Harry Haller is Steppenwolf -- a wolf of the steps. He is a loner who resists joining the accepted mores of the day. "There was never a man with a deeper and more passionate craving for independence than he." [But in the midst of his freedom he had attained Harry suddenly became aