Joanna answers “Question to the people who read this, like...”

Leah Stein asked this question about Demian:

Question to the people who read this, like myself: Did you also find strong homosexual undertones? I found Sinclair infatuation and longing to Demian to not be necessarily worshiping, but a falling in love of sorts... And the book progresses, to the last moment, I read it as half a coming-out story. What do you think?

Joanna I agree, the way Demian is described to have female-features, and Beatrice and Eve - the only other women Sinclair has an interest in - are described …moreI agree, the way Demian is described to have female-features, and Beatrice and Eve - the only other women Sinclair has an interest in - are described as masculine and boyish. Also, when he talks about taboos, he mentions how in ancient Greece, things that were commonly accepted are now viewed as being taboo, and the perception of things constantly changes. In ancient Greece it was perceived normal for boys to have sexual relationships, even Homer accounts for that in the Iliad. And I really do believe Eve was made up in order to cover for the relation between Sinclair and Demian, I mean the book itself is named after Demian, and he ends up submerging with Demian after their kiss. and after that he finally reaches self-realization. No one can convince me, that their relationship is simply symbolic.
It was from a time, where it was illegal to be homosexual in germany, so i sadly think the times influenced Hesse’s decision to make their relationship more apparent, nevertheless i believe that was the true meaning behind their relationship (less)

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