Steppenwolf - Hermann Hesse

Steppenwolf - Hermann Hesse: Modern Classic; a Metaphor for Life (292 words)
by lilizard - written on 03.10.01 (Very useful, 700 readings)
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Steppenwolf by Heman Hesse tells the story of Harry Haller, a strange and lonely ageing figure who believes he is half wolf. The story is told from 3 different perspectives; the reports of a relative of Haller's landlady, a strange book given to Haller and Haller's own diaries. Haller initially seems a tragic figure, torn between the conflicting needs of the body and the spirit. It is somewhat freudian in this conflict; comparable to that described by the philosopher between the id (pleasure seeking) and the ego (imposed morality). This is carried further in the theme of Haller's belief that he is half wolf, the wolf representing his ...

Steppenwolfe (565 words)
by chickpea - written on 19.06.01 (Very useful, 844 readings)
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I found Steppenwolfe in a WHSmiths in a great big crowded shopping centre. I was alone, and tired, and wanted something to read with my coffee. On the back cover it said 'The hip bible of 1950s counter-culture.' and I thought, 'This one's for me.' I sat down and became mesmerised. This is the most amazing, feeling, indescribably wonderful book I have ever come accross. I am vacilliating because I am struggling over words to describe the impact it had on me. I couldn't stop telling people about it - everyone I knew I told. It gave me a philosophy, it let me understand myself. It changed my life. Not drastically, but it gave me a ...