Master Flea · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Master Flea by E. T. A. Hoffmann.
Chapter 1
First Adventure
Peregrine Tyss, a wealthy but reclusive bachelor of thirty-six, receives his Christmas presents from his old servant Alina with childlike delight. The chapter recounts his upbringing as a dreamer unsuited for commerce, his failed stint at the University of Jena, and his mysterious three-year journey abroad after fleeing a business assignment in Hamburg. It also describes his peculiar aversion to women and his reputation among neighbors as possibly 'a little cracked.'
Chapter 2
II: Second Adventure
George Pepusch visits the flea-tamer, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, late in the evening and witnesses the aftermath of a disastrous performance where the trained fleas have vanished, replaced by peppercorns and seeds. The crowd, enraged by the deception, flees in terror after Leeuwenhoek uses his microscope to project terrifying insect images. Pepusch confronts Leeuwenhoek about his mistreatment of Dörtje Elverdink, who has fled. Leeuwenhoek, revealing he is the buried Antonie van Leeuwenhoek from Delft, begins to tell Pepusch a secret history involving King Sekakis, Princess Gamaheh, and the Leech-Prince.
Chapter 3
III: Third Adventure
Peregrine Tyss wrestles with his love for the mysterious woman, doubting whether her affection is genuine or a means to manipulate him into surrendering Master Flea. His lodger, Mr. Swammer, reveals himself to be the renowned Jan Swammerdam and introduces the woman as Dörtje Elverdink, niece of Leeuwenhoek. Master Flea warns Peregrine of the princess's dangerous arts and secures a promise of protection, gifting him a microscopic glass as a pledge of friendship. Master Flea then recounts his backstory: his love for Princess Gamaheh, his fall into Leeuwenhoek's hands, and the cruel 'education' imposed on his people.
Chapter 4
IV: Fourth Adventure
Peregrine Tyss, guided by Master Flea and the microscopic glass, ventures into society and discovers the hidden, often selfish thoughts of those around him. His encounter with Princess Gamaheh deepens his affection, but George Pepusch's sudden revelation that he is the Thistle Zeherit and his claim on Gamaheh shatters the moment. Pepusch's subsequent rage over Dörtje Elverdink's apparent betrayal leads to a chaotic confrontation, though Peregrine is freed from imprisonment and offers bail for his friend.
Chapter 5
Fifth Adventure
Peregrine Tyss, devastated by the sudden snatching of Dörtje Elverdink by George Pepusch, is consoled by Master Flea, who advises him to abandon his solitary life and seek society. Using the microscopic glass, Peregrine observes the contradictions between words and thoughts in social gatherings, particularly among poets and bluestockings. Meanwhile, old Alina reveals that Dörtje is in the house with Mr. Swammer and has been dressing herself, and that Swammerdam and Leeuwenhoek have subdued Pepusch. Dörtje expresses a wish for a tiny negro boy, which Peregrine recognizes as a reference to Master Flea. Disturbed, Peregrine flees to a wood, where he reflects on his strange adventures and considers whether Master Flea might be an evil demon, but the Flea defends himself, citing philosophical works on animal reason.
Chapter 6
Sixth Adventure
Peregrine visits Leeuwenhoek under the pretense of viewing his collection, but his true aim is to learn about his horoscope. Leeuwenhoek, aware of Peregrine's hidden power, explains the horoscope and reveals his ability to read past lives. Later, a chaotic confrontation erupts between microscopists, Pepusch, the Amateur, and the barber Leech over Princess Gamaheh. Peregrine rescues Gamaheh but is tempted by her coquetry, ultimately feeling the pain of his sacrifice and wandering through Frankfurt in despair.
Chapter 7
Seventh Adventure
Swammerdam visits Peregrine, claiming the microscopists have reconciled and interpreted his horoscope, while Master Flea mocks their delusion about reviving Princess Gamaheh. Peregrine sees through Swammerdam's greed for the talisman. Later, Pepusch confronts Peregrine in jealousy over Dörtje, and Gamaheh claims Peregrine as hers, but he feels a cold dread. He escapes and visits the bookbinder Lemmerhirt, where he meets Rose Lemmerhirt and feels a pure, heavenly love. Returning home, he finds Dörtje, Pepusch, Swammerdam, and Leeuwenhoek sitting corpse-like and stiff. Master Flea has left a note and the microscopic glass, saying he is busy in Peregrine's service. The narrator contrasts Peregrine's lust for Dörtje with his true love for Rose.
Chapter 8
Endnotes
The endnotes provide a brief translator's note explaining that 'The Blocksberg' or 'Brocken' refers to the highest peak of the Hartz mountains, traditionally associated with the gathering of witches in German folklore.