Themes: The Search for a Higher State of Consciousness

In a note to the novel written in 1961, Hesse declared that many readers had failed to understand the message of Steppenwolf. The book was not only about Haller's many miseries and failings. It pointed also to a "second, higher, indestructible world beyond the Steppenwolf … a positive, serene, superpersonal and timeless world of faith" (published as the "Author's Note" in the English translation of Steppenwolf). Hesse emphasized that the book was...

Themes: The Need for Psychological Wholeness

A precondition for attaining the highest spiritual perception, the novel seems to imply, is the need for Haller to repair his own psychological condition. He must first learn to experience the fullness of his own being. At the beginning of the novel, Haller, for all his intellectual power and refinement, is a psychologically maladjusted man. He is a misfit, at odds with the society in which he lives, rigid in his ways, tormented by what he sees...

Themes: Quest Theme

The quest theme is important in Steppenwolfas it is in other Hermann Hesse novels, but the tone of the search here is darker. As the book opens, Haller is forty-eight years old, out of work, and at odds with his wife. He is a social outcast and he is suicidal—he has resolved to kill himself when he turns fifty. An important parallel with Siddhartha becomes evident as Harry immerses himself in "real life," the life of "ordinary people." In doing...

Themes: Existentialism

Elements of existentialism, a complex philosophy that is rooted in concern for human freedom and personal responsibility and the importance of the individual's need to make choices in life, emerge in Steppenwolf,as in some of Hesse's other books. Harry Haller cannot arrive at a point of sufficient self-knowledge until he has suffered despair. The despair in this book is complicated; Haller experiences various surrealistic adventures, including...

Themes: Sexual Elements

It could be argued that too much has been made of sexual elements of Steppenwolf. Certainly, they play a part in Haller's awakening and in his love affair with Maria. They are an essential aspect of his "development." However, the other items in his "journey" are of greater importance: his shooting at cars with Pablo, his conversations with Hermine, his experiences in Pablo's Magic Theatre, and his "murder" of Hermine.

Themes: Enlightenment and Irony

Perhaps the most striking statement about Harry Haller and his quest for enlightenment is uttered by Mozart. After Haller has stood trial for killing Hermine and has agreed to be executed for his act, Mozart says to him:

Of course! When it is a question of anything stupid and pathetic and devoid of humour or wit, you are the man, you tragedian. Well, I am not. I do not care a fig for all your romantics of atonement. You wanted to be executed and...