Confessions of a Shy Guy

The beatniks of America admired Hermann Hesse's works, a fusion of Western rationalistic thought and Eastern philosophy. These youngsters haven't met the author, but they might have a change of heart if an encounter took place.

Hermann Hesse passed away on August 9, 1962, far from the hippie culture. The Swiss countryside was the ideal place for this shy artist, who left his native Germany before the Second World War broke out. Hesse, who received the Nobel Prize in 1946, was an intellectual who refused to go with the flow.

"Steppenwolf" reflected the author's struggles after the breakdown of his first two marriages. He led a life of debauchery, composing poems on self-pity in between bouts with alcohol. But he got his act together. Eastern philosophy wasn't a salvation, as many European writers were fascinated by it. Some would call it the latest invasion from the East, even if it was more personal for Hesse.

When the past meets the present

Harry Haller had an encounter with Hermine. She was everything he wasn't. She sensed his anguish, so she encouraged him to go out and tapped into his sensual side. They visited a magic theater, where they met Pablo. Hermine admired him deeply.

It would be a mistake to suspect there was something between Harry and Hermine, as reading the story was like passing through the House of mirrors. Some may be put off by the notion that this was strange entertainment, but it was rather the opposite. Hesse saw himself in Harry, and even in Hermine. He tried to come to terms with both his rational and sensuous sides, which happened during the darkest moment of his life.

Some readers might compare the novel to a tell-all book, with a reality-television show not far behind. This is the benefit of technology, which Hesse wouldn't like at all. He rather wanted others to treat him seriously, but Hermine reminded him of a few things. Listen to the music now and then. Dance without minding other people. Laugh a lot. Doesn't these things sound familiar?

When illusion becomes reality

“I am in truth the Steppenwolf that I often call myself; that beast astray that finds neither home nor joy nor nourishment in a world that is strange and incomprehensible to him.”

"Steppenwolf" refers to the wolves found in the untamed steppes. A closer look reveals solitary creatures, alluding to the likes of Harry. He likes to believe that his suffering is not real at all, and there may be self denial. Anyone can relate to it. Even Hermine is an illusion, becoming apparent near the end.

The book seems unfathomable, but not a few will like Hesse. He broke down and wanted to bare his tormented soul. Anyone could confide such sensitive things to others, without an effort. But Hesse was a retiring individual.