Modern Classic; a Metaphor for Life (Steppenwolf - Hermann Hesse)

Member Name: lilizard

Product:	Steppenwolf - Hermann Hesse
Date:	03/10/01 (901 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Modern Classic, Strangely haunting

Disadvantages: Heavy going

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 animalistic, instinctive, passionate side.

Haller suffers from great depression, losing the will to live and giving in to the wolf side of his nature, believing he knows how he will die. This all changes however, when he encounters a young woman who gives him a reason to live once more. She does not fear his wolf side and so helps him to feel less of an outsider. She also explains to him the concept of an afterlife, providing him with hope.

This is considered to be a semi-autobiographical work, reflecting the psychological problems Hesse was experiencing at the time of writing. It certainly seems plausible that it is no coincidence they share the initials HH.

I found this book quite hard to read, very heavy in places but beautiful in others. It is well worth persevering as the ending is extremely good. Whilst I wouldn't go so far as some, who claim that the book changed their life, it is is nevertheless a rewarding and important piece of modern literature.

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