Animal Symbolism in Hofmannsthal's Works

This study examines recurring animal images in Hofmannsthal's major works and some fragments. In his early -Marchen der 672. Nacht- and in -Reitergeschichte- animals confront man with evidence of his own physicality, symbolizing what Hofmannsthal called -Die Unentrinnbarkeit des Lebens.- Hunting imagery in "Die Frau im Fenster, " the unfinished -Knabengeschichte, - and "Andreas" provides insight into problematical relationships between men and women. The analysis of animal torture in "Das kleine Welttheater, Andreas, " and "Der Turm" exposes deep-rooted conflicts between fathers and sons."