34 pages • 1 hour read
Hermann HesseJourney to the East
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1956A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapter 1Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 1 Summary
to win her love” (9).
After the World War, H.H. says that there was an abundance of mystical peace societies and Bacchanalian groups, which gave some people the idea that the League was nothing but another cult. After one year of probation, H.H. recalls presenting himself “before the High Throne and given insight into the Journey to the East” (10). He was required to tell a man known as the Speaker about his desire to find Fatima. The Speaker confirmed his membership in the League.
After being admitted to the League, H.H. joins a group of 10 people—one group of many—who are making the Journey to the East: “This expedition to the East was not only mine and now; this procession of believers and disciples had always and incessantly been moving towards, the East, the Home of Light” (12). He sees that all of humanity has always been on the pilgrimage to the East, and the goal of every pilgrimage is to return Home.
On their journey, H.H.’s group avoids public transportation. They are frequently mocked by non-believers. One day there is a rumor that a giant named Agramant is being hosted in the tent of H.
