Demian

At the beginning of this chapter, Sinclair’s narration is focused on the universal experience of entering adulthood. This narrative choice contrasts with the first two chapters, which primarily focus on anecdotes from Sinclair’s childhood, and allows Sinclair to make connections to the universal experience of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, furthering the theme of The Process of Individuation and Self-Discovery. Sinclair reflects that the “awakening of sexual feelings” propels him to continue deciphering between right and wrong (37). The introduction of “sexual feelings” causes Sinclair to observe that he lives “the double life of a child who is no longer a child” (37). This statement reflects that at this stage in the narrative, Sinclair is continuing to develop his understanding of the duality of human nature but is not yet comfortable integrating seemingly opposing forces into his sense of self: While he recognizes that adolescence encompasses qualities of both childhood and adulthood, he views himself not as both child and adult but rather as one living a “double life” who must embody childhood though not actually a child. Jungian individuation necessitates an integration of these various and often contradictory aspects of one’s self; Sinclair, on the brink of adulthood, has not yet completed this process.

Sinclair’s narrative voice speaks directly to the reader, allowing the character to establish common ground with his audience. Sinclair issues asides and direct commands to his audience, like, “Let us return to our story” (38). These moments allow Sinclair to connect with the reader directly and pull the audience into the story itself, reinforcing Sinclair’s continued connection to the Jungian concept of universal or archetypical experiences. At the same time, Sinclair’s narrative voice reflects his journey toward self-realization. As he retells his past, his tone implies that he will reach his goal of self-discovery through these influential experiences that shape and mold his identity from childhood to adulthood. Later in the chapter, the use of narrative breaks propels Sinclair’s pensive tone and allows him to work through his reflections throughout the narrative. When concluding the memory of his discussion about the duality of man with Demian, he claims that as he “re-reads these last words” he remembers another experience with Demian (51). Through this statement, Sinclair reveals that the act of writing his story provides the space to remember his past. Hesse utilizes this idea to illustrate how writing allows an individual to grapple with their thoughts as well as immortalize their past.

At the end of the chapter, Sinclair’s reflection on his confirmation class and friendship with Demian furthers his loss of innocence before heading to boarding school. The completion of his confirmation process symbolizes his formal transition to adulthood, which is reinforced in his statement that his “childhood [falls] to pieces around [him]” (53). Sinclair regards the end of his childhood as a complete transformation of his perception of the world around him, such as gardens “no longer” smelling “sweet” and woods that are “no longer tempting” (53). Through these images, Sinclair implies that his loss of innocence comes with more seriousness and less imagination. Earlier in the chapter, he notes that Demian’s influence allows him to view religious matters in “freer, more personal, playful and imaginative ways,” reflecting the theme of The Influence of Mentorship and Friendship on Personal Growth (46-47). However, after his confirmation, his serious tone indicates that he no longer regards the world so playfully. Rather, he now approaches the world more practically. As Sinclair navigates his perception of the world, he engages with his process of individuation through his conscious attempt at understanding himself and the place he desires to have in the world. This process continues to evolve and develop as he begins to gain new experiences and transform as an individual.