Peter Schlemihl
Peter Schlemihl is the title character of an 1814 novella, (Peter Schlemihl's Miraculous Story), written in German by exiled French aristocrat Adelbert von Chamisso. Plot In the story, Schlemihl sells his shadow to the Devil for a bottomless wallet (the gold sack of Fortunatus), only to find that a man without a shadow is shunned by human societies. The woman he loves rejects him, and he himself becomes consumed with guilt. Yet when the devil wants to return his shadow to him in exchange for his soul, Schlemihl, as the friend of God, rejects the proposal and throws away the bottomless wallet besides. He seeks refuge in nature and travels around the world in scientific exploration, with the aid of seven-league boots. When overtaken with sickness, he is reconciled with his fellow men, who take care of him, and in regard for his sickness do not look for his shadow. Finally, however, he returns to his studies of nature and finds his deepest satisfaction in communion with nature and his own better self. Reception and cultural influence The story, intended for children, was widely read and the character became a common cultural reference in many countries. People generally remembered the