To be born, one must destroy a world
Introduction to Demian
Autobiographical Novel
Summary of Demian
Hatching into a New World
Conclusion
Introduction to Demian
Finally, I've read it. The famous 'Demian.' I first attempted to read it in high school on recommendation but couldn't quite get through it. Since then, I've made several unsuccessful attempts, but now, I finally feel a sense of accomplishment having completed the assignment. Indeed, it's as remarkable a book as its reputation suggests. It feels like having read a philosophical treatise. The representative passages always come to mind when discussing Demian. It's a spiritual fulfillment I haven't experienced in a while. Though my capacity to contain the magnitude of the work in my mind is limited, I dare to write a review.
Autobiographical Novel
Demian, written by Hermann Hesse, who was over forty at the time, is a semi-autobiographical novel reflecting on his own life. Initially, he published the book under a pseudonym to avoid revealing too much about himself.
The protagonist of the novel is Emil Sinclair, and the story unfolds from his perspective. The titular character, Demian, whom Sinclair encounters, is essentially the main character. He exudes a mysterious aura and displays a maturity beyond his years. Sinclair is a reflection of Hermann Hesse himself, and Demian can be seen as the person he aspires to become.
Summary of Demian
The protagonist, Sinclair, is an ordinary boy who grew up in a typical household. Like many young men of his age at the time, Sinclair also sought attention and recognition among his friends. He boasted about petty thefts as a form of escapade, but soon finds himself caught by a man named Franz Kromer, who then torments him. Feeling utterly tormented, Sinclair wonders what to do, and it's then that Demian appears, rescuing Sinclair from his difficult situation and the two become friends. Sinclair feels that Demian, despite being of a similar age, knows much more and is far more mature than himself. Demian is depicted with an enigmatic aura, almost androgynous, which seems to be intentional by the author Hermann Hesse, using Demian as a device to make Sinclair, the protagonist who will receive inner salvation through Demian, develop admiration for him.
As time passes, Sinclair goes to study elsewhere, thus drifting apart from Demian. During this time, he meets a woman whom he admires, though he doesn't know her name, so he gives her the name Beatrice. Although Sinclair never speaks a word to her, he feels a sense of redemption from her, and their love purifies his body and soul. Falling in love, Sinclair draws her portrait, only to find that the face he has drawn is that of Demian. Sinclair seems to regard Demian not just as a friend, but as an object of admiration and love beyond friendship.
As the story progresses, Sinclair encounters various characters and experiences, gradually growing as an individual. Eventually, he returns to his hometown and meets Demian and his mother, Frau Eva. Sinclair falls in love with Frau Eva and relies on her.
One day, a significant event occurs: the outbreak of World War I. Demian becomes an officer and joins the war, with Sinclair following suit. In the midst of battle, Sinclair witnesses a bird breaking free from its egg, and as the war progresses, he gets injured and is taken to a hospital for treatment. It's then that Demian approaches him, leaving behind the words "Listen to your own voice" before disappearing.
Awakening from what seems like a dream, Sinclair searches for Demian but finds him nowhere. From then on, whenever faced with painful situations, Sinclair heeds Demian's advice to listen to his inner voice, finding that doing so helps him overcome his suffering. Demian is no longer present. Sinclair, soon to become Demian himself, finds a way to overcome his own obstacles.
Hatching into a New World
"The bird struggles out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever would be born must destroy a world."
Even in my childhood, when I knew nothing, that phrase stayed with me. It's metaphorical yet direct, capturing the essence of embarking on a new world and maturing through it. It's the kind of phrase that sheds light on why this book is recommended reading during the formative years.
Demian leaves this message to Sinclair. Sinclair ponders deeply. As he contemplates, he begins to feel his thoughts becoming free, much like a bird breaking out of its shell.
Conclusion
I finally read the novel "Demian," a book that would have been great to read during high school, although back then, it might have been too challenging. It feels like a message to another self, a more matured version of myself who is still naive. The relationship between Demian and Sinclair reflects that. Sinclair loves Demian as a spiritual mentor, and eventually, he becomes Demian himself. It's difficult to fully grasp the meaning, prompting multiple readings. Each time, the depth felt is different. Despite its philosophical nature, it's a book worth savoring.
