Steppenwolf 561life for himself, instead of following someone else’s
experiences and teachings, in order to develop and
define his own values and ultimately obtain happi-
ness. Over the course of this journey he learns the
ways of priests, monks, merchants, and gamblers, but
only with Vasudeva does he finally realize his goal.
Though Siddhartha does not formally dedicate his
life to religion, he is able to find a place and method
for practicing his spiritual beliefs that are appropri-
ate and gratifying for him.
During each phase of Siddhartha’s journey he
learns something about himself and his surround-
ings that allows him to eventually define his own
spirituality. Siddhartha is the son of a Brahman,
a Hindu priest and scholar, and while growing up
he takes part in the priests’ conversations and reli-
gious observations. For example uttering the om,
which begins and ends every Brahman prayer, is a
practice that remains central throughout his life.
However, he becomes frustrated when the priests
do not teach him how to reach his innermost self
and soul (atman). This dissatisfaction leads him
to join the samanas, from whom he hopes to learn
how to be empty of all desires, because the passion
of these solitary outsiders left an impression on him
as a child. Siddhartha and Govinda fast, renounce
material belongings, and practice self-denial as
monks, but Siddhartha again grows disenchanted
after mastering these practices. He feels that many
types of people, even alcoholics, could have taught
him how to leave his body. He is certain that sama-
nas will never achieve the ultimate goal of nirvana
(death without rebirth) through this method. After
listening to Gotama, who is said to be the Buddha,
Govinda decides to follow his teachings. Siddhartha,
however, finds a flaw in his doctrine, namely that he
does not tell others how he has achieved salvation.
Siddhartha concludes that true knowledge and sal-
vation can never be taught by a teacher, but can be
achieved only through personal experience.
Siddhartha consequently decides to reenter soci-
ety with the goal of experiencing what he has heard
about firsthand. While wandering he sees the cour-
tesan Kamala, and he is immediately drawn to her.
Though he has been attracted to other women, he
decides that he would like to learn the art of love
from her. In order to meet her material demands
Siddhartha learns about commerce from Kamas-
wami. Siddhartha masters these skills and also learns
from his customers, who help him define what attri-
butes he finds positive and negative. After attaining
monetary wealth he becomes a gambler, but he still
does not feel satisfied. Siddhartha again withdraws
from society and briefly considers suicide, but he
realizes that it would not aid him in achieving his
goal either. When he sees Govinda, he is reminded
that he needs to love and be loved again, thus Sid-
dhartha accepts Vasudeva’s offer and stays with him.
Vasudeva is a wonderful listener, and through this
practice he has been able to attain enlightenment, an
achievement he is able eventually to pass on to Sid-
dhartha. It is during this time that Siddhartha sees
Kamala again and meets his son. After her death
he tries to rear his son, but the boy does not adjust
well to his father’s simple lifestyle and runs away.
Vasudeva counsels Siddhartha and eventually he is
able to let him go. Consequently Siddhartha realizes
that what he has been searching for is the wisdom of
how to feel and absorb oneness. One day while Sid-
dhartha is in the woods he hears the river laughing,
his final step toward peace. When he comes closer
he begins to see many faces and hear many voices,
but they blend together and he is enlightened. In
the final scene Siddhartha imparts his realization to
Govinda, something he had hoped many would do
for him.
Siddhartha must undertake a lengthy journey
to find the spiritual oneness he desires. By living
according to different sets of rules he is able ulti-
mately to reach his goal and find a method that is
suitable for him to practice his beliefs. Combining
the lessons he learns at each stage in his quest, he
discovers how much he can learn from his surround-
ings, and accept and appreciate those around him.
Though he is not formally a religious leader, he is
able to take what he learns as a student and convey
it to Govinda.
Christine RinneHESSE, HErmann Steppenwolf
(1927)
Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf, which has been called
his most popular, most innovative, most influential,