Narziss and Goldmund

Hermann Hesse

The conflict between flesh and spirit, between emotional and contemplative man.

First published in German in 1930, Narziss and Goldmund was considered to be the German Swiss author Hermann Hesse's literary triumph.

Having left the Catholic monastery school in search of what could be described as "the meaning of [his] life", Goldmund wanders aimlessly throughout Medieval Germany.

A gifted young teacher at a cloister school, Narziss, befriends the naturally bright Goldmund as their mutual friendship blossoms.

Seduced by a beautiful woman, Goldmund leaves the monastery to sensuously further seek more of life's earthly pleasures.

Among the main themes of this title is that of the wanderer's struggle to find himself.

The struggles the pair encounter in understanding each other, and of Goldmund's encounters in making sense of the world, help us to better understand these two sides of our own character and of friendship that knows no bounds. Can one ultimately find the beauty of truth, and the truth of beauty.

Stuart's recommended Reading:

author: "Hermann Hesse"

title: "Narziss and Goldmund"