What inspired Hermann Hesse to explore themes of alienation and spirituality in this novella?
Around the Web·last month


Reader discussion is open now. This is a community discussion.
What inspired Hermann Hesse to explore themes of alienation and spirituality in this novella?
Did anyone else feel a deep sense of melancholy while reading this? Is that the intended mood?
How do you think the fantastical elements serve the overall message of the story?