Moreover, the protagonist is torn between these two selves.

Human part is responsible for the moral part of life, while an animal - the wolf – is considered to be a part of instinct and absurd desires. I am one who is half-wolf and half-man, or thinks himself so at least.'. One time, he was given a small book called 'A Treatise on the Steppenwolf.' That book tells about 'Harry by the nickname Steppenwolf,' who, like Haller, splits his soul into two parts: 'Yes, it's me. Harry Galler, the protagonist, is in a internal emotional crisis. The author of the book, as a supporter of psychological theory, which revealed the essence and complexity of the personality, created such type of a person. This novel is not only about tragic condition of one man’s life, but also brings up rather important issues: for instance, the problem of multiplicity of self-identification. Without that wholeness, higher levels of consciousness cannot be attained. Establishing identity requires accepting the contradictions of behavior and recognizing the life is a series of dualistic opposites imposed from without and the only way to become psychologically whole is to learn recognize the fundamental unity of self existing within all those fragmented parts. Integration of Identityįorced at some level to conform to societal values and the lower level of consciousness if only to get along in the world, Haller must first accept that he is not just one perceptual being, but many. Hesse suggests in the novel that this must, by definition, mean such high levels of consciousness do exist. At the heart of this mediocrity of the masses are self-imposed limitations on reaching toward a higher level of existence and plane of consciousness. This alienation from conformist society is stimulated by the conviction that middle class consciousness is determined and shaped by not just an massive acceptance of mediocrity in all things, but a systematic design to make those who desire to rise above mediocrity the victim of hate and idols of foolishness. Nearly everyone experiences these feelings of wanting more at some point time, but Haller is a member of the club who is so committed averse to adopting conformist attitudes that he truly becomes psychologically as well as philosophically alienated from society. Haller longs for something different and knows there must be more to life than numbing conformity of middle-class existence.

The protagonist of the novel, Harry Haller, is a classic outsider who simply does not fit into society and has no desire to. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

Steppenwolf novel