Biography Category
Name :
Hermann Hesse
Date :
Views :
501
Category :
Birth Date :
02/07/1877
Birth Place :
Calw to Johannes
Death Date :
Aug. 9, 1962
[br /]
[b]At Basel[/b][br /]
[br /]
After about four years of his apprenticeship in Tubingen, Hesse came to Basel. He was drawn to it, as it were, because it was the town of Nietzsche (in whom he was particularly interested at that time), Jacob Burckhardt, and Arnold Bocklin. Here he joined the bookshop of Reich’sche Buchhandlung. He also became more active, socially.[br /]
[br /]
By this time Hermann had already published two books – one a collection of poems and the other a collection of prose. He also devoted more time to writing. Hesse resigned from Reich’schen bookshop and joined Herr Wattenwyl’s antiquarian bookshop. He soon brought out a collection of poems, which appeared in the New German Poets series. He had dedicated this book to his mother, but unfortunately she did not live to see it published. This book attracted the attention of Samuel Fischer, a publisher. He requested to see some additional work. Hesse had already started working on a "small prose composition", which later became Peter Camenzind. Fischer published it in 1904. Peter Camenzind established Hesse’s reputation as a writer and brought him immediate fame.[br /]
[br /]
[b]At Basel[/b][br /]
[br /]
After about four years of his apprenticeship in Tubingen, Hesse came to Basel. He was drawn to it, as it were, because it was the town of Nietzsche (in whom he was particularly interested at that time), Jacob Burckhardt, and Arnold Bocklin. Here he joined the bookshop of Reich’sche Buchhandlung. He also became more active, socially.[br /]
[br /]
By this time Hermann had already published two books – one a collection of poems and the other a collection of prose. He also devoted more time to writing. Hesse resigned from Reich’schen bookshop and joined Herr Wattenwyl’s antiquarian bookshop. He soon brought out a collection of poems, which appeared in the New German Poets series. He had dedicated this book to his mother, but unfortunately she did not live to see it published. This book attracted the attention of Samuel Fischer, a publisher. He requested to see some additional work. Hesse had already started working on a "small prose composition", which later became Peter Camenzind. Fischer published it in 1904. Peter Camenzind established Hesse’s reputation as a writer and brought him immediate fame.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Birth[/b][br /]
[br /]
On July 2, 1877, Marie Hesse (nee Gundert) gave birth to a son. He was named Hermann. His father, Johannes Hesse was working with the Calw Publishing House of the Basel Missionary Society. Both Johannes and Marie were devoted Pietists and Johannes had also worked as a missionary.[br /]
[br /]
[b]An Unusual Child[/b][br /]
[br /]
His earliest memory was that of a recurring image, an image of two worlds - one illuminated circle with his parents in it and another filled with darkness. Little Hermann always wanted to return to that circle of light, to his parents and warmth of familiarity. The same theme of two contradictory worlds has been used in many of his later works. Another image that bothered him life long and which was reflected in his writings, was of a pendulum. He found himself being tossed constantly between impulse of love and withdrawal or anger.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was precocious and enthusiastic but rebellious as a child. By the time he was four or five years old, his parents had begun to realize that Hermann was no ordinary child. They were also not sure that they would have the energy to bring up this unusual child. They found it very difficult to manage this child of overt emotions. He used to express kindness and repulse with equal extremity. In 1884 he was sent to live at a Boy's House for Mission School. Life away from home seemed to have sobered down the boy, but it had actually depressed him. He got to spend only Sundays with his family. Meanwhile, an incident took place which indirectly molded his thought process and the rebellious nature in him. His half brother Theodor ran away from his school to become a musician, because he was forced to be an apprentice with a pharmacy firm. This incident planted the seeds of rebellion against establishment for the sake of one's will. He started to connect art with rebellion and struggle. This incident gave the world of literature a great writer. Hermann started writing around the same time. Theodor's failure to attain his desired vocation strengthened Hermann's decision to attain his own.[br /]
[br /]
His parents seemed to recognize the genius of their child. Around 1893, Johannes Hesse has observed, "He seems to have a gift for everything: he observes the moon and the clouds, improvises on the harmonium, makes quite amazing pencil and pen drawings, sings very ably when he has a mind to, and is never at a loss for rhymes." [br /]
[br /]
The Hesses shifted from a small town to big city like Basel again returning to the small town. These changes of environment and atmosphere further molded the writer within Hermann. He came to know the contradictions of the modern society and technology as against rustic consciousness. This later became the central theme of his writings - to expose the modern society and its technology which created gulf between man and his roots.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Education[/b][br /]
[br /]
Formal education and schools could not hold the interest of this unusual child. He was transferred from school to school for 'bad behavior'. And yet he remained at the top of his class. In 1890-91 Hermann attended Rector Otto Bauer’s Latin School in Goppingen to prepare for the Swabian State Examination (The Swabian Landexamen). It was a prerequisite for attending the four exclusive Protestant Church Schools of Württemberg. [br /]
[br /]
At the age of 13, the idea of becoming a writer had taken roots in his mind and he was totally adamant over the idea. Creating literature was a kind of release for his pent up emotions. He loved poetry, literature and language, and sound and colors. These things made a universe of their own within his mind which needed an expression. But his parents were planning a totally different life for him. He was being prepared for a missionary career and he was made to pass the necessary examination. Mrs Hesse took him to Protestant Theological Seminary at Maulbronn, where he was to start his education to become a clergyman. However, he accepted his new surroundings reluctantly. Later on his letters revealed even cheerfulness. But the place lost its charm on the 14 year old too soon. He started to feel the grasp of the unfeeling system and tyrannical teachers who never tried to recognize or pursued individuality of a child. The rebellious mind could not take it any more. On a cold rainy night he disappeared from the school, running through the railroads and fields, spending night in a haystack. When he returned, after about 23 hours, he began to suffer from headaches and insomnia.[br /]
[br /]
Finally from Maulbronn, he was taken directly to Pastor Christopher Blumhardt of Bad Boll for cure. He felt much better at the spa and appeared to recover. During his stay at Bad Boll he used to visit Theodor's home nearby. He met Eugenie Kolb, a beautiful girl seven years elder to him there. His declaration of love was gently rejected by the girl. This unrequited love for the Pastor’s daughter threw him into depression and within two months he disappeared after buying a revolver and leaving a suicide note. When he returned on the same day, he was depressed and defiant. He was promptly sent off to Pastor Gottlob Schall in Stetten. It was a school for the mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children. He was allowed to return home after sometime as a result of his good behavior. But he was sent back to Stetten shortly thereafter.[br /]
[br /]
When he turned 15, Hermann’s resentment and anger towards authority had begun to manifest. He again tried to resume his studies and joined a Secondary School in Cannstadt, near Stuttgart. But here also his frustration with studies remained and his headaches continued. He started drinking and smoking heavily, formed undesirable friendships and began to incur debts. He also attempted suicide. Finally on October 18, 1893, Hermann was allowed to return home. His formal education was brought to an end.[br /]
[br /]
[b]First Job[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hermann spent the next two years in Calw. Initially he spent his time gardening, assisting his father in the Calw Publishing House and reading avidly in his grandfather’s library. For nearly one year he did manual labor as an apprentice machinist in the Perrot tower – clock factory. Initially he enjoyed working there but half way through his apprenticeship he found it equally restraining and left the job. The idea of living a life among the books was getting stronger in his mind.[br /]
[br /]
[b]The Bookshop Boy[/b][br /]
[br /]
