Hermann Hesse's Works In America: A Study In Acceptance And Impact

This thesis is mainly to study the impact of Hermann Hesse's works in the U.S including his important novels, poems and so on. From the viewpoint of American culture, the discourse first goes to probe the factors of "Hesse Boom" and its readers' traits; and further, reviews on Hesse from American scholars are examined, too.Besides the parts of introduction and conclusion, the whole thesis is composed of five chapters.The first chapter is based on literary history to observe the "Hesse Boom." Some contemporary famous writers who had contact with Hesse during the time are discussed in order to clarify the phenomenon.The second chapter analyzes the progress of American readers, who read Hesse's works. Because the rise of "Hesse Boom" is connected with readers' traits subtly, the influence of Hesse's works has increased constantly. Therefore, American academia starts to delve into his writings.The third chapter dissects American scholars' comments. Their study on Hesse mainly on three areas, and they are the ideal of "Heimat," his forms of arts and oriental concepts. Gradually, they have become the study points on his works.The forth chapter analyzes the misreading by American readers. Young men interpret his novels excessively. The outcome of misreading has been expanded to the whole American society. Simultaneously, the misreading also has positive sense.The fifth chapter explains the causes of "Hesse Boom" Basically, Hesse encourages people to face the crisis by their self-will. He believes that people have the magical power to face their crucial period of time in life. The thesis concludes three features in Hesse's works including his romanticism, psychological way to depict protagonists and his encouragement to readers.