Undine: Analysis of Major Characters
"Undine: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and transformations of the central figures in the tale of Undine, a water spirit. The story centers around Undine, who is both enchanting and capricious, having been adopted by a fisherman after her mysterious arrival. As she matures into a beautiful young woman, her impulsive nature leads to complex dynamics with Sir Huldbrand, a knight who embodies many noble qualities but lacks steadfastness in love. Their marriage shifts Undine’s character from rebellious to submissive, yet her jealousy and eventual abandonment reveal her profound connection to her elemental nature. Kuhleborn, Undine's mischievous water spirit uncle, adds layers to the narrative by providing insights and warnings to both Undine and Huldbrand, while Bertalda, the haughty lady caught in their love triangle, grapples with her true origins and personal growth throughout the story. Father Heilmann, the priest, serves as a moral anchor, uniting and separating the characters at crucial moments. Ultimately, the analysis reveals themes of love, identity, and the interplay between human and supernatural realms.
Undine: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Friedrich de la Motte-Fouqué
First published: 1811 (English translation, 1818)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Austria
Plot: Symbolism
Time: The Middle Ages
Undine (EWN-dee-nuh), a water spirit, daughter of a Mediterranean water prince and foster daughter of a poor fisherman and his wife. Fifteen years earlier, she appeared, as a child of three or four, at the fisherman's cottage shortly after the disappearance of his young daughter. She is now a beautiful young woman but rebellious, mischievous, and wildly capricious. When Huldbrand mentions Bertalda in telling his adventures, Undine bites him out of jealousy. After she and Huldbrand are married and the priest tells her to attune her soul to her husband's, she becomes a submissive, loving wife. She generously consents to have the rejected Bertalda live at Ringstetten. On a trip down the Danube, when Huldbrand angrily calls her a sorceress, she disappears into the water. After Huldbrand's marriage to Bertalda, Undine appears to him and embraces him until he dies. Following his burial, she becomes a spring that almost encircles his grave, thus embracing him forever.
Sir Huldbrand von Ringstetten (HEWLD-brahnd fon RIHNG-sta-tan), a knight, wealthy, handsome, and a model of all knightly virtues except that of constancy of heart. Though forewarned against marrying Bertalda, he does so. His spirit wife, released from the fountain in which she lives, then claims him eternally.
Kuhleborn (KEW-luh-bohrn), Undine's uncle, a water spirit who appears sometimes to mortals as a tall man dressed in a white mantle and in various other disguises. He warns Huldbrand to protect Undine and reveals to Undine the secret of Bertalda's birth. He mischievously interferes many times in the lives of Undine, Huldbrand, and Bertalda.
Bertalda (bahr-TAHL-dah), a beautiful but haughty lady loved by Huldbrand. She is the foster daughter of a powerful duke and his duchess but the real daughter of Undine's foster parents, who lost her shortly before Undine came to them. Bertalda is shocked and angry to learn of her humble origin. After she has been turned out by her foster parents, she acquires some humility, but her haughtiness occasionally returns.
Father Heilmann (HIL-mahn), an old priest who marries Undine and Huldbrand, refuses to unite Huldbrand and Bertalda, and administers the burial service for Huldbrand.