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Life, Death and Transformation: Education and Incompleteness in Hermann Hesse's 'The Glass Bead Game'

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Life, Death and Transformation: Education and Incompleteness in Hermann Hesse's 'The Glass Bead Game'
Language: English
Authors: Roberts, Peter
Source: Canadian Journal of Education. 2008 31(3):667-696.
Availability: Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE). 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: csse-scee@csse.ca; Web site: http://www.csse.ca/CJE/General.htm
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2008
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Literature, Novels, Philosophy, Transformative Learning, Death, Hermeneutics, Role of Education, Power Structure
ISSN: 0380-2361
Abstract: At the end of the main part of Hermann Hesse's classic novel, "The Glass Bead Game," the central character, Joseph Knecht, dies suddenly. In this article, I consider the educational significance of Hesse's portrayal of Knecht's death. This pivotal moment in the book tells readers much about the process of educational transformation. I argue that the theme of incompleteness is important in understanding Knecht's life, death, and transformation in educational terms. I also suggest that teaching allows educators to "live on" through the lives of others and thus serves as a bridge between death and life. (Contains 11 notes.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 36
Entry Date: 2008
Access URL: https://csse.ca/CJE/Articles/CJE31-3.html
Accession Number: EJ809265
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:At the end of the main part of Hermann Hesse's classic novel, "The Glass Bead Game," the central character, Joseph Knecht, dies suddenly. In this article, I consider the educational significance of Hesse's portrayal of Knecht's death. This pivotal moment in the book tells readers much about the process of educational transformation. I argue that the theme of incompleteness is important in understanding Knecht's life, death, and transformation in educational terms. I also suggest that teaching allows educators to "live on" through the lives of others and thus serves as a bridge between death and life. (Contains 11 notes.)
ISSN:0380-2361