The Sandman

Women, their treatment, and their place in society is very important to the story and is demonstrated predominantly through Nathanael's interactions with Clara and Olimpia. Nathanael, and other men in society, obviously seek out women who will be quietly attentive to them - Nathanael remarks specifically on Olimpia's talent of not having to knit, play with a small animal, or even yawn while being read to at length. Hoffmann makes clear that he is parodying this view of women by remarking that after Olimpia is found to be an automaton, men are forced to seek out signs of life in their wives by allowing them to express themselves during reading and discussions. Furthermore, Nathanael's infatuation with the "perfect woman" turns him insane, while Clara's more moderate depiction of womanhood allows her a pleasant life with a husband and two children, which the reader is left with at the end of the story.