The philosophical fragments in Hermann Hesse's literary works

Date of Publication

1992

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Subject Categories

Philosophy

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Philosophy

Thesis Adviser

Dr. Claro R. Ceniza

Defense Panel Chair

Gansham T. Mansukhani

Defense Panel Member

Dr. Gary Castro
Dr. Florentino Timbreza

Abstract/Summary

This paper studies and unravels the philosophical fragments, particularly the existential ideas, in Hermann Hesse's literary writings by integrating the analyses done by other writers and by hermeneutic approach. Here, the reader finds the themes of existentialism recurring in ten of Hesse's novels. From Peter Camenzind to The Glass Bead Game, Hermann Hesse has mirrored the battle for individuality that tends to drown in collectivity and a false sense of security, its accompanying angst, suffering, despair, etc. In these novels, Hesse has wonderfully portrayed the tension and the dilemma between death and existential rebirth.Hans Giebenrath (Beneath the Wheel) suffered the misfortune of not surviving his existential expedition. Harry Haller (Steppenwolf) failed but was willing to open again hell's gate into his inner self. Kuhn (Gertrude), Demian (Demian), Siddhartha (Siddhartha) had thought of using the scythe of death with their own hands but had managed to pull through the existential predicament. Hesse's novels, however, do not only contain great philosophical and existential insights. They contain something which a reader will never find in philosophical treatises, namely, the experience of being accompanied and ushered into a world which marvelously mirrors one's own.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG02210

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

134 leaves

Keywords

Hesse; Hermann -- Criticism and interpretation; Existentialism in literature; Philosophy in literature; Philosophical literature

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