Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

The home the Hesse's rented in Ostermondigen was located on an estate. Hesse began working on a new novel, Rosshalde. This book is a reflection of the lives the Hesse's had in 1912-13. Both Hesse's continued to experience their bouts of depression in Bern. Hermann continued his frequent journeys to Italy and his summer was spent with lectures, writing, children and visitors. When he was home, he stayed by himself in his study.

World War I began in summer of 1914. Since Hesse was a German citizen, he applied as a volunteer and was told to wait to be called. He favored a German victory over the English; even though he was anti-war, he distanced himself from the pacifist movement. Hesse assisted the German war effort by helping collect books for German prisoners. He was called for duty in September but failed...