The turning point of Hesse’s career came when he began his apprenticeship in the Heckenhauer Bookshop in the university town of Tubingen in 1895. In Tubingen, Hermann was not a recluse, but most of his time was devoted to reading and contemplation. He preferred to spend his evenings in solitary activities of reading, absorbing and analyzing. At this stage German romantic literature, especially Goethe captivated him. He also read Brentano, Eichendorff, Schlegel, Schleiermacher and Novalis, were among his favorites. This self-education enabled him to develop clarity of thought.[br /]
[br /]
Here, he also tried to mingle with a group of students who had literary aspirations. Ludwig Finckh was a student of law with whom Hermann struck a very good friendship. He came very close to his family and enjoyed many leisurely afternoons with him. Finckh was his closest friend during his early success.[br /]
[br /]
[b]At Basel[/b][br /]
[br /]
After about four years of his apprenticeship in Tubingen, Hesse came to Basel. He was drawn to it, as it were, because it was the town of Nietzsche (in whom he was particularly interested at that time), Jacob Burckhardt, and Arnold Bocklin. Here he joined the bookshop of Reich’sche Buchhandlung. He also became more active, socially.[br /]
[br /]
By this time Hermann had already published two books – one a collection of poems and the other a collection of prose. He also devoted more time to writing. Hesse resigned from Reich’schen bookshop and joined Herr Wattenwyl’s antiquarian bookshop. He soon brought out a collection of poems, which appeared in the New German Poets series. He had dedicated this book to his mother, but unfortunately she did not live to see it published. This book attracted the attention of Samuel Fischer, a publisher. He requested to see some additional work. Hesse had already started working on a "small prose composition", which later became Peter Camenzind. Fischer published it in 1904. Peter Camenzind established Hesse’s reputation as a writer and brought him immediate fame.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Marriage[/b][br /]
[br /]
While traveling to Italy in 1903, Hermann met Maria Bernoulli from Basel. They were part of a group of painters visiting Italy over Easter. They enjoyed sightseeing Florence and as the time passed they were passionately in love with eachother. For Hesse, suddenly the world was lit up with the presence of this 'delightful, petite, black-haired, wild sweetheart of a girl'. Art and literature lost its supreme power over him. They shared their interest in music and flowers. In the beginning he was a bit doubtful of the success of the marriage, and he was warned again and again by friends and family members.[br /]
[br /]
But ultimately the passion won. They married in 1904 despite 10 years age difference, Maria was 10 years elder to Hesse. They started their married life in a farmhouse in the village of Gaienhofen on the Untersee. It was a simple house with few amenities, but that was what they wanted. It was their private place in the midst of nature, which enabled them to "lead a simple, natural, inurbane, unfashionable and country life." It was a place he could call his own.[br /]
[br /]
The royalties that Hesse received from Peter Camenzind, enabled him to leave his job and become a full-time writer. Hesse wrote many of his stories and poems there. Their first child, Bruno was also born there on December 9, 1905. After three years they had to leave the old farmhouse. Hermann decided to build a home for himself, and settled down in a remote spot with unobstructed view of the Untersee. He built a large house with a garden, which he cultivated attentively.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Recognition[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s reputation increased steadily during the Gaienhofen years. Recognition came in the form of the Bauernfeld Prize. He was elected as an associate member of the Swabian Society and the first Hesse Society was also formed during this period. Peter Camenzind was reprinted a number of times. Since Hesse was fully dependent on writing as his livelihood, he wrote with increasing frequency for newspapers and journals. These articles, were primarily critical observations of the contemporary literature. His selection was based on quality rather than the standing or reputation of the person. These reviews and articles were not only important to Hesse, but were also a strong influence on the literary society of the times. Hesse also published two novels and a number of collection of short stories during this period. He had two more children, Heiner in 1909 and Martin in 1911.[br /]
[br /]
Soon the increase in the amount of work and the demands on him took their toll. Hesse became restless and exhausted. He took to traveling frequently and in 1911 set out for India.[br /]
[br /]
India had fascinated Hesse even as a child. It was not only his mother’s birth land, but also the place where his father and grandfather had worked. He was a little disappointed in India, as it did not live up to the image he had formed in his mind.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Crisis[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s marriage had begun to wither. When he returned from India, he knew that he could no longer go on in Gaienhofen. Maria wanted her children to have Swiss nationality, and so the whole family moved to Berne. Initially they lived in a friend’s house, who had expired before they moved in. But by September 1912, they moved into their new home, Melchenbuhlweg, on the edge of Berne. It was here that he wrote Rosshalde. According to Hesse, "with this book I reached as high as I was ever to get in terms of literary ability."[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was already living in Switzerland for the past two years, when World War I broke out. He went to the German Consulate and volunteered for military service, but was rejected. He was assigned to the Prisoners of War Welfare Organization. For about four years, he worked hard and tirelessly for the organization. Its main function was to provide books to German prisoners. It was an exhausting work. Moreover his appeal for peace and for the virtues of moderation and decency was gravely misunderstood. The German press called him a "traitor."[br /]
[br /]
Apart the over work and allegations that Hesse had to face, he also faced personal crisis. His father died in 1916, his youngest child Martin, was seriously ill and his marriage was on the verge of break-up. He resolved this crisis with the help of psychoanalysis. Demian is the most important product of this difficult period.[br /]
[br /]
By 1918, Hesse’s home was shattered. Maria was in a mental institution and there was no hope for their marriage to be restored. In 1919 Hesse left Berne and settled in Montagnola. Hesse was starting life afresh in the beautiful countryside of Ticino. He had always enjoyed painting and spent more and more time in painting. He also began and co-edited Vivos Voco, a journal aimed to rebuild post-war Germany by educating its youth. Although he stopped editing it after sometime, he continued to write reviews for it.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Ruth Wenger[/b][br /]
[br /]
The wounded heart found solace in Ruth Wenger. They became good friends and later got married. Ruth was young and attracted Hesse in his stressful life. In 1923, Hesse finally got divorce from Maria. He was also granted Swiss citizenship in the same year. On January 11, 1924, Hesse married Ruth Wenger. He was again suspicious of the success of the marriage, but Ruth and her mother made the involvement almost necessary for him. But the marriage lasted only for four years. It was dissolved in 1927. During this period Hesse had spent sometime in Baden, a health resort. It was under medical advice that he went there, but he used his time very fruitfully. Apart from relaxing, and contemplating, he also wrote. His writings during this period include poems, journals, short stories, books as well as notes on future novels. Steppenwolf was published soon after, followed by Narcissus and Goldmund.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Ninon Dolbin[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hesse needed an anchor for his overstressed life. He needed support to handle the oddities of life. He sought such a person in Ninon Dolbin. She was an art historian and a fan of Hesse's writing. It happened while Hesse was still married to Ruth, the marriage could take place only after 1927. Hesse’s friend built a house for him to use as a lifetime tenant. He and his wife, Ninon Dolbin – Auslander, moved in. Once again Hesse was back into the rhythm of nature. He resumed gardening, which he enjoyed. He also did a lot of reading in the library. Between the two World Wars, Hesse created new editions for literature, trying to infuse interest in people for reading. In addition he also did a lot of book reviewing. Between 1920 and 1936 Hesse must have reviewed at least a thousand books for over 20 papers and journals.
