A search between the self and the other from Herman Hesse's The Steppenwolf

Abstract

Introduction: Through the concept of otherness, a key concept in literature and philosophy, ‘The Steppenwolf’ explores the complexities of identity and alienation in its protagonist, Harry Haller, drawing on the theories of Emmanuel Lévinas and Paul Ricoeur. Methodology: Contemporary literary and philosophical theories, especially those of Ricoeur and Lévinas, were applied, focusing on the ‘self - other’ dichotomy. The analysis detailed Haller's interactions with other characters and his internal reflections. Results: Haller experiences a continuous fragmentation of his identity, seeing himself as an entity composed of multiple selves. This fragmentation is reflected in his interactions with other characters, who act as mirrors of his internal otherness. Discussion: Otherness in Haller is understood through his constant introspection and his identification as half-man, half-wolf. This internal conflict symbolises his struggle to reconcile his primitive impulses with his cultural aspirations, reflecting an essential duality in his identity. Conclusions: ‘The Steppenwolf’ not only exposes the complexity of individual identity, but also raises otherness as central to the understanding of the self. The work invites reflection on the internal struggle between the primitive and the cultural, relevant to the exploration of identity in modern literature.