Chapter 4 Summary

Sinclair is indifferent as he enters boarding school, finding it surprisingly easy to leave his family. He blames Demian for his lack of feeling and alternately longs to see him. He doesn't think he likes the man he is becoming, and he feels unworthy of anyone's love.

Sinclair meets Alfons Beck, the oldest boy in the boarding house, who takes him out for his first glass of wine. Sinclair opens up and enjoys talking for the first time in ages. In turn, Beck tells him about his exploits with girls and women. Sinclair enjoys himself thoroughly, but castigates himself the following day for his hangover and the revulsion he feels for his behavior. He feels further separated from his family. He continues this pattern of affirming his place in "the world of darkness" then suffering bouts of recrimination, loneliness and longing for love...