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Demian: The Story of Emil Sinclair's Youth

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Hermann Hesse is without a doubt one of the most intriguing writers I have ever read. However, when reading reviews and hearing other people's opinions, I usually feel that peopl misunderstood what he is like and what his character represents. This is particularly the case with Demian. This book is often described as a great insight into what it is like going from child to teenager and then entering the adult world. However, I believe that Sinclair, the main character, is not entering the normal world on any level. In fact he is leaving it. The first time he meets Demian, both know there is something different about him. As their friendship/relationship grows, it become smore and more clear that they should not be part of the normal world, where people to choose to be part of a group, to share a religion, to accept the truth as it is told to them. Demian shows sinclair a new world, where people of a higher intelligence, and by that I am referring to more than simply an academic intelligence, will find each other. Those who are different, who choose to be individuals instead of be part of the the main stream mass meet, are Hesse's version of the ubermensch. Where Nietzsche claims that all men can let go of the standards and morals of our society, their religion, their need to be part of a group, can focus on themselves and become better, become the ubermensch, someone who is above all others, someone who is not alone in his existence, but who is alone in his own life, Hesse contradicts this with an ubermensch who is born different, someone who will find others like him, someone who will has a clear vision of what people are like and who he is, an individual, an ubermensch. Hermann Hesse's Demian is not at all about growing up, or understanding "how the world works", Hesse is not for the average reader, but he will only be understood by those who understand themselves and can see themselves as individuals instead of part of the mass. On a more personal note: The very strong homosexual tendencies in this book intensify the emotional appeal of the book and are also simply satisfying.

This story considers the evolving, somewhat troubled psyche of a German youth, Sinclair, as he matures during the decade prior to WWI. The analysis of Sinclair's turmoil purportedly reflects the European or German moral malaise at the time.

As a prepubescent boy, Sinclair recognizes the realm of good and light, symbolized by his God fearing parents and innocent younger sisters, as separate from the realm of evil and dark, symbolized by Franz Kromer, an older, opportunist who extorts Sinclair into fibbing and petty thievery. Another older boy, Demian, rescues Sinclair from Kromer's clutches, and then sows a new perception of the light and dark realms with an inverted interpretation of the parable of Cain and Abel. Demian perceives the mark on Cain's forehead not as a curse, but as a badge of courage, character and power.

Tainted by his experience with Kromer, Sinclair cannot entirely reject Demian's heroic characterization of Cain, and Demian nurtures this upset of clarity, muddling Sinclair's once clear distinction between the realms of good and evil. Demian then plants the alternative perception that the individual must delve into the self to discover his peculiar fate and destiny, a unique purpose apart from the mundane consensus, the mores of the hoard. Hesse then projects Sinclair's turmoil into a characterization of, or perhaps a reflection of, the mass psyche of prewar Europe.

I first read "Demian" forty years ago, shortly after years of total immersion in university studies. Then younger and perhaps arrogant with intelligence, I felt armed and charged for the uncertain challenges ahead.

For some reason I saved "Demian," packed it away along with my complete set of Ayn Rand's novels, trig tables and "100 Master Games of Modern Chess." "Demian" moved with me around the States, to Asia, and then to Latin America, getting old, wrinkled and as shelf-worn as I. Whenever I packed or unpacked my stuff "Demian" was there, although Ayn Rand and my trig tables had wandered away.

I forgot, long ago, why I saved "Demian," why I did not shuck it off along with my other old skins. I remember only that I intended to read it again. Now older and perhaps humbled by ignorance, I finally did, but I didn't discover precisely why I kept "Demian." The half-dozen marginal marks I made forty years ago do not score insightful premonitions of my life as I remember it. Still, I cannot argue with Hesse's pretended muddle of good and evil, or with the notion of Cain in light rather than dark. Looking back, whatever I saw in "Demian" forty years ago is not too far from how it played out.

In Demian Hesse relates the spiritual struggle of one Emil Sinclair, the growth of his psyche (utilizing symbolism influenced by Hesse's embrace of the psycho-analytic methods of Carl Jung, the mystical writings of Novalis and--inevitably, as in many of Hesse's other tales--the philosophy of Nietzsche) from childhood through adolescence to young adulthood, each stage of his growth determined by encounters with the prodigious Max Demian. While Max Demian is introduced into the narrative as a school-mate of young Sinclair, the title character is more an alter-ego, the very Self toward whom Sinclair ultimately strives, than a "flesh and blood character"--but, then again, Demian itself is more a symbolic dream tale than a concrete "coming of age" story (when I originally read the book as a sixteen-year-old high school student, I took much of the action much too literally, oftentimes to hilarious effect--as when I imitated the narrator and sketched a portrait, burned it and swallowed the ashes, an act I see now in my middle age quite other than the sort of contemplation Hesse intended to inspire).

