Journey to the Unconscious: An Examination of Paths to Enlightenment in Hermann Hesse's Works

Abstract

Over the course of this thesis, three of Hermann Hesse’s novels will be examined – Demian (1919), Der Steppenwolf (1927), and Siddhartha (1922) – as performative texts in order to demonstrate how Hesse presents a blueprint of ideal paths to personal enlightenment through common themes that flow through his works, such as breaking out, creation and destruction, and Jungian archetypes. These themes will be compared to Nietzsche’s work on the transformation of the soul. Each of these performative texts by Hesse present a unique opportunity, not only to enjoy a masterful tale of such vivid characters, but also a chance for readers to discover for themselves a new access to peace of mind.