Society Stratification in Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf

Authors

  • Ielizaveta Iakovenko

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to characterize the model of society in Hermann Hesse’s novel Steppenwolf through the prism of philosophical concepts, which Hesse himself supported. The novel does not lose its popularity, and more than one generation of researchers reveals various aspects of this work, which impresses with its versatility. To achieve the goal set and address the issue under consideration, this paper uses methods that provide the opportunity to receive diverse information on the research subject. In particular, theoretical methods are used: the analysis of literary, methodological, and philosophical literature on the research topic, comparison, synthesis. The analysis of literary sources and works of philosophers who influenced the author (especially Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard) allows us to conclude that Hesse synthesized their ideas in his novel, which to a large extent were not original, except the ways on how to get out of the crisis. However, Hesse did not become an adherent of any single doctrine, but made a synthesis of these works in his novels. The topics addressed by Hesse have become even more urgent now, in the era of continuous globalization and mass culture, which relies on ensuring the minimum human needs.

Key words: society, world model, novel, philosophical trends

Published

2017-07-24

Issue

Section

Articles