The novel presents one of the finest depictions to be found in all of literature of a certain sort of conflict: the struggle between the individual, whose spiritual growth posits him as an Outsider to bourgeois society (Demian describes these as having "the mark of Cain"), and the herd, the common run of humanity who seek not growth but unreflective contentment. At the same time, it is also important to remember that while Hesse depicts the progress of one individual, he is also speaking for his own generation--specifically, that of Germany on the eve of the first World War--and indeed, upon first being published, the novel did resonate with a large portion of the young German reading public, who identified with Sinclair's striving for Self and his battle against conformity.

It is little wonder that Hesse would later connect with a similar generation on an even larger scale--those who grew up in the Sixties, who also found in Hesse a voice for their generation, in this case that of the counter-culture. This association would prove to be a double-edged sword: while Hesse's popularity in the Sixties did bring his works to the attention of a larger reading audience, the brilliant timelessness and universality of his works would be superficially obscured by associations with that era. In fact, like all of Hesse's greatest works--Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, Klingsor's Last Summer, Journey to The East, Knulp, Narcissus and Goldmund--Demian is essential reading for any generation, 20th Century, 21st Century: the struggle for individuality is the same, and Hesse's masterful, poetic description of that struggle speaks to all, young and old.

One last thing: adolescent readers who do choose to read Demian will find in Hesse a friend for life; should one return again and again to his fictions one will find further and further rewards, will understand more and more. The truth of this I can confirm: the Demian I read at 16 is different from the Demian I read at 25 or 30 or 40. The beauty of Hesse's writing, his great wisdom, remain not only undiminished but even strengthened; works like Demian will continue, over an individual`s lifetime, to provide an unique and invaluable inspiration.

This is one of the very few books that gives insight into one's life. I found it to be a book that made me grasp a part of myself that I never fully knew I had. I first read this book after someone recommended it. I truly am grateful I did read it because it opened up a more spiritual side of me. It is a book of self-realization and I truly loved the way Hesse wrote it. It deals with a "connection" between people that everyone is able to have but few seek out. It's a very spiritual book that deals a lot with religion and deep inner-faith, as well as faith in others. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's seeking themselves or even wants to have more inner-strength.

I have read all of Hesses novels, but after reading Demian for the third time, it remains my favorite. The book speaks to the individual because it is about one persons journey to try to live according to the dictates of his own conscience. As the protagonist, Emil Sinclair, says, I wanted only to live in accord with the promptings that came from my true self. Why was that so very difficult?

As with our culture, Emil Sinclairs world does not necessarily appreciate eccentrics or people who simply divergent from the herd. The book echoes the Nietzschean sentiment that in order to become all we can be, we must rise above the mediocrity of the herd, which is often an arduous task: following the herd is easy; following the dictates of our own consciences is hard. As social creatures, we want to be accepted, but sometimes acceptance comes at an expensive price, the denial of our true selves. Sinclair struggles with this issue. Although he never feels like he quite belongs, he engages in the activities popular with his peers such as drinking and reveling. When he finds himself in perpetual misery and dissatisfaction, he decides to embark on a new path that eventually leads him back to Demian.

The novel also echoes the Nietzschean themes of transformation and of creating our own morality. The theme of transformation is illustrated through metaphor in the form of the bird that hatches from its egg. It demonstrates that any type of birth, that is, self-renewal, is difficult. Moreover, it compels us to see that part of transcending the herd has to do with creating our own conceptions of right and wrong. Demian says, That is why each of us has to find out for himself what is permitted and what is forbidden  forbidden to him. Its possible for one never to transgress a single law and still be a bastard. And vice versa. Actually its only a question of convenience. Those who are too lazy and comfortable to think for themselves and be their own judges obey the lawsEach person must stand on his own feet.

Demian is the story of Emil Sinclair's spiritual journey. In the beginning, Emil describes the world of his childhood. This world is split into two realms, the luminescent world of his parents, and his place in the family. Beyond this world, outside of it is the other world. This world is marked by adventure, and darkness, intrigue, and strangeness of all kind. Young Emil has such a strong sense of the other world and is attracted to it. He assumes this attraction to be the sign of his own impurity.

Later, he lies about stealing fruit to be liked among some school friends. Upon being called out for the lie, he is forced to face his own guilt, and despairs that he has forever lost the innocence that made him the good son of the Sinclair's.

Around this time, Emil meets Max Demian (who will be his spiritual daemon, or guide). Demian, even though a young man himself shows the calm and awareness of a Buddha and the zest of Nietzsche's Overman. Upon their first meeting, Emil is strangely attracted to Demian, though he doesn't understand Demian's unconventional interpretations of their friends, and his penetrating and insightful interpretations of scripture - for which Emil is not quite ready.

Through various detours, tests, and conversations, Emil and Demian grow closer, as thinkers of the world... their most unconventional shared thought being the absolute necessity of both the dark and light side of existence; and the priority that any individual has to be true to himself, and to trust the voice within.

Demian is a depiction of a beautiful soul, but a human to be sure. This is neither Jesus, nor Buddha, but one of us when we see things clearly, and live in the moment.

Hesse's book is about not being blindly part of the majority at a time when many began to think the majority was perhaps not always right. After all it was blind following that allowed something as atrocious as WW1 to happen. But Hesse shows that the forces that shape external events are the same forces that exist within us, but it is up to us as individuals to deal with them in our own way. Jung would call this process individuation. Hesse as novelist shows this process of becoming an individual with his character Emil. Emil is probably on the road to becoming just another member of the middle class when he meets Demian. Demian is an unsettling presence to Emil but also an attractive one. Their friendship leads Emil down a very interesting path, one of self discovery. Demian, the character, to me represents art, and philosophy and religion and all things which inspire man to resist the status quos influence and strike out on his own. In great part the process by which Emil discovers himself is an internal one so the reality in the book often feels skewed as things described are highly subjective. I remember Demians mother when I think of this book because she is one of the first bohemian women I ever encountered in a book. Very attractive and very smart and aware and surrounded by art. She is like an Indian goddess in my memory. In the early days of the twentieth century the east was still a great mystery to the west and so figures like Freud and Jung as well as authors like Hesse attributed to the east the lesser understood aspects of our western natures. Later Hesse books deal with the east more specifically as a journey into those lesser understood areas of ouselves but already in Demian the cosmology is an earthier one than the one traditionally described as western. There are images of destruction and creation and Hesse attempts to synthesize these great forces into an integrated whole in the character of Emil. As always though in Hesse the journey is an ongoing one and his message is not to dictate to you the course your own journey should take, just that you should take one.

It would be inappropriate to start this review without stating that this book is an absolute timeless classic, and will most likely remain that way. Herman Hesse was a frustrated genius, constantly questioning purpose and meaning to life, and incessantly seeking the "right" religion. This book is the byproduct of this experimentation in theology. Despite the deep philosophical questions this book addresses, it also establishes very unique characters that support each other's individuality remarkably. Max Demian, the mystical character of the novel, takes in Emil Sinclair as his friend. Through his maturation, Emil is constantly seeking a higher level of consciousness, and his experiences in the discovery of such a mindset and periodic association with Max make this book extremely engaging. At times the book may seem difficult to understand if one is not familiar with certain biblical references, which are quickly remedied with short reads yielding absolute clarity on such subjects. If accompanied by "Pictor's Metamorphoses" one can see the foundation of fantasy Hesse worked with and held a great interest in. It deserves to be read, because you also bear the sign.

Excerpt from the Prologue (the Bantam release 1974):

"Few people nowadays know what man is. Many sense this ignorance and die the more easily because of it, the same way that I will die more easily once I have completed this story.

I do not consider myself less ignorant than most people. I have been and still am a seeker, but I have ceased to question stars and books; I have begun to listen to the teachings my blood whispers to me. My story is not a pleasant one; it is neither sweet nor harminous, as invented stories are; it has the taste of nonsense and chaos, of madness and dreams- like the lives of all men who stop deceiving themselves..."

-Herman Hesse was an incredible human being and this story is an incredible experience. If the above passage intrigues you, I recommend you read this book. I believe that all honest people will find a chilling familiarity to themselves found in the telling of this tale. Hesse has managed to strip away all that is not real and speak to what matters - and that is the human journey, the road to self discovery. Hesse understands the human condition and successfully and effectively paints an intense world - a world that is so close to home it was as if he spoke to me, personally. Naturally, because of this, I am a big fan of Hesse's work.

This is the first novel by Hesse that I read and it led me down a road of countless other novels by him... until I had read them all. I highly urge you to pick up this book, to turn the cover over and begin an incredible journey. I believe I am a better person today for having committed my time to Hesse's work. This is my favorite author, and Demian is one of my favorite books.

Demian is the story of Emil Sinclair's spiritual journey. In the beginning, Emil describes the world of his childhood. This world is split into two realms, the luminescent world of his parents, and his place in the family. Beyond this world, outside of it is the other world. This world is marked by adventure, and darkness, intrigue, and strangeness of all kind. Young Emil has such a strong sense of the other world and is attracted to it. He assumes this attraction to be the sign of his own impurity.

Later, he lies about stealing fruit to be liked among some school friends. Upon being called out for the lie, he is forced to face his own guilt, and despairs that he has forever lost the innocence that made him the good son of the Sinclair's.

Around this time, Emil meets Max Demian (who will be his spiritual daemon, or guide). Demian, even though a young man himself shows the calm and awareness of a Buddha and the zest of Nietzsche's Overman. Upon their first meeting, Emil is strangely attracted to Demian, though he doesn't understand Demian's unconventional interpretations of their friends, and his penetrating and insightful interpretations of scripture - for which Emil is not quite ready.

Through various detours, tests, and conversations, Emil and Demian grow closer, as thinkers of the world... their most unconventional shared thought being the absolute necessity of both the dark and light side of existence; and the priority that any individual has to be true to himself, and to trust the voice within.

Demian is a depiction of a beautiful soul, but a human to be sure. This is neither Jesus, nor Buddha, but one of us when we see things clearly, and live in the moment.