Demian Essay

Cindy McKinstry

Johnson, 3

Adv English ¾

11/2/6

Within Him

        Just because a character is the narrator of a book, does not mean they play the most significant role in the novel. Not all narrators have to even be involved in the plot. In the book Demian, by Hermann Hesse, the narrator is not the most important character. The character to be recognized is Demian. Demian not only played an important role when he stood up for Sinclair, but has helped guide him through obstacles and transforms him into a knowledgeable man.

        Demian put Sinclair at ease when Kromer blackmailed him. Kromer stopped after Demian had a “chat” with him about what Kromer was putting Sinclair through. This is a significant part in the novel considering at this point, Sinclair knew he could trust Demian and the reader knew that Demian was on Sinclairs side. The reader now knows this will be an important aspect of the book. Even though Sinclair had a weird feeling about Demian, not knowing what Demian had said to Kromer, he let it slide and didn’t pay too much attention to the idea of Demian possibly threatening Kromer. Not only through this incident, but throughout the book, Demian helps Sinclair enter both the light and dark realm of the world. He tells Sinclair that he “won’t succeed (and that) no one succeeds in this once (they have) begun to think” (43). He let Sinclair know that he knew what he was thinking and had a connection to him. Demian acted as Sinclair’s psychanalyst and foreshadowed his future development. Demian was right in that Sinclair becomes unable to continue his desire to break out of the holy world.

What causes Demian to stand out in this novel is that he is unlike any other character. He connects with Sinclair on a certain level that nobody else can in the book. He explains how if Sinclair ever needed him that he “won’t come crudely by train or horseback” (67). Sinclair needs Demian’s guidance and Demian had to make it clear that he was “within (him)” (67). This shows closure between their relationship and proved that Sinclair can have comfort knowing Demian will always be there. By Demian saying this, he is letting Sinclair know that he is ready to face the world on his own now. Demian is connected to Sinclair in certain ways that no other person might be able to understand. Sinclair being the narrator, the reader is aware of all of his thoughts and feelings which also helps us understand the relationship of the two characters.