The quest theme is important in Steppenvolf as it is in other Hermann Hesse novels, but the tone of the search here is darker. As the book opens, Haller is fortyeight years old, out of work, and at odds with his wife. He is a social outcast and he is suicidal—he has resolved to kill himself when he turns fifty. An important parallel with Siddhartha becomes evident as Harry immerses himself in "real life," the life of "ordinary people." In doing so, he quarrels with Erica, his estranged spouse, and with a professor and his wife when they invite him to dinner because Harry has written an article in which he blames Germany for the great war of 1914-1918.
Haller eventually discovers the Magic Theatre and the influential characters—the musician Pablo and the prostitute Hermine,.....
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