As much as I loved Demian,
Narcissus and Goldmund is no doubt the most beautiful book I've ever read. Every artist, poet, musician, or keeper of soft thoughts should read this book. I keep thinking about the end of Goldmund's adventures, when the universal mother, or possibly a more specific mother figure, reached in, and pulled out Goldmund's heart. Does anyone have any specific insight as to the significance here?

Also, when Narcissus referred to his moments of doubt, I wonder why Hesse included that in his characterization.
As far as Goldmund is concerned, he seems to take on an agnostic or atheist character.

Where would you put Hesse in terms of Atheism, Agnosticism, Theism, or something else?

His writing is so close to Buddhism, but it isn't Buddhism. I can't classify him. What about you?

Thank you
I used to go by Kiki, but I changed my email situation

hello kiki! narcissus and goldmund is great book, i 've finished with reading it couple a days ago. i don't think Hesse's please is in some religion or something. we can see parts of many different directions, but that is only indirect way of geting to main goal which i am not yet familiar with.

I never really know what to think of the deeper meaning behind books. Fact is, i LOVE Hesse's books, and i want to get every single book by him (although i need them in dutch, since my German sucks).

Any symbolic significance? I guess it's just to live life to the fullest, taste every minute of each day. Like a true romantic writer, i guess.

x style