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[literaturnische]

novel: "Der Steppenwolf" by Hermann Hesse

after a surgical, clean, almost acerbic dissection of the figure of the steppenwolf, the phenomena, the phantasm, and his rebuilding as a misunderstood, misinterpreted boogeyman of the affected mind itself, the novel begins its methodic and yet narrative, therapeutic process. each of harry's little episodes and each little event that he not only survives through, but grows and learns from, is another beautifully scripted depiction of a misunderstood mind that has grown too attached to its own demons, too blind and deaf to the world as it is seen through a fresh lens, one that doesn't condemn and mourn a long lost virtue, and ends with a hopeful realization, a dawning understanding of the beauty of life. and not only the beautiful moments, but the way which leads up to it, the whole picture of becoming this new person with just a little bit more understanding and depth is the part which is gratifying.

what it means to not only take life so seriously, to not only expect the most meaningful merit from life and art, but to revel in the silliness, the chaos and the humor of humanity. particularly the scene in which harry dreams of his idealistic picture of goethe, who in turn deflects harry's imagination of an ideal poet, can teach us a lot about idolization.