Ack, and I knew that! That's what comes from speaking out of one's arse not translating the thing oneself. (I've edited now).
I don't think I suscribe to that interpretation either, not entirely at least. But there is something rather strange about the whole situation. Apparently Goethe got the inspiration for it when seeing someone riding at night, carrying a big bundle in his arms - he wondered what that could be, hence the entire story. It certainly makes for a surreal/dark/desperate atmosphere.
Schiller's Glocke? Oo (Shrieks!)
I was thinking of Schiller all right, but had something more European/Beethovenian in mind...? ;)