Ongoing Narration in the Works of Hermann Hesse: The Trace of the Nature, You, and Departure Fantasm
摘要
This chapter analyzes the technique of ongoing narration—in the sense of E.E. Boesch. Ongoing narration refers to the continuation of certain narrative threads beyond individual works, aiming to ease certain conflict lines. It is emphasized that ongoing narration should not only focus on the autobiographical perspective of the author but also holistically include the social overdetermination of the author, such as incorporating various thought styles and worldviews into the analysis of ongoing narration. With this objective, three fantasms in Hermann Hesse’s major works are selected (Nature, You, and Departure Fantasms), through which the development of the fantasms is traced and analyzed in Hesse’s Peter Camenzind, Siddhartha, and Narcissus und Goldmund. This analysis reveals certain developmental laws in Hesse’s complete works, which lead to an interesting life philosophy of the author, whose appeal to readers becomes evident.