Open Access Journal

ISSN : 2456-1304 (Online)

International Journal of Engineering Research in Electronics and Communication Engineering(IJERECE)

Monthly Journal for Electronics and Communication Engineering

Open Access Journal

International Journal of Science Engineering and Management (IJSEM)

Monthly Journal for Science Engineering and Management

ISSN : 2456-1304 (Online)

The Exoteric and Esoteric Elements in Hermann Hesse‟s Narcissus and Goldmund-An Existential and Psycho- Analytical Study

Author : DR Anmol 1

Date of Publication :21st March 2018

Abstract: Narcissus and Goldmund depicts the anatomy of the hermit and the hedonist, as well the Apollonian and the Dionysian divergent forces which are clearly divulged in the characters of Narcissus and Goldmund. Narcissus symbolizes the exalted and the inherent spiritual streak in man. On the other hand, young untested Goldmund represents the force of ‘libido’ or ‘sex instinct’. After the death of his mother Goldmund is sent to Mariabronn, a monastery to become a pastor under the tutorship of Narcissus. Narcissus loves Goldmund and knows that it is not easy for Goldmund to be a pastor without having the knowledge of mundane pleasures, realities and experiences. Therefore Narcissus allows him to venture out in the world to seek the pleasure of flesh and mind which are essential for knowledge and maturity. Goldmund who wanders through medieval Germany seeking worldly experiences and sensual pleasures comes in contact with many young charming women like Lise, Lydia and Julie. He is loved by them, soaked by them and left by them. Day by day the gruesome reality of the outer world becomes clear to him. Goldmund even becomes a murderer; he murders Victor when Victor tries to steal his gold coin. After having the knowledge of sensual world and aesthetic world Goldmund undergoes the process of individuation and realizes the reality of secular world. After becoming enriched in worldly knowledge and experience Goldmund returns to the monastery to lead a life of acolyte

Reference :

    1. Oskar Seidlin, Hermann Hesse: The Exorcism of the Demon. Ed. Ziolkowski. (Carolina: University of North Carolina Press, 1961) 51-70.
    2. Carl Gustav Jung, Modern Man in Search of Soul (New York: Mariner Books, 1955) 124.
    3.  Mara in Buddhism, is the demon that tempted Gautama Buddha by trying to seduce him with the vision of beautiful women who, in various legends, are often said to be Mara's daughters. In Buddhist cosmology, Mara personifies unwholesome impulses, unskillfulness, the "death" of the spiritual life. He is a tempter, distracting humans from practicing the spiritual life by making mundane things alluring, or the negative seem positive. See: Bhikkhu Bodhi, (trans.) (2000). „The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya‟ (Boston: Wisdom Pubs.) ISBN 0-86171-331-1, p.nag.
    4. Kama means desire, wish, longing in Indian literature. Kama often connotes sexual desire and longing in contemporary literature, but the concept more broadly refers to any desire, wish, passion, longing, pleasure of the senses, the aesthetic enjoyment of life, affection, or love, with or without sexual connotations. See: Williams Monier, Sanskrit English Dictionary, 271.
    5. Sigmund Freud, Beyond the Pleasure Principle (translated by James Stvachey; Standard Edition, XVIII; London: The Hogarth Press, 1955). Set also Karl Menninger, Love against Hate, 262.
    6. Erich Neumann, The Great Mother, (Princeton University Press; 2 Reprint edition (July 1, 1972) 64-65.

Recent Article