# First Adventure explained — Master Flea

> Chapter companion for Master Flea by E. T. A. Hoffmann.

## What happens

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.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Solitude vs. Community

Peregrine lives reclusively, avoiding society and women, while his father and neighbors urge him toward marriage and occupation.

### Identity and Transformation

Peregrine's identity as a perpetual dreamer is contrasted with his father's practical mercantile world; his mysterious journey hints at potential transformation.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Peregrine appears as a grown man but behaves like a child at Christmas; his gentlemanly appearance masks his 'cracked' inner life.

## Character check-ins

### Peregrine Tyss

The protagonist, a wealthy bachelor of thirty-six, receives Christmas gifts with childlike joy and is described as a dreamer unsuited for business.

### Alina

Peregrine's old, ugly servant who manages his Christmas boxes and is called 'the Queen of Golconda.'

### Mrs. Tyss

Peregrine's mother, who supports his dreamy nature and worries about his travels.

## Key lines

> It was a maxim of his, that the richest man ought to have an employment, and thereby a settled station in life.

Mr. Tyss believed even the wealthiest person should work to have a proper place in society.

_Highlights the father's practical worldview in contrast to Peregrine's dreaminess._

> Hans the dreamer he went away, Hans the dreamer he comes back again.

Peregrine left for university as a dreamer and returned unchanged.

_Shows the father's frustration with Peregrine's persistent lack of practicality._

> The mere proximity of any woman would bring the perspiration on his forehead, and if actually accosted by a tolerably handsome girl, he would fall into an agony that fettered his tongue, and caused a cramp-like trembling through all his limbs.

Being near any woman made Peregrine sweat and tremble, and speaking to a pretty girl left him speechless and shaking.

_Illustrates Peregrine's extreme aversion to women, a key character trait._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/master_flea_se/chapters/i-first-adventure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/master_flea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/master_flea_se/chapters