![]() ![]() This realization and further thoughts of Demian's conversation form the awakening of Emil's critical mind and his departure from a blind acceptance which is often said to be characteristic of childhood. Reflecting back on the time when he was chastised by his father for his muddy boots and his secret feelings of superiority, Emil recognizes his feelings as identifiable with Demian's interpretation of Cain. Though Emil is disconcerted with the ideas stated by Demian, he is nevertheless pleased by Demian's manner and his aura of self-confidence manifested in his voice and especially through his eyes. This, however, is not so and will be discussed later.ĭemian's discussion of Cain greatly upsets Sinclair since it undercuts the pillar of his fundamental religious beliefs which he has never before questioned. In fact, Demian seems to be an enigmatic character because his structural aspect in the story, which is decidedly religious, and his functional aspect, which is Nietzschean, seems to clash. The concept of the superiority of certain individuals, which Max has applied to the story of Cain, emphasizes the profound influence of the early existential philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche upon Hesse. The term is frequently used in the writings of Carl Gustav Jung, whose influence on Hesse has already been mentioned. Ancient philosophers believed that each person had two daemons - one good and one evil. Among ancient peoples, a daemon was a spirit presiding over persons, places, and secret intentions. Demian is a name which came to Hesse in a dream and can be linked to his function in the novel as Sinclair's daemon. "Max" could well be a shortened form of "maximus," meaning superlative. Demian's full name - Max Demian - provides insight into his character. It is obvious in this discussion that the essence of Demian's commentary about Cain can also be applied to Demian himself. In short, Demian's view of Cain emphasizes his nobility. Demian believes that Cain is guilty of murder, but does not pass a moral judgment against his action. Rather than admit their own inferiority, these people invent stories about Cain and his people. Because Cain is "different," people are in awe of him and are suspicious and afraid of him. Sensing that the awarding of a special mark for an act of cowardice, a mark that protects Cain and puts the fear of God into others, is somewhat illogical, Demian states that Cain is a different and superior human being. Demian provides his own interpretation of Cain and his mark. Demian identifies the carving as a sparrow hawk, thus establishing the central symbol of the story.ĭemian also makes reference to a lesson which his class has shared with Sinclair's, the subject of which was the story of Cain and Abel. ![]() Emil himself is vaguely aware of its existence although he has never really looked at it. Demian makes a reference to a weathered escutcheon above the doorway of the Sinclair residence. While walking home from school one day, Sinclair is joined by Demian, who engages the reluctant younger boy in conversation. Though not popular, Demian is respected by the students because of his great self-assurance, especially toward his teachers. The unexplained aura about him isolates him from the other students. He is different from everyone else of Emil's acquaintance. The key word here is "salvation." A new student, Max Demian, who is several years older than Sinclair, has enrolled at the Latin school. At the beginning of the second chapter, Emil informs the reader that his "salvation" came from an entirely unexpected source. ![]()
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