Knulp Author:Hermann Hesse Three tales from the Life of Knulp, translated by Ralph Manheim. By the author of Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, Damien, and Journey to the East. — Knulp is an amiable vagabond who wanders from town to town, staying with friends who feed and shelter him. Consistently reefusing to tie himself down to any trade, place, or person, he even deserts the co... more »mpanion who might be considered Hermann Hesse himself the summer they go tramping together.
Knulp's exile is blissful, gentle, self-absorbed. But hidden beneath the light surface of these tales is the conscience of an artist who suspect that his liberation is worthless, even immoral. As he lies dying in a snowstorm, Knulp has an interview with God in which he reproaches himself for his wasted life. But it is revealed to Knulp that the whole purpose of his life has been to bring a little homesickness for freedom into the lives of ordinary men.« less