Harry Haller And Steppenwolf: Literary Analysis

Theorizing on the motivations and personalities along with a lack of culture these characters find it to be difficult to fit into the norm that is known as reality. A close examination will be discussed about the way Mersault, the protagonist-narrator in The Stranger, and Harry Haller, the protagonist-narrator in Steppenwolf, react to their encounters that cause them to become outsiders. Using both of these texts, I will demonstrate using an in depth analysis to identify the similarities and differences between both of these characters. For starters, what exactly does it mean to be an outsider? There are many arguments but I believe the one that pertains to these two characters is someone who does not fit into society. They live among the shadows, in darkness. Always hiding because they are afraid of what possibilities are lurking that could be opportunities for them to succeed as characters. They are very negative people and want nothing more than to “stir the pot.” With that being said they want
Going through a strange period in his life “His health did not seem good. Besides his limping gait that often made the stairs fatiguing to him, he seemed to be plagued with other troubles, and he once said to me that it was years since he had had either good digestion or sound sleep.”(Preface, 24) He is faced with new addictions, sexual endeavors, and narcotics that help him see all of his characters. Along the way he meets some interesting friends, men and women, who help Harry, understand who he truly is as a person…and wolf “And so the Steppenwolf had two natures, a human and a wolfish one. [...] In him the man and the wolf did not go the same way together, but were in continual and deadly enmity.” (32-33) Instead of buying a new car like normal men would when going through a mid-life crisis, he imagines strange beings and kills a woman who taught him how to love and