Steppenwolf is a novel by Hermann Hesse, first published in 1927. The novel tells the story of Harry Haller, a tortured soul who is both the victim and perpetrator of his own suffering. It follows the story of his journey of self-discovery, as he struggles to find a balance between his dual nature.
The novel begins with Haller, an aging man who lives a solitary and anti-social life in a rundown apartment. He feels distant from the rest of humanity, and is prone to thoughts and feelings of intense loneliness. On the one hand, he is a stoical academic with a deep appreciation for art, music and literature. On the other hand, he is driven by hedonism, a desire to pursue carnal pleasures at the cost of rationality. His inner struggle is further complicated by a deep-seated self-loathing, which leads him to describe himself as a ‘wolf of the Steppen’ – a loner with no place in society.
Haller's state of being is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a mysterious stranger, Hermine. She introduces him to a magical world, which he soon discovers is populated by a number of individuals from all walks of life. They have all similarly strayed from societal norms, and have come to the society to find solace in one another’s company. Initially mistrustful, Harry gradually comes to embrace the unique members of the society, learning from them and eventually participating in their secret, nightly rituals.
During one such ceremony, the members of the society enact a play based on the teachings of a mysterious spiritual master, the ‘Tao-Te-Ching’. This serves as a pivotal moment in Haller’s journey, as it finally allows him to reconcile his two conflicting selves and find harmony between them. He realises that only by embracing both his ‘angel’ and his ‘wolf’ can he find true contentment and fulfilment in life.
Not long after, he dies a happy and fulfilled man. The novel ends with a post-mortem, where his life is celebrated in the same way it had been the night he first arrived in the society – a testament to the power of accepting and coming to terms with one’s dual nature and the strength of friendship among disparate individuals.
Steppenwolf is an iconic work, recognized for its powerful themes and nuanced exploration of the human condition. It is a classic coming-of-age story which illuminates the potential within all of us to transcend our physical and spiritual boundaries. The novel occupies a special place in literature, and its influence can be seen in many works which have emerged since its publication.
