it is trully an amazing existentialistic novel. hermann hesse creates an effective story applying te trend of existentialism in it. it requires high critical thinking for an in depth analysis of the novel. well, i hope further discussions and analysis of this book would soon be posted in this website. God bless!!!
This novel provides great insight to the prepubescent boy who literally grows up before our eyes. Germany in the years just prior to WWI experienced many changes, all things that would have brought confusion to a young person living through them. Our main character Sinclair recognizes the kingdom of good and light; his God fearing parents and innocent younger sisters are separate from the realm of evil and dark; they have deep religious roots and they hold tight to their beliefs.
When Sinclair is drawn into lies and theft by Kromer, Demian steps in and mentors him. He gives him a new perception of the differences between light and dark. Demian spins a new interpretation of Cain and Abel for the boy, explaining his view that the mark on Cain's forehead is not truly a curse, but rather a badge of courage, power, and character.
Sinclair is unable to reject Demian's heroic characterization of Cain due to his recent experience with Kromer, and Demian uses this upset of clarity to confuse Sinclair's clear view of the distinction between the realms of good and evil. Demian then goes even further, planting an alternative perception that individuals have to search within themselves to discover their own fates. All in all, Demian becomes a reflection of the massive pre-war psyche in Europe, and shows the reader in a sense how simple it can be to turn the minds and beliefs of a people without their ever understanding how it happened.
Demian
