Steppenwolf

Summary

«Steppenwolf» is a novel written by Hermann Hesse in 1927. It tells the story of Harry Haller, an intellectual who feels disconnected from society and experiences a profound inner conflict. Harry perceives two opposing sides within himself: a refined, sensitive intellectual and the 'steppenwolf,' his primal, instinctive aspect that craves freedom yet is simultaneously destructive. Torn between these two natures, he seeks an escape through immersion in the world of music, art, and the thoughts of great philosophers and writers. Fate introduces him to Hermine, a young and lively woman who encourages him to view life from a new perspective, expand his usual boundaries of perception, and embrace the challenges presented to him. Throughout his journey, Haller realizes that the world is far more complex than the dichotomy of wolf and man, and he learns to find harmony within this multiplicity. The book touches on themes of self-awareness, individuality in a mass society, and the significance of suffering and joy in human life.