The house, though not large, had once been ...

Notes:

The Devil's Elixirs is E.T.A. Hoffmann's first novel.

Hoffmann was inspired to write it after visiting a Capuchin monastery.

The novel is heavily influenced by Matthew Lewis's gothic novel, The Monk.

It includes classic gothic elements: monks, beautiful women, murder, and a family curse.

The story features multiple doppelgängers and mysterious characters.

There is a magic potion thought to have been seized from the Devil by St. Anthony.

The narrative is known for being highly energetic and sometimes chaotic.

The setting blends elements of pre-Reformation Germany with modern 18th-century aspects.

The main character, Brother Medardus, becomes corrupted after drinking enchanted wine.

The novel is both a gothic horror and a commentary on inner duality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The novel may contain themes of madness, moral corruption, and violence.

Has Romance?

The Devil's Elixirs contains elements of romance, though it is presented within a larger gothic and horror narrative.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

The Devil's Elixirs is a macabre masterpiece of German literature, and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Romantic movement, or the genres of fantasy and horror which it spawned.

The son of a heinous sinner, Medardus is brought up in a monastery to atone for his father's wicked ways. However, after succumbing to temptation, Medardus himself is lured into a life of sin. A labyrinthine plot sees him embarking on a fantastical journey into the world, meeting his doppelganger, involving himself in a game of double impersonation, and becoming embroiled in murderous intrigues at the Vatican, before the mysterious curse hanging over him and his family is finally explained. First published in 1815, ""The Devil's Elixirs"" is a macabre masterpiece of German literature, and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Romantic movement, or the genres of fantasy and horror which it spawned.

Reader Stats (2):

Want To Read (1)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
The Devil's Elixirs?

See the list (17 books)

About the Author:

E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776-1822) was a composer, caricaturist, critic and author. His works, often bizarre and grotesque, were hugely influential on writers such as Dostoevsky, Kafka and Poe.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.