1. Eerie Atmosphere:
"Erlking" establishes an eerie atmosphere from the outset, setting the stage for the ominous events that unfold. The poem's dark and stormy setting, with its "wild wind" and "flying clouds," creates a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. This atmospheric backdrop enhances the strangeness and wonder of the ballad.
2. Mysterious Characters:
The poem introduces two mysterious and supernatural characters: the Erlking and his daughters. The Erlking is depicted as a shadowy, malevolent figure who emerges from the darkness to pursue the father and son. His daughters are described as "beautiful children" who lure the boy with their enchanting voices. These enigmatic characters add an air of mystery and danger to the ballad, heightening the sense of strangeness.
3. Supernatural Elements:
"Erlking" is infused with supernatural elements that contribute to its strangeness and wonder. The poem's central conflict revolves around the father's attempts to protect his son from the clutches of the Erlking, who is often associated with death and malevolent forces. The poem's use of supernatural imagery, such as "the Erlking's crown," "the dark forest," and "the pale moon," further enhances the ballad's eerie and otherworldly atmosphere.
4. Use of Repetition:
Goethe employs repetition to create a sense of urgency and build tension throughout the poem. The repeated phrases, such as "Erlking" and "Father, don't you see," add a hypnotic quality to the ballad, drawing readers deeper into the father's and son's desperate struggle against the supernatural threat.
5. Sound Effects:
The poem's use of sound effects, such as alliteration and onomatopoeia, contributes to its strangeness and wonder. The repetition of certain consonants and the use of words that mimic natural sounds create a sense of auditory dissonance, mirroring the father's and son's growing fear and confusion.
6. Ambiguous Ending:
The poem ends on an ambiguous note, leaving readers uncertain about the fate of the father and son. This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations and adds to the poem's lasting impact. The open-ended nature of the ending further enhances the ballad's strangeness and sense of wonder.
In conclusion, "Erlking" masterfully captures the strangeness and wonder of ballad through its eerie atmosphere, mysterious characters, supernatural elements, use of repetition, sound effects, and ambiguous ending. Goethe's poem transports readers into a realm of darkness and enchantment, leaving them with a lingering sense of unease and fascination.