Learning From Literature

Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse

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 opens in a medieval monastery in Germany, where the main characters and good friends, Narcissus and Goldmund, are introduced. Narcissus is a disciplined monk and scholar, deeply committed to his intellectual and spiritual pursuits, while Goldmund is a free-spirited, artistic young man who embodies the pursuit of beauty and sensual experiences. Their contrasting personalities represent two different ways of approaching life: the intellect versus the senses.

As Goldmund grows restless in the confines of the monastery, he decides to leave and embark on a journey to discover himself and the world outside. He travels through the medieval landscape, experiencing love, art, and the beauty of life, which leads him into various romantic entanglements. Goldmund’s adventures contrast sharply with Narcissus’s disciplined life, as he grapples with themes of mortality, identity, and the nature of existence.

The rest of the novel follows Goldmund’s continued search for meaning and fulfillment as he navigates the joys and sorrows of life.

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Background

Narcissus and Goldmund is heavily influenced by existentialist philosophy, which explores the search for meaning in life and the nature of human existence. 

At its core, the novel reflects on the duality of human experience – represented by reason and logic in seeming 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. 

The medieval setting allows Hesse to explore these ideas through the lives of two characters who embody the seemingly opposing aspects of the human experience: the mind and the heart.

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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