Demian by Herman Hesse? Any experts?

Question

Because I need to compare a main character in this book to a historical person. I can't think of anyone. It needs to be a 2 pg essay. Can someone give me a person and a reason or two?

Answer 1

I would pick someone in history that you are familiar with.  Like Emil, it should be someone who learned to think in an unconventional way and spent his or her life becoming self aware and learning about life through mentors.  Buddha (Siddartha Guatama) is one possibility.  Hesse wrote a book on him called Siddartha.   Also, I've read that Demian is semi-autobiographical, so you could possibly use Hesse if you think that your teacher would consider him historical.  Google Demian and see if you get any ideas.  Good luck!