The Image Of The Thinker In Hesse’s Steppenwolf

Herman Hesse’s works are full of profound philosophical thoughts,which comes from a wide range of sources.Except for German Classical philosophy,the Indian thoughts,Chinese Confucianism,Taoism and Zen thoughts are also embodied in his works.His novels cleverly integrate Western and Eastern philosophy which are with rich thoughtful implication and unique art form.This thesis mainly analyzes the image of the protagonist in Hesse’s masterpiece "Steppenwolf"-Harry Harrell,who claims himself to be "The Steppenwolf".By analyzing this image,the thesis tries to explore the ideological connotation and significance of Hesse’s works.This thesis analyzes the image of "The Steppenwolf" from three parts.First of all,there are three narrative texts of the novel,which shape an image of an intellectual who has fallen into a state of madness from four perspectives.He is erudite and thoughtful,but always deny the society,mentally fall into a state of irreconcilability with others and himself.Through his discomfort with "My aunt’s house" and watching the domesticated animals in the "Magic Theater",he realized the tragedy of the life set and disciplined humanity.The second part analyzes Harry’s reflection on human nature by confronting the rulebased lifestyle.In the process of experiencing asceticism and indulgence,he finds a harmonious balance between spirit and flesh,reason and sensibility.Indian thought and Chinese wisdom from Confucianism and Taoism gives him rich spiritual motivation,allowing him to re-examine himself,exploring the truth furtherly.The third part analyzes the dialogues between the protagonist Harry and contemporary scholars,Goethe and Mozart who are in the 18 th century.In the debate between the three,they go across the time and space.Harry further thinks that between knowledge and reason,art must be the guide of the soul,with which that the humanity won’t be degenerated into an animal.Only then can mankind get rid of the situation of being enslaved and disciplined by the supremacy of reason,materialism,etc.,so he killed Hermina,walked out of the "Magic Theater" to get a new life,and set foot on continuing to explore the Road to truth.In conclusion,Harry Harrell is a thinker.He explores between spirit and flesh,knowledge and action,looking for the individuals’ reconciliation and harmony with society which also helps to balance the reason and sensibility,individual and society,art and philosophy,so as to resist the supremacy of rationality and materialism in modern society that is destroying the human nature.By constructing the image of "The Steppenwolf",Hesse blends the rational thoughts he understands in the West since the Enlightenment era with the ancient philosophical thoughts in the East,creating new universal values,reflecting his concern for the times and humanity.