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Novelist · Poet · Writer
A German-speaking writer known for ``Demian'' and ``Siddhartha.'' It depicts an individual's inner life, religious exploration, and discomfort with modern civilization. It is important when considering 20th century literature and spiritual culture.
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Birth
Montagnola
Residence
Demian
1919
Book
Siddhartha
1922
Book
Map: Natural Earth (PD)
Born into a pietistic family in southern Germany, he turned to literature as a result of his opposition to seminary life and his experience working in a bookstore. Later, he lived in Switzerland, where he created works depicting his mental crisis after World War I.
He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946 for his works such as ``Under the Wheel,'' ``Demian,'' ``Siddhartha,'' and ``The Glass Bead Game.'' His interest in Eastern thought and psychology was also reflected in his works.
Hesse's work was also reevaluated in youth culture in the 1960s. This is because readers tired of the system and war read it as a story of seeking inner freedom.
When we study Hesse, we understand that 20th century literature expressed the times not only through political events, but also through personal anxieties, religious exploration, and criticism of civilization. It provides clues to read the inner lives of modern people. It will also be easier to understand how it will be accepted by the post-war generation.
