Steppenwolf

As our protagonist Harry Haller seeks to understand himself, he struggles with the conflicting sides of his personality. He moves between the refined world of art and the wildness of his true feelings. Through his journey, Hermann Hesse introduces various characters and strange experiences that challenge how we see ourselves.

Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) is one of the most widely read German-speaking authors of the 20th century, with his works translated into over 60 languages. He was not only a famous writer but also a poet and painter, and many of his books focus on themes like self-discovery, spirituality, and the struggles within human nature.

Hesse was born into a religious family, which influenced his early worldview. As a teenager, he briefly attended the evangelical seminary in Maulbronn but left after seven months.

»I either want to become a poet or nothing at all.«

In 1912, he moved to Bern, Switzerland with his family. At the start of World War I in 1914, Hesse volunteered for military service but was declared unfit due to poor eyesight. Instead, he worked in prisoner-of-war support and spoke out against patriotic war literature. This made him a target for nationalist critics and soon after, he decided to seek Swiss citizenship.

The emotional toll of the war, coupled with the death of his father, his son's illness, and his wife’s schizophrenia, drove Hesse into a deep crisis. In 1916, he underwent psychoanalysis with a student of Carl Gustav Jung. His famous novel Steppenwolf (1927) was written during this time.

In 1919, Hesse moved to Montagnola, Switzerland, where he spent the rest of his life. In his later years, Hesse’s artistic side became more prominent. The Magic of Colors, a collection of his paintings and short writings, reflects this creative shift. Today, Hesse remains a timeless figure whose works continue to inspire readers around the world.

Steppenwolf is often misunderstood, and while I enjoyed reading it, I can see why. Compared to Hesse’s other works, it stands out for its darker tone. The protagonist, Harry Haller spends much of the story wallowing in self-pity and existential despair, which makes the first half of the book feel heavy. His struggle with isolation and inner conflict can be exhausting to witness as a reader, but it’s essential to the story's development.

One thing I enjoyed about Steppenwolf is its narrative structure, which blends Hesse’s reflections with the protagonist's inner monologues and journal entries. This format allows readers to delve deeply into Harry’s psyche, giving a raw and unfiltered look at his struggles and thoughts. The observing of Haller’s "notes" creates a sense of intimacy, as if we are privy to his most private moments of despair and self-discovery. While this unique storytelling approach effectively conveys the complexities of his character, it can also feel corny from today’s perspective. The seriousness of Hesse’s exploration of existential themes might come across as melodramatic to modern readers, but it still serves to make the reading experience engaging.

What makes Steppenwolf particularly challenging is its shift towards the surreal and spiritual, especially in its later chapters. As the novel progresses, it delves into a realm of psychological exploration that feels like a mental odyssey. Hesse himself also acknowledged that many readers misunderstood the book. In one of his journals, he described meeting a man who claimed to embody the "Steppenwolf nature":

» [...] there was a knock at the door, and another visitor had come. A gentleman in a very fine tennis outfit, who smelled like the Grand Hotel and a new car. Since he was staying in Lugano for a while, he had the idea to drive up to see me, just to tell me that he had read my Steppenwolf. And that, in fact, he also had a kind of Steppenwolf nature. He certainly looked like that! Well, I quickly packed my painting materials back into my bag, listened to the gentleman for a quarter of an hour, then brought him to the door, and double-locked it behind him [...]«

Hesse insightfully stated in a letter that Steppenwolf is about a man torn between his human side, which longs for thought and art, and his wolf side, which craves primal instincts. This duality positions the novel as a pioneering work in furry philosophy, exploring themes that resonate with the furry community, where individuals often embrace animal alter egos to express their true selves and navigate complex identities. In the same letter, Hesse noted that Harry's inner conflict ultimately leads him to two choices: suicide or embracing humor. The novel’s unexpected resolution reveals that laughter about yourself and life is the key to navigating life’s struggles. At its core, the book is about breaking free.

In the 60s, the novel sparked controversy in the U.S. for its portrayal of drug induced experiences and sex, even being banned from libraries. This only fueled interest during the counterculture movements of the time.

Despite its heavy themes, Steppenwolf serves as a good starting point for exploring Hesse's work, introducing readers to the troubled side of the author. The novel touches on themes of art, individuality, and transformation. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the presented contrast between classical music and jazz, symbolizing the cultural shifts of that time. These debates were some of my favorite parts in the book.

Ultimately, Steppenwolf is a powerful exploration of inner conflict and transformation. Some readers also interpret a pacifist message, but that aspect went over my head tbh.

While many readers may identify with Harry, it’s worth noting that seeing him as a kindred spirit, particularly at the beginning, might indicate it's time to seek help. Hesse's portrayal of Haller's struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing one's mental health. The journey through Hesse's work continues beyond this novel, leading to deeper understandings of art and the complexities of the human experience.