Ethical Views of Hesse and Aristotle

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer looks at the novel 'Steppenwolf' by Herman Hesse in order to study the beliefs of Hesse and Aristotle regarding the matters of emotion and reason. The writer discusses how Herman Hesse presents a markedly Aristotelian character that is capable of experiencing life through the activity of the soul. The writer points out however, that Hesse does not find the necessary evils in physical lust or sexual issues that are within his novel as does Aristotle.

From the Paper:

"This study discusses the book 'Steppenwolf' by Herman Hesse along the moral guidelines of emotion and reason; physical and mental perceptions of moral behaviors in modern society. In this manner, one can compare and contrast Aristotle's view on the morality of Hesse's interpretation of the duality of life. In essence, Hesse presents a dualistic conflict of emotional and mental behaviors in the human condition, which relate the confusion and morality of the modern man. The plot of Steppenwolf begins with Harry Haller being the central character that seeks to solve the dualistic problems of his life. Haller's Nephew relates an arrogant and elitist man, but Haller is really a brilliant mind that seeks to the more complex answers that life is not giving him.

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