Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse - Learning From Literature

Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse is a philosophical fiction novel published in 1930.

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General Summary (No Spoilers!)

Narcissus and Goldmund begins in a medieval German monastery, where two close but contrasting friends – Narcissus, a devoted monk, and Goldmund, a passionate seeker of beauty – live and study. Narcissus represents intellect and discipline, while Goldmund embodies sensuality, creativity, and emotional freedom.

As Goldmund grows restless, he leaves the monastery to explore the world, experiencing love, loss, art, and suffering. His journey through medieval life is rich in sensual and emotional experience, a sharp counterpoint to Narcissus’s ascetic path.

The rest of the novel explores their diverging worldviews as Goldmund searches for purpose and connection beyond the monastery walls.

Background

Narcissus and Goldmund is heavily influenced by existentialist philosophy, focusing on the human search for meaning and the tension between intellect and emotion.

At its core, the novel reflects on the duality of human experience – represented by reason and logic seemingly in contrast with emotion, art, and worldly pleasure. This concept of duality is rooted in centuries-old philosophical debates about the balance between rationality and sensuality, championed by thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Carl Jung.

The novel is set in medieval Europe, a time when monastic life and religious devotion were dominant forces in society, contrasting with the rising curiosity about art, nature, and human desires. Hermann Hesse was deeply influenced by his own spiritual journey, as well as the cultural tensions between modernity and tradition in the early 20th century.

Theme

Duality of Existence

The contrasting lives of Narcissus (intellectual and ascetic) and Goldmund (sensual and artistic) illustrate the balance between mind and body

Search for Identity

Goldmund’s journey away from the monastery symbolizes his quest for self-discovery, exploring love, art, and existential meaning

Mortality and Transience

Goldmund’s experiences with loss throughout his journey emphasize the fleeting nature of life and the importance of embracing it

Review

Narcissus and Goldmund excels in its exploration of duality, effectively contrasting the lives of the two friends, who represent intellect and sensibility. This exploration invites readers to reflect on the balance between the mind and the heart, as well as deeper contemplation of profound themes such as love and mortality, aligning well with the expectations of its genre. The medieval backdrop also offers insights into historical contexts.

Personal Thoughts And Recommendations

I read Narcissus and Goldmund when I was younger and it sparked my interest in the rest of Hesse’s books. My favorite elements of the novel are the exploration of life’s meaning and the rich historical setting.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes philosophical fiction novels that focus on the search for meaning in life. For example, if you like Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse or The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, you should read Narcissus and Goldmund.

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