I think what produced the most unsettling feeling for me was the description of Coppelius A.K.A “The Sandman” breaking and twisting young Nathaniel’s bones and joints. In a sense, it made me feel helpless, since Nathaniel was only a little boy and couldn’t do anything to defend himself, and since his father couldn’t do anything either since Coppelius was his master. It’s disturbing to imagine Coppelius, a presumably larger, stronger man handle Nathaniel, a small boy, in such a way to inflict pain. I also think Hoffman constantly describing eyes or alluding to eyes produced eerie feelings, especially since they’re always tied back Coppelius. I was also disturbed by Nathaniel’s attraction, and eventual obsession, with Olympia, especially after it was crystal clear that she was an inanimate being.
I think these feelings were always a product of the elements of storytelling, specifically imagery and foreshadowing. When Nathaniel hid out to get a glimpse of “The Sandman,” was probably one the moments I felt the most dread, since it was practically implied that something very bad would happen.
Although I never watched the movie, Where The Wild Things Are always produced a feeling of eeriness for me. I haven’t seen or read anything that reminds me of “The Sandman,” but I have watched horror movies that allude to childhood fears. However, I think Grimms Fairy Tales are by far the most uncanny stories, since they twist classical childhood fairytales into horror and despair.