[br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s involvement in the World War II was that of a spectator. The barbarity and horror of the war made him look at Germany with disgust. But he resigned himself to circumstances beyond his control.[br /]
[br /]
[b]The Ultimate Honor[/b][br /]
[br /]
Between 1931 and 1942, Hesse reached the zenith of his creative ability. The Glass Bead Game, published during this period was its culmination. It was not allowed to be published in Germany, but was published in Switzerland. In 1942, he also published Poems, a collection of all his poems written over a period of about 50 years. It contained about 600 poems.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was also a meticulous correspondent and replied to each letter personally – whatever time it took.[br /]
[br /]
Ill health prevented Hesse from receiving the Nobel Prize personally in 1946. The theme of destruction and reconciliation was very much in his mind. In his speech of thanks, he said, "I feel united to you all, but primarily through the fundamental notion that inspired the Nobel Foundation, the idea of supranationality and internationality of the spirit and its duty to serve not war and destruction but peace and reconciliation."[br /]
[br /]
[b]Death[/b][br /]
[br /]
All through the winter of 1961, Hesse remained unwell. He was suffering from leukemia, but was not aware of it. He was delighted when Montagnola elected him an honorary citizen on his 85th birthday. On the evening of August 8, 1962, he listened to music and his wife read aloud to him, as she normally did. The next morning he died in his sleep of cerebral hemorrhage. [br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
On July 2, 1877, Marie Hesse (nee Gundert) gave birth to a son. He was named Hermann. His father, Johannes Hesse was working with the Calw Publishing House of the Basel Missionary Society. Both Johannes and Marie were devoted Pietists and Johannes had also worked as a missionary.[br /]
[br /]
[b]An Unusual Child[/b][br /]
[br /]
His earliest memory was that of a recurring image, an image of two worlds - one illuminated circle with his parents in it and another filled with darkness. Little Hermann always wanted to return to that circle of light, to his parents and warmth of familiarity. The same theme of two contradictory worlds has been used in many of his later works. Another image that bothered him life long and which was reflected in his writings, was of a pendulum. He found himself being tossed constantly between impulse of love and withdrawal or anger.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was precocious and enthusiastic but rebellious as a child. By the time he was four or five years old, his parents had begun to realize that Hermann was no ordinary child. They were also not sure that they would have the energy to bring up this unusual child. They found it very difficult to manage this child of overt emotions. He used to express kindness and repulse with equal extremity. In 1884 he was sent to live at a Boy's House for Mission School. Life away from home seemed to have sobered down the boy, but it had actually depressed him. He got to spend only Sundays with his family. Meanwhile, an incident took place which indirectly molded his thought process and the rebellious nature in him. His half brother Theodor ran away from his school to become a musician, because he was forced to be an apprentice with a pharmacy firm. This incident planted the seeds of rebellion against establishment for the sake of one's will. He started to connect art with rebellion and struggle. This incident gave the world of literature a great writer. Hermann started writing around the same time. Theodor's failure to attain his desired vocation strengthened Hermann's decision to attain his own.[br /]
[br /]
His parents seemed to recognize the genius of their child. Around 1893, Johannes Hesse has observed, "He seems to have a gift for everything: he observes the moon and the clouds, improvises on the harmonium, makes quite amazing pencil and pen drawings, sings very ably when he has a mind to, and is never at a loss for rhymes." [br /]
[br /]
The Hesses shifted from a small town to big city like Basel again returning to the small town. These changes of environment and atmosphere further molded the writer within Hermann. He came to know the contradictions of the modern society and technology as against rustic consciousness. This later became the central theme of his writings - to expose the modern society and its technology which created gulf between man and his roots.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Education[/b][br /]
[br /]
Formal education and schools could not hold the interest of this unusual child. He was transferred from school to school for 'bad behavior'. And yet he remained at the top of his class. In 1890-91 Hermann attended Rector Otto Bauer’s Latin School in Goppingen to prepare for the Swabian State Examination (The Swabian Landexamen). It was a prerequisite for attending the four exclusive Protestant Church Schools of Württemberg. [br /]
[br /]
At the age of 13, the idea of becoming a writer had taken roots in his mind and he was totally adamant over the idea. Creating literature was a kind of release for his pent up emotions. He loved poetry, literature and language, and sound and colors. These things made a universe of their own within his mind which needed an expression. But his parents were planning a totally different life for him. He was being prepared for a missionary career and he was made to pass the necessary examination. Mrs Hesse took him to Protestant Theological Seminary at Maulbronn, where he was to start his education to become a clergyman. However, he accepted his new surroundings reluctantly. Later on his letters revealed even cheerfulness. But the place lost its charm on the 14 year old too soon. He started to feel the grasp of the unfeeling system and tyrannical teachers who never tried to recognize or pursued individuality of a child. The rebellious mind could not take it any more. On a cold rainy night he disappeared from the school, running through the railroads and fields, spending night in a haystack. When he returned, after about 23 hours, he began to suffer from headaches and insomnia.[br /]
[br /]
Finally from Maulbronn, he was taken directly to Pastor Christopher Blumhardt of Bad Boll for cure. He felt much better at the spa and appeared to recover. During his stay at Bad Boll he used to visit Theodor's home nearby. He met Eugenie Kolb, a beautiful girl seven years elder to him there. His declaration of love was gently rejected by the girl. This unrequited love for the Pastor’s daughter threw him into depression and within two months he disappeared after buying a revolver and leaving a suicide note. When he returned on the same day, he was depressed and defiant. He was promptly sent off to Pastor Gottlob Schall in Stetten. It was a school for the mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children. He was allowed to return home after sometime as a result of his good behavior. But he was sent back to Stetten shortly thereafter.[br /]
[br /]
When he turned 15, Hermann’s resentment and anger towards authority had begun to manifest. He again tried to resume his studies and joined a Secondary School in Cannstadt, near Stuttgart. But here also his frustration with studies remained and his headaches continued. He started drinking and smoking heavily, formed undesirable friendships and began to incur debts. He also attempted suicide. Finally on October 18, 1893, Hermann was allowed to return home. His formal education was brought to an end.[br /]
[br /]
[b]First Job[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hermann spent the next two years in Calw. Initially he spent his time gardening, assisting his father in the Calw Publishing House and reading avidly in his grandfather’s library. For nearly one year he did manual labor as an apprentice machinist in the Perrot tower – clock factory. Initially he enjoyed working there but half way through his apprenticeship he found it equally restraining and left the job. The idea of living a life among the books was getting stronger in his mind.[br /]
[br /]
[b]The Bookshop Boy[/b][br /]
[br /]
The turning point of Hesse’s career came when he began his apprenticeship in the Heckenhauer Bookshop in the university town of Tubingen in 1895. In Tubingen, Hermann was not a recluse, but most of his time was devoted to reading and contemplation. He preferred to spend his evenings in solitary activities of reading, absorbing and analyzing. At this stage German romantic literature, especially Goethe captivated him. He also read Brentano, Eichendorff, Schlegel, Schleiermacher and Novalis, were among his favorites. This self-education enabled him to develop clarity of thought.[br /]
[br /]
Here, he also tried to mingle with a group of students who had literary aspirations. Ludwig Finckh was a student of law with whom Hermann struck a very good friendship. He came very close to his family and enjoyed many leisurely afternoons with him. Finckh was his closest friend during his early success.[br /]
[br /]
[b]At Basel[/b][br /]
[br /]
After about four years of his apprenticeship in Tubingen, Hesse came to Basel. He was drawn to it, as it were, because it was the town of Nietzsche (in whom he was particularly interested at that time), Jacob Burckhardt, and Arnold Bocklin. Here he joined the bookshop of Reich’sche Buchhandlung. He also became more active, socially.[br /]
[br /]
By this time Hermann had already published two books – one a collection of poems and the other a collection of prose. He also devoted more time to writing. Hesse resigned from Reich’schen bookshop and joined Herr Wattenwyl’s antiquarian bookshop. He soon brought out a collection of poems, which appeared in the New German Poets series. He had dedicated this book to his mother, but unfortunately she did not live to see it published. This book attracted the attention of Samuel Fischer, a publisher. He requested to see some additional work. Hesse had already started working on a "small prose composition", which later became Peter Camenzind. Fischer published it in 1904. Peter Camenzind established Hesse’s reputation as a writer and brought him immediate fame.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Marriage[/b][br /]
[br /]
While traveling to Italy in 1903, Hermann met Maria Bernoulli from Basel. They were part of a group of painters visiting Italy over Easter. They enjoyed sightseeing Florence and as the time passed they were passionately in love with eachother. For Hesse, suddenly the world was lit up with the presence of this 'delightful, petite, black-haired, wild sweetheart of a girl'. Art and literature lost its supreme power over him. They shared their interest in music and flowers. In the beginning he was a bit doubtful of the success of the marriage, and he was warned again and again by friends and family members.[br /]
[br /]
But ultimately the passion won. They married in 1904 despite 10 years age difference, Maria was 10 years elder to Hesse. They started their married life in a farmhouse in the village of Gaienhofen on the Untersee. It was a simple house with few amenities, but that was what they wanted. It was their private place in the midst of nature, which enabled them to "lead a simple, natural, inurbane, unfashionable and country life." It was a place he could call his own.[br /]
[br /]
The royalties that Hesse received from Peter Camenzind, enabled him to leave his job and become a full-time writer. Hesse wrote many of his stories and poems there. Their first child, Bruno was also born there on December 9, 1905. After three years they had to leave the old farmhouse. Hermann decided to build a home for himself, and settled down in a remote spot with unobstructed view of the Untersee. He built a large house with a garden, which he cultivated attentively.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Recognition[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s reputation increased steadily during the Gaienhofen years. Recognition came in the form of the Bauernfeld Prize. He was elected as an associate member of the Swabian Society and the first Hesse Society was also formed during this period. Peter Camenzind was reprinted a number of times. Since Hesse was fully dependent on writing as his livelihood, he wrote with increasing frequency for newspapers and journals. These articles, were primarily critical observations of the contemporary literature. His selection was based on quality rather than the standing or reputation of the person. These reviews and articles were not only important to Hesse, but were also a strong influence on the literary society of the times. Hesse also published two novels and a number of collection of short stories during this period. He had two more children, Heiner in 1909 and Martin in 1911.[br /]
[br /]
Soon the increase in the amount of work and the demands on him took their toll. Hesse became restless and exhausted. He took to traveling frequently and in 1911 set out for India.[br /]
[br /]
India had fascinated Hesse even as a child. It was not only his mother’s birth land, but also the place where his father and grandfather had worked. He was a little disappointed in India, as it did not live up to the image he had formed in his mind.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Crisis[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s marriage had begun to wither. When he returned from India, he knew that he could no longer go on in Gaienhofen. Maria wanted her children to have Swiss nationality, and so the whole family moved to Berne. Initially they lived in a friend’s house, who had expired before they moved in. But by September 1912, they moved into their new home, Melchenbuhlweg, on the edge of Berne. It was here that he wrote Rosshalde. According to Hesse, "with this book I reached as high as I was ever to get in terms of literary ability."[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was already living in Switzerland for the past two years, when World War I broke out. He went to the German Consulate and volunteered for military service, but was rejected. He was assigned to the Prisoners of War Welfare Organization. For about four years, he worked hard and tirelessly for the organization. Its main function was to provide books to German prisoners. It was an exhausting work. Moreover his appeal for peace and for the virtues of moderation and decency was gravely misunderstood. The German press called him a "traitor."[br /]
[br /]
Apart the over work and allegations that Hesse had to face, he also faced personal crisis. His father died in 1916, his youngest child Martin, was seriously ill and his marriage was on the verge of break-up. He resolved this crisis with the help of psychoanalysis. Demian is the most important product of this difficult period.[br /]
[br /]
By 1918, Hesse’s home was shattered. Maria was in a mental institution and there was no hope for their marriage to be restored. In 1919 Hesse left Berne and settled in Montagnola. Hesse was starting life afresh in the beautiful countryside of Ticino. He had always enjoyed painting and spent more and more time in painting. He also began and co-edited Vivos Voco, a journal aimed to rebuild post-war Germany by educating its youth. Although he stopped editing it after sometime, he continued to write reviews for it.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Ruth Wenger[/b][br /]
[br /]
The wounded heart found solace in Ruth Wenger. They became good friends and later got married. Ruth was young and attracted Hesse in his stressful life. In 1923, Hesse finally got divorce from Maria. He was also granted Swiss citizenship in the same year. On January 11, 1924, Hesse married Ruth Wenger. He was again suspicious of the success of the marriage, but Ruth and her mother made the involvement almost necessary for him. But the marriage lasted only for four years. It was dissolved in 1927. During this period Hesse had spent sometime in Baden, a health resort. It was under medical advice that he went there, but he used his time very fruitfully. Apart from relaxing, and contemplating, he also wrote. His writings during this period include poems, journals, short stories, books as well as notes on future novels. Steppenwolf was published soon after, followed by Narcissus and Goldmund.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Ninon Dolbin[/b][br /]
[br /]
Hesse needed an anchor for his overstressed life. He needed support to handle the oddities of life. He sought such a person in Ninon Dolbin. She was an art historian and a fan of Hesse's writing. It happened while Hesse was still married to Ruth, the marriage could take place only after 1927. Hesse’s friend built a house for him to use as a lifetime tenant. He and his wife, Ninon Dolbin – Auslander, moved in. Once again Hesse was back into the rhythm of nature. He resumed gardening, which he enjoyed. He also did a lot of reading in the library. Between the two World Wars, Hesse created new editions for literature, trying to infuse interest in people for reading. In addition he also did a lot of book reviewing. Between 1920 and 1936 Hesse must have reviewed at least a thousand books for over 20 papers and journals.
[br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s involvement in the World War II was that of a spectator. The barbarity and horror of the war made him look at Germany with disgust. But he resigned himself to circumstances beyond his control.[br /]
[br /]
[b]The Ultimate Honor[/b][br /]
[br /]
Between 1931 and 1942, Hesse reached the zenith of his creative ability. The Glass Bead Game, published during this period was its culmination. It was not allowed to be published in Germany, but was published in Switzerland. In 1942, he also published Poems, a collection of all his poems written over a period of about 50 years. It contained about 600 poems.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was also a meticulous correspondent and replied to each letter personally – whatever time it took.[br /]
[br /]
Ill health prevented Hesse from receiving the Nobel Prize personally in 1946. The theme of destruction and reconciliation was very much in his mind. In his speech of thanks, he said, "I feel united to you all, but primarily through the fundamental notion that inspired the Nobel Foundation, the idea of supranationality and internationality of the spirit and its duty to serve not war and destruction but peace and reconciliation."[br /]
[br /]
[b]Death[/b][br /]
[br /]
All through the winter of 1961, Hesse remained unwell. He was suffering from leukemia, but was not aware of it. He was delighted when Montagnola elected him an honorary citizen on his 85th birthday. On the evening of August 8, 1962, he listened to music and his wife read aloud to him, as she normally did. The next morning he died in his sleep of cerebral hemorrhage. [br /]
[br /]
[br /]
To Hermann Hesse, the most important thing was the individual, and the search for self. He always felt that the individual, especially an artist, had to be a solitary figure, taking on his own path, away from others. His search for self led him to several paths – to aesthetics, to Indian and Eastern philosophy and to beauty in nature. Most of his books have a simple story to tell, but require a great deal of contemplation to understand. Perhaps these lines by Hugo Ball sum up Hermann Hesse’s works very aptly ---"The secret of Hesse’s work lies in the creative power of his poetic similes, in the Magic Theatre of the panoramas of the soul that he conjures up before the eyes and ears of the world. It lies in the identity of idea and appearances that, to be sure, his work – like any work of human hands – can do more than suggest."
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]Chronology of Works[/b][br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]July 2, 1877[/b] Born in Calw to Johannes and Marie Hesse.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1890 to 1891[/b] Attended Preparatory School in Goppingen.[br /]
[br /]
[b]July 1891[/b] Passed the Swabian Landexamen.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1891 to 1892[/b] Attended the Maulbronn Seminary.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1892[/b] Attended the Grammar School of Cannstatt.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1893[/b] Passed the Einjahrig – Freiwilligen – Examen.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1894-1895[/b] Apprenticeship in Perrot’s tower-clock factory.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1895 to 1898[/b] Apprenticeship in Tubinqen bookshop.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1898 to 1903[/b] Worked in Basle bookshop.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1903[/b] Met his future wife Maria Bernoulli.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904[/b] Marriage to Maria Bernoulli.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904 to 1912[/b] Lived in Gaienhofen on The Bodensee.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1905[/b] Birth of his first child, Bruno.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1909[/b] Birth of his second child, Heiner.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1911[/b] Birth of his third child, Martin. Visited India.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1912[/b] The Hesse family left Germany for good and moved to Berne.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1914 to 1919[/b] Worked for The Prisoners of War Welfare Organization in Berne as he was considered unfit for military service.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1916[/b] A year of personal crisis – the death of his father, grave illness of his wife Maria and son Martin, and he himself had to undergo psychoanalysis.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1919[/b] Finally broke-up with wife. Left Maria and children in Berne and went to live in Montagnola.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1920[/b] Adopted Swiss Citizenship.[br /]
[br /]
[b]July 1923[/b] Got divorced from Maria Bernoulli.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Jan. 1924[/b] Married Ruth Wenger.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1927[/b] Divorced his second wife, Ruth.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Nov. 1931[/b] Married Ninon Dolbin – Auslander.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1934[/b] Became a member of the Swiss Club of Poets.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1939-45[/b] Hesse’s works banned in Germany.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1946[/b] Awarded Nobel Prize for Literature.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Aug. 9, 1962[/b] Died in Montagnola, Ticino.[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]Chronology of Works[/b][br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]1898-99[/b] First poem Das deutsche Dichterheim.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Oct. 1898[/b] Romantische Lieder, Eine Stunde Linter Mitternacht, began draft of the novel Schweiniqel.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1901[/b] Wrote articles and reviews for the Allqemeine Schweitzer Zeitung, Die Hinterlassene Schriften and Gedichte Von Hermann Lauscher.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1902[/b] Gedichte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1903[/b] Camenzind was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904[/b] Peter Camenzind, his first literary success. English translation 1961.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904 to 1912[/b] Wrote and contributed to various journals – Simplicissimus, Rheinlaude, Neue Rundschan, Munchner Zeitung, Wur Hemvrqer Zeitung.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1906[/b] Unterm Rad, English translation in 1968, Beneath the Wheel.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1907[/b] Diesseits was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1907 to 1912[/b] Co-edited Marz.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1908[/b] Nachbarn was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1910[/b] Gertrud was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1911[/b] Unterwegs was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1912[/b] Umweqe was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1913[/b] Aus Indien was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1914[/b] Rosshalde English translation 1970.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1914 to 1919[/b] Edited two journals for the German prisoners and also published a series of books for them.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1915[/b] Knulp, Am Weq, Musik des Einsamen were published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1916[/b] Schon ist die Juqend was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1919[/b] Demian, (written under the Pseudonym Emil Sinclair) English translation 1923. Also Kleiner Garten, Marchen, Zarathustras, Wiederkehr.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1919 to 1922[/b] Co-edited Vivos Voco.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1920[/b] Gedichte des Malers, Klinqsors Letzter Sommer, Wanderung were published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1921[/b] Ausqewahtte Gedichte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1922[/b] Siddhartha, English translation 1951.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1923[/b] Sinclairs Notizbuch was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1925[/b] Kurgast was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1926[/b] Bilderbuch was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1927[/b] Publication of Die Nurnberqer Reise, Der Steppenwolf, English translation 1929.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1928[/b] Publication of Betrachtunqen, Krisis.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1929[/b] Publication of Trost der Nacht, Eine Bibliothek der Weltliteratur.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1930[/b] Publication of Narcissus and Goldmund. English translation 1932 as Death and the Lover.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1931[/b] Began work on Das Glasperlenspiel.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1932[/b] Publication of Die Morgenlandfahrt. English translation 1956 as Journey to the Easp.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1936[/b] Stunden in Garten.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1937[/b] Gedenkhlatter and Nene Ged ichte were published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1942[/b] Die Gedichte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1943[/b] Publication of Das Glasperlenspiel. English translation 1957 as the Glass Bead Game and as Magister Luchi. It was published only in Switzerland.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1945[/b] Traumfahrte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1946[/b] Publication of Dank on Goethe, Krieg and Frieden.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1951[/b] Publication of Spate Prosa and Briefe.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1952[/b] Publication of Gesammette Dichtungen (Six Volumes).[br /]
[br /]
[b]1954[/b] Piktors Verwandlung was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1955[/b] Publication of Beschworungen, Gesammette Schriften (Seven Volumes).[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]Chronology of Works[/b][br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]July 2, 1877[/b] Born in Calw to Johannes and Marie Hesse.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1890 to 1891[/b] Attended Preparatory School in Goppingen.[br /]
[br /]
[b]July 1891[/b] Passed the Swabian Landexamen.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1891 to 1892[/b] Attended the Maulbronn Seminary.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1892[/b] Attended the Grammar School of Cannstatt.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1893[/b] Passed the Einjahrig – Freiwilligen – Examen.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1894-1895[/b] Apprenticeship in Perrot’s tower-clock factory.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1895 to 1898[/b] Apprenticeship in Tubinqen bookshop.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1898 to 1903[/b] Worked in Basle bookshop.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1903[/b] Met his future wife Maria Bernoulli.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904[/b] Marriage to Maria Bernoulli.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904 to 1912[/b] Lived in Gaienhofen on The Bodensee.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1905[/b] Birth of his first child, Bruno.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1909[/b] Birth of his second child, Heiner.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1911[/b] Birth of his third child, Martin. Visited India.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1912[/b] The Hesse family left Germany for good and moved to Berne.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1914 to 1919[/b] Worked for The Prisoners of War Welfare Organization in Berne as he was considered unfit for military service.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1916[/b] A year of personal crisis – the death of his father, grave illness of his wife Maria and son Martin, and he himself had to undergo psychoanalysis.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1919[/b] Finally broke-up with wife. Left Maria and children in Berne and went to live in Montagnola.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1920[/b] Adopted Swiss Citizenship.[br /]
[br /]
[b]July 1923[/b] Got divorced from Maria Bernoulli.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Jan. 1924[/b] Married Ruth Wenger.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1927[/b] Divorced his second wife, Ruth.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Nov. 1931[/b] Married Ninon Dolbin – Auslander.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1934[/b] Became a member of the Swiss Club of Poets.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1939-45[/b] Hesse’s works banned in Germany.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1946[/b] Awarded Nobel Prize for Literature.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Aug. 9, 1962[/b] Died in Montagnola, Ticino.[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]Chronology of Works[/b][br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[b]1898-99[/b] First poem Das deutsche Dichterheim.[br /]
[br /]
[b]Oct. 1898[/b] Romantische Lieder, Eine Stunde Linter Mitternacht, began draft of the novel Schweiniqel.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1901[/b] Wrote articles and reviews for the Allqemeine Schweitzer Zeitung, Die Hinterlassene Schriften and Gedichte Von Hermann Lauscher.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1902[/b] Gedichte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1903[/b] Camenzind was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904[/b] Peter Camenzind, his first literary success. English translation 1961.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1904 to 1912[/b] Wrote and contributed to various journals – Simplicissimus, Rheinlaude, Neue Rundschan, Munchner Zeitung, Wur Hemvrqer Zeitung.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1906[/b] Unterm Rad, English translation in 1968, Beneath the Wheel.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1907[/b] Diesseits was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1907 to 1912[/b] Co-edited Marz.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1908[/b] Nachbarn was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1910[/b] Gertrud was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1911[/b] Unterwegs was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1912[/b] Umweqe was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1913[/b] Aus Indien was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1914[/b] Rosshalde English translation 1970.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1914 to 1919[/b] Edited two journals for the German prisoners and also published a series of books for them.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1915[/b] Knulp, Am Weq, Musik des Einsamen were published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1916[/b] Schon ist die Juqend was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1919[/b] Demian, (written under the Pseudonym Emil Sinclair) English translation 1923. Also Kleiner Garten, Marchen, Zarathustras, Wiederkehr.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1919 to 1922[/b] Co-edited Vivos Voco.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1920[/b] Gedichte des Malers, Klinqsors Letzter Sommer, Wanderung were published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1921[/b] Ausqewahtte Gedichte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1922[/b] Siddhartha, English translation 1951.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1923[/b] Sinclairs Notizbuch was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1925[/b] Kurgast was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1926[/b] Bilderbuch was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1927[/b] Publication of Die Nurnberqer Reise, Der Steppenwolf, English translation 1929.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1928[/b] Publication of Betrachtunqen, Krisis.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1929[/b] Publication of Trost der Nacht, Eine Bibliothek der Weltliteratur.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1930[/b] Publication of Narcissus and Goldmund. English translation 1932 as Death and the Lover.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1931[/b] Began work on Das Glasperlenspiel.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1932[/b] Publication of Die Morgenlandfahrt. English translation 1956 as Journey to the Easp.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1936[/b] Stunden in Garten.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1937[/b] Gedenkhlatter and Nene Ged ichte were published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1942[/b] Die Gedichte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1943[/b] Publication of Das Glasperlenspiel. English translation 1957 as the Glass Bead Game and as Magister Luchi. It was published only in Switzerland.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1945[/b] Traumfahrte was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1946[/b] Publication of Dank on Goethe, Krieg and Frieden.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1951[/b] Publication of Spate Prosa and Briefe.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1952[/b] Publication of Gesammette Dichtungen (Six Volumes).[br /]
[br /]
[b]1954[/b] Piktors Verwandlung was published.[br /]
[br /]
[b]1955[/b] Publication of Beschworungen, Gesammette Schriften (Seven Volumes).[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
If awards could ensure a permanent place in history, there would be many contestants for it. But something more is required which we find in Hesse. Hesse’s appeal is not likely to diminish, as his theme is permanent – the search for one’s self in the ever-changing world.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s rebellion against authority was evident at a very early age. Neither parental, nor school nor church authorities could hold him. His parents too had realized that he was no ordinary child. Although he had a gift for painting, music, and rhyming, Hesse was determined, by the time he was 13 years old, "to be a poet or nothing."[br /]
[br /]
He worked hard, in his own way, to achieve his goal. After his formal education ended, he set about educating himself. He read avidly and spent hours absorbing and contemplating on his reading. Initially, he started with his grandfather’s library in Calw. It introduced him to the Eastern philosophy, especially Indian philosophy. It had a lasting effect on his life. Later on when he became an apprentice in a bookshop, his self-education continued. The years that he spent thus gave him a deeper insight and great clarity of thought.[br /]
[br /]
During this period, Hesse found faith and comfort in the world of beauty. Aesthetics became very important and dominated his early works. By the time Peter Camenzind was published, he had moved away from solitariness to a more stable relationship with reality, from aesthetics to an appreciation of social and sensual pleasures.[br /]
[br /]
In Peter Camenzind Hesse’s focus changed from literary beauty to beauty of nature. Nature had always been important to Hesse. He felt at home the most when he lived in the lap of nature. In Peter Camenzind, Hesse points out two very important aspects – important to him – the joys of nature and the importance of an individual as against the collective.[br /]
[br /]
Another important aspect of Hesse’s work is his contribution to different journals. He contributed book reviews and articles on literature, editorials and literary criticism. He also assisted in the preparation of new editions of books, especially poetry and in the publication of anthologies. This work was quite important to Hesse, not because it provided him with a livelihood, but because he felt it was his duty to do so. He discharged his duty with great sincerity, giving equal coverage to good and promising but unknown poets as to the established writers. Hesse continued to write for journals throughout his life. His observations of the contemporary literature were critical and exact, and exercised a strong influence on the literary life of the times.[br /]
[br /]
His workload had increased so much that it was difficult for him to cope with it. He decided to look to the East, and set out for India which had fascinated him from an early age. The atmosphere in his grandfather’s house had mystified the East, especially India. He had hoped to find some solution to the tension between himself and the world. But India seemed to disappoint him, although he did not let go of the Eastern philosophy completely. Eight years later, he tried to argue out the Eastern philosophy in Siddhartha. He always felt that the West would have to look to the East to find solutions to its problems.[br /]
[br /]
When World War I broke out, Hesse was already living in Switzerland. He was against war, against any change brought about by force and was against violence. But his appeal to fellow men for "moderation, decency, and love" was not well received. Rejection of his appeal for peace, plus the distress of the war and personal crisis were too much for Hesse. He became depressed and had to undergo psychoanalysis. Demian is a product of this period. He published Demian under the name of its narrator, Emil Sinclair, though he later admitted his authorship. The book created interest among the young generation in general and also impressed Thomas Mann and James Joyce. Hesse has explored the inner realms of mind here in the struggle between his bourgeois existence and overwhelming sensuality.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was equally interested in music and painting. During the course of his life, he had made many faithful friends who were musicians and painters. They often enabled him to gain new insight and fresh perspective. To escape from personal crisis and war, he took refuge in nature and painting. He went to live in Montagnola, in the beautiful countryside of Ticino. He also spent quite some time in painting, an activity he enjoyed immensely. Perhaps the rich, descriptive language he used, is a result of this passion.[br /]
[br /]
His need to write for the betterment of humanity had not diminished, and he co-edited and co-established a new journal Vivos Voco. Its main aim was to re-built Germany by educating its youth.[br /]
[br /]
Once again Hesse got a chance to contemplate and analyze his own self when he had to stay in a health resort, under medical advice. He was very much disturbed by the oppression of technology, and tried to arrive at a compromise between reality and ideals, technology and human race. Steppenwolf is a good example of this period. By the time he wrote Narcissus and Goldmund, those discrepancies were there, but they were not in discord. There was respect for different ideals and ways of life.
[br /]
[br /]
Hesse last major work The Glass Bead Game is the culmination of his experiences. He received the Nobel Prize for it. The story of this novel, as of Siddhartha, is very simple and readable. The players play a game in which parallels had to be established between a piece of classical music and mathematical formula. Masters of The Game freely wove one into the other. But this novel has to be read and re-read several times before one can fully comprehend its meaning. As in Siddhartha, the influence of Indian thought and philosophy, especially the Bhagwad Gita and Vedas, is very much evident in The Glass Bead Game.[br /]
[br /]
Another important part of his writings are his letters. He received a flood of fan mail, and he rarely failed to answer a letter. These letters are important, as they reflect the amount of influence he had over a certain section of the public.[br /]
[br /]
To sum up, Hesse in his own words, "Of the Western philosophers, I have been influenced most by Plato, Spinoza, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche as well as the historian Jacob Burckhardt. But they did not influence me as much as Indian and, later, Chinese philosophy. I have always been on familiar and friendly terms with the fine arts, but my relationship to music has been more intimate and fruitful. It is found in most of my writings. My most characteristic books in my view are the Poems (Collected edition, Zurich 1942), The stories include Knulp (1915), Demian (1919), Siddhartha (1922), Der Steppenwolf (1927) [Steppenwolf], Narcissus and Goldmund (1930), Die Morgenlandfahrt (1932) [The Journey to the East], and Das Glasperlenspiel (1943) [Magister Ludi]."[br /]
[br /]
[br /]
If awards could ensure a permanent place in history, there would be many contestants for it. But something more is required which we find in Hesse. Hesse’s appeal is not likely to diminish, as his theme is permanent – the search for one’s self in the ever-changing world.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse’s rebellion against authority was evident at a very early age. Neither parental, nor school nor church authorities could hold him. His parents too had realized that he was no ordinary child. Although he had a gift for painting, music, and rhyming, Hesse was determined, by the time he was 13 years old, "to be a poet or nothing."[br /]
[br /]
He worked hard, in his own way, to achieve his goal. After his formal education ended, he set about educating himself. He read avidly and spent hours absorbing and contemplating on his reading. Initially, he started with his grandfather’s library in Calw. It introduced him to the Eastern philosophy, especially Indian philosophy. It had a lasting effect on his life. Later on when he became an apprentice in a bookshop, his self-education continued. The years that he spent thus gave him a deeper insight and great clarity of thought.[br /]
[br /]
During this period, Hesse found faith and comfort in the world of beauty. Aesthetics became very important and dominated his early works. By the time Peter Camenzind was published, he had moved away from solitariness to a more stable relationship with reality, from aesthetics to an appreciation of social and sensual pleasures.[br /]
[br /]
In Peter Camenzind Hesse’s focus changed from literary beauty to beauty of nature. Nature had always been important to Hesse. He felt at home the most when he lived in the lap of nature. In Peter Camenzind, Hesse points out two very important aspects – important to him – the joys of nature and the importance of an individual as against the collective.[br /]
[br /]
Another important aspect of Hesse’s work is his contribution to different journals. He contributed book reviews and articles on literature, editorials and literary criticism. He also assisted in the preparation of new editions of books, especially poetry and in the publication of anthologies. This work was quite important to Hesse, not because it provided him with a livelihood, but because he felt it was his duty to do so. He discharged his duty with great sincerity, giving equal coverage to good and promising but unknown poets as to the established writers. Hesse continued to write for journals throughout his life. His observations of the contemporary literature were critical and exact, and exercised a strong influence on the literary life of the times.[br /]
[br /]
His workload had increased so much that it was difficult for him to cope with it. He decided to look to the East, and set out for India which had fascinated him from an early age. The atmosphere in his grandfather’s house had mystified the East, especially India. He had hoped to find some solution to the tension between himself and the world. But India seemed to disappoint him, although he did not let go of the Eastern philosophy completely. Eight years later, he tried to argue out the Eastern philosophy in Siddhartha. He always felt that the West would have to look to the East to find solutions to its problems.[br /]
[br /]
When World War I broke out, Hesse was already living in Switzerland. He was against war, against any change brought about by force and was against violence. But his appeal to fellow men for "moderation, decency, and love" was not well received. Rejection of his appeal for peace, plus the distress of the war and personal crisis were too much for Hesse. He became depressed and had to undergo psychoanalysis. Demian is a product of this period. He published Demian under the name of its narrator, Emil Sinclair, though he later admitted his authorship. The book created interest among the young generation in general and also impressed Thomas Mann and James Joyce. Hesse has explored the inner realms of mind here in the struggle between his bourgeois existence and overwhelming sensuality.[br /]
[br /]
Hesse was equally interested in music and painting. During the course of his life, he had made many faithful friends who were musicians and painters. They often enabled him to gain new insight and fresh perspective. To escape from personal crisis and war, he took refuge in nature and painting. He went to live in Montagnola, in the beautiful countryside of Ticino. He also spent quite some time in painting, an activity he enjoyed immensely. Perhaps the rich, descriptive language he used, is a result of this passion.[br /]
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His need to write for the betterment of humanity had not diminished, and he co-edited and co-established a new journal Vivos Voco. Its main aim was to re-built Germany by educating its youth.[br /]
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Once again Hesse got a chance to contemplate and analyze his own self when he had to stay in a health resort, under medical advice. He was very much disturbed by the oppression of technology, and tried to arrive at a compromise between reality and ideals, technology and human race. Steppenwolf is a good example of this period. By the time he wrote Narcissus and Goldmund, those discrepancies were there, but they were not in discord. There was respect for different ideals and ways of life.
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Hesse last major work The Glass Bead Game is the culmination of his experiences. He received the Nobel Prize for it. The story of this novel, as of Siddhartha, is very simple and readable. The players play a game in which parallels had to be established between a piece of classical music and mathematical formula. Masters of The Game freely wove one into the other. But this novel has to be read and re-read several times before one can fully comprehend its meaning. As in Siddhartha, the influence of Indian thought and philosophy, especially the Bhagwad Gita and Vedas, is very much evident in The Glass Bead Game.[br /]
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Another important part of his writings are his letters. He received a flood of fan mail, and he rarely failed to answer a letter. These letters are important, as they reflect the amount of influence he had over a certain section of the public.[br /]
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To sum up, Hesse in his own words, "Of the Western philosophers, I have been influenced most by Plato, Spinoza, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche as well as the historian Jacob Burckhardt. But they did not influence me as much as Indian and, later, Chinese philosophy. I have always been on familiar and friendly terms with the fine arts, but my relationship to music has been more intimate and fruitful. It is found in most of my writings. My most characteristic books in my view are the Poems (Collected edition, Zurich 1942), The stories include Knulp (1915), Demian (1919), Siddhartha (1922), Der Steppenwolf (1927) [Steppenwolf], Narcissus and Goldmund (1930), Die Morgenlandfahrt (1932) [The Journey to the East], and Das Glasperlenspiel (1943) [Magister Ludi]."[br /]
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[b]•[/b] Every age, every culture, every custom and tradition has its own character, its own weakness and its own strength, its beauties and cruelties; it accepts certain sufferings as matters of course, puts up patiently with certain evils. Human life is reduced to real suffering, to hell, only when two ages, two cultures and religions overlap.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] What constitutes a real, live human being is more of a mystery than ever these days, and men – each one of whom is a valuable, unique experiment on the part of nature are shot down wholesale.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] The call of death is a call of love. Death can be sweet if we answer it in the affirmative, if we accept it as one of the great eternal forms of life and transformation.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is a part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] I have been convinced for a long while now that, for artists, aesthetics replaces morality.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] A writer does not want the path of the many, but obstinately only his own path; he does not want to run with the pack and adapt himself, but to reflect nature and world in his own soul, experiencing them in fresh images. He is not made for life in the collective but is a solitary king in a dream world of his own creation.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] You know quite well, deep within you, that there is only a single magic, a single power, a single salvation ----- and that is called loving. Well, then, love your suffering. Do not resist it, do not flee from it. It is your aversion that hurts, nothing else.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] Every age, every culture, every custom and tradition has its own character, its own weakness and its own strength, its beauties and cruelties; it accepts certain sufferings as matters of course, puts up patiently with certain evils. Human life is reduced to real suffering, to hell, only when two ages, two cultures and religions overlap.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] What constitutes a real, live human being is more of a mystery than ever these days, and men – each one of whom is a valuable, unique experiment on the part of nature are shot down wholesale.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] The call of death is a call of love. Death can be sweet if we answer it in the affirmative, if we accept it as one of the great eternal forms of life and transformation.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is a part of yourself. What isn’t part of ourselves doesn’t disturb us.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] I have been convinced for a long while now that, for artists, aesthetics replaces morality.[br /]
[br /]
[b]•[/b] A writer does not want the path of the many, but obstinately only his own path; he does not want to run with the pack and adapt himself, but to reflect nature and world in his own soul, experiencing them in fresh images. He is not made for life in the collective but is a solitary king in a dream world of his own creation.[br /]
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[b]•[/b] You know quite well, deep within you, that there is only a single magic, a single power, a single salvation ----- and that is called loving. Well, then, love your suffering. Do not resist it, do not flee from it. It is your aversion that hurts, nothing else.[br /]
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[b]1904 [/b]Awarded the Bauernfeld Prize.[br /]
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[b]1919 [/b]Returned Fontane Prize awarded to 'Sinclair', his pseudonym for Demian.[br /]
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[b]1926 [/b]Elected member of the Prussian Academy of Writers, from which he resigned in 1930.[br /]
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[b]1936 [/b]Awarded the Gottfried Keller Prize.[br /]
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[b]1946 [/b]Received the Frankfurt Goethe Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature.[br /]
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[b]1947 [/b]Becomes honorary Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Berne.[br /]
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[b]1950 [/b]Received Wilhelm Raabe Prize.[br /]
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[b]1955 [/b]Received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.[br /]
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[b]1904 [/b]Awarded the Bauernfeld Prize.[br /]
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[b]1919 [/b]Returned Fontane Prize awarded to 'Sinclair', his pseudonym for Demian.[br /]
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[b]1926 [/b]Elected member of the Prussian Academy of Writers, from which he resigned in 1930.[br /]
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[b]1936 [/b]Awarded the Gottfried Keller Prize.[br /]
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[b]1946 [/b]Received the Frankfurt Goethe Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature.[br /]
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[b]1947 [/b]Becomes honorary Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Berne.[br /]
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[b]1950 [/b]Received Wilhelm Raabe Prize.[br /]
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[b]1955 [/b]Received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.[br /]
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