Understanding Of “Steppenwolf” As Main Idea

It is well-known that men are what they think. Herman Hesse wrote Steppenwolf about Harry Haller. Haller believes that he is divided into his human and animalistic natures. This character makes Steppenwolf an interesting subject. It is possible that readers will question why the author chose to make his protagonist live as a wolf rather than choose other animals like birds, bats, or mystical creatures. The title’s relevance is therefore up for debate.

It is not uncommon for characters to identify themselves with animals rather than living their lives like other humans. Janet Frame and Virginia Woolf, both novelists, have addressed this issue with great care. You have no limitations on your inner thoughts. Some people use their imagination to escape from a life that is not right for them. Even though society makes people conform to a certain behavior and people are divided based on class (bourgeoisie, middle class), people find their imaginations useful in helping them forget the limitations and frustrations society places upon themselves. Jean Jacques Rousseau demonstrates clearly this point: “Man is not born free but is held captive wherever he goes.”

However, it is up to the individual to decide where they belong. Rousseau stated elsewhere: “Freedom means the power of choosing our own chains.” Harry Haller chose to think of himself as a Wolf and choose his “own chains.” Hesse demonstrates the importance of these people in society. They are often marginalized and difficult to understand. The preface contains a lot of adjectives that allow readers to view the Steppenwolf in a strange way. He was “repelled.” He was “repelled” by him. Wolves are the “strongest” animal.

The Steppenwolf has actually acknowledged his unique status and given himself the name Steppenwolf. Harry expresses his disapproval of the “shams, pretences”, of the Bourgeoisie lifestyle and the restrictions placed on people under the umbrella of norms. He feels the need for freedom but can’t let go of the bourgeoisie. He finds refuge in his imaginary Steppenwolf cocoon, where he is surrounded by unreality. He is proud of his “chaotic” and rebellious nature. His human and wolfish sides are always in conflict. “Within me the battle ragedfuriously,” Harry said. Harry was a perfect example of this animal: “Steppenwolf”.

Harry is trapped in modernity’s web, where man gets caught up in his inventions. Harry feels suffocated in a world where competition and materialism rule. The Steppenwolf is also finding it hard to find a home, just like the wolf. He refers back to Buddha and emphasizes the importance of harmony with one’s inner self. Harry longs for meaning in a life like this. However, he doesn’t know how to find it. The ‘Treaties of the Steppenwolf,’ the only way he can find an answer to his problems, is through them. Harry Haller wanted answers about his existence, but instead he discovers his identity as a Steppenwolf. He was described as “a Steppe wolf that lost its way and wandered into towns and the lives of the herd”.

The treaties give a glimpse into the Steppenwolf’s mind and offer a spiritual as well psychological journey. The treaties allow readers to discover that Harry is not the only Steppenwolf. They have “God, devil and their mother.”

The father’s blood, the mother’s; the capability for happiness and the possibility of suffering. In this article the author explains Harry’s wolfish nature. Both natures are in conflict with one another. It is mentioned in The Novel: “Although the Steppenwolf may be a very cultivated person, but he proceeds with the mentality of a savage. The treaties give readers access to the psychology and insights of the Steppenwolf.

The novel includes many quotes from philosophers like Spinoza, Plato, Socrates and Plato. Indian and Chinese philosophy also appear in the novel. It appears that one must read the words and experiences of great people to fully understand Steppenwolf’s character. Plato’s theory regarding recollection claims that individuals possess substantial and deeply rooted knowledge. This could indicate that Harry is actually seeking the answers in his soul. The multiplicity and complexity of the human person is given meaning by Mozart’s guidance and the presence of Goethe.

The psychoanalytic theory Freud based on psychoanalysis stated that humans have three sides to their nature. These are the ‘id’, ‘ego’, and’super-ego’. The id describes the desires of humans. This means that they must be satisfied to avoid frustration. The ego helps to accept reality and exercise control over it. The super-ego, on the other hand, stores what humans have learned from socialization. These three components must be balanced. This theory underlines the complexity human nature. Steppenwolf also addresses that complexity. His character is complex.

Hesse’s writings may have inspired the creation and evolution of Steppenwolf. It was published in 1919, some years after World War I. Harry may have rebelled against the chaos created by war. Hesse highlights the impact of rebellious human nature on others. The Steppenwolf is afflicted by the fear of another war. He said that the fear of another war has affected him.

Hesse also chose to call his novel ‘Steppenwolf,’ rather than ‘Harry Haller, because it is Hesse’s wolfish nature which dominates the protagonist. The Steppenwolf wins over Harry’s human nature. Harry would have stayed behind ‘Harry Haller’s records if he didn’t let his imagination control him. ‘Treaties to the Steppenwolf’ is worth more than ‘Harry Haller’s recordings. Harry is a human being, and therefore Harry is not given much importance. Haller demonstrates how Hesse explains the importance of human beings fitting into society’s decorum. The novel will emphasize the Steppenwolf’s personality more, as we are told:

“Now, we say good-bye to Harry and let him go.”

Hermine adds to Harry’s little space in the novel. Hermine refers to Harry’s name as a “babyish-sounding name,” which is much less than the ‘Steppenwolf name. Steppenwolf’s weight reveals how complex the character is. But he is not without pain. He is the Steppenwolf and he embraces all the vices of modern life. He uses drugs, falls in love with Maria, and eventually takes the life at the Magic Theatre. In the section “Marvellous Tamings of the Steppenwolf”, one might see a contradictory view of the Steppenwolf. It is an “obedient” dog and does not rebel anymore. Harry confronts the destructive Steppenwolf by the end.

Final word: “Steppenwolf” seems like the best title for this novel.

This choice allows readers to grasp that the novel will be about Harry’s transformation from Harry to Steppenwolf as well as the consequences of being Steppenwolf. Hesse’s main focus is on Harry’s subconscious mind, the Steppenwolf’s journey.