Phantom is Hauptmann's atmospheric tale of love and insane obsession later filmed by FW Murnau. The protagonist lies and connives his way into temporary affluence to impress an upper-class young woman who haunts his every waking thought. Though a realistic story, the powerful portrayal of the protagonist's abnormal psychology makes the narrative waver between fact and fantasy, uncertain whether delusion is beginning to hold sway over reality and his obsession begins to blind everyone. A powerful story of interest to fans of psychological literature and the Murnau's films.
