Demian

In the first chapter of the novel, Sinclair introduces his internal conflict between the two worlds of lightness and darkness, which propels his self-discovery journey. Viewing his family through a religious lens, Sinclair likens them to holy figures. Sinclair argues that the world of lightness is “the parental home” (3), revealing that his interpretation of good resides within the domestic sphere. He believes that “to be clear and pure, beautiful and harmonious” (3), he must adhere to a religious and pious way of life and cannot touch the world of darkness. This viewpoint forces upon Sinclair distinct, unwavering portrayals of right and wrong. His emphasis on these juxtaposing worlds illustrates his belief that an individual is wholly good or bad and that darkness and lightness cannot exist together. His introduction to the world of darkness forces him to engage with what Jungian psychology calls “the shadow,” or what his conscious mind considers negative though his unconscious mind may not. Sinclair begins to engage with his shadow after he decides to lie to Kromer, thereby experiencing the world of darkness for the first time. Sinclair’s observation about the closeness of these two worlds illustrates a developing belief that he could easily be swayed to the world of darkness if he is not careful; this indicates his curiosity about the world and his desire to explore different ways of life outside his home, introducing the theme of The Process of Individuation and Self-Discovery.

Throughout this chapter, Sinclair’s actions reflect his naïveté and innocence. Though his decision to lie about stealing apples is immoral under his nascent moral framework, his desire to make friends in his neighborhood is the driving force behind the lie. He believes Kromer and the other neighborhood boys “would abandon [him] without a second thought” because he is a student at the Latin school and has a “well-to-do father” (7). His lie, which comes from his desire for friendship and comradery, illustrates an influential experience that will ultimately go on to shape his identity, adhering to Nietzschean philosophy. The reasoning for his lie also illustrates his community’s economic disparities, even if Sinclair does not recognize them himself in the moment. Kromer appears to come from a family of a lower economic class and attends public school, so Sinclair believes his story of “schoolboy heroics and pranks” will appeal to Kromer (7). However, this creates conflict within the narrative as Sinclair’s lie propels the tension between his character and Kromer.

The impact of this lie on Sinclair’s life illustrates the beginning of the coming-of-age narrative arc. By beginning with this story, the narrative posits this moment as the beginning of Sinclair’s journey to adulthood and new perspective on the world. Having formerly believed that his family exists in a world of lightness and morality that he must also uphold, Sinclair’s view shifts when he realizes that his father cannot tell that Sinclair lied to Kromer and the other boys. This realization causes Sinclair to develop a feeling of superiority over his father, thus altering the balance of power within the son and father relationship. Sinclair believes that this new power balance creates “the most lasting effects” of the entire experience because the “sacred inviolability of [his] father [is] torn for the first time” (13). In other words, Sinclair’s realization forces him to confront his father’s fallibility, challenging the Jungian archetype of the father as a wise authority figure. Sinclair’s lie introduces him to the world of darkness, and his father’s lack of knowledge about this lie shows Sinclair that he can form an identity outside of his parent’s control or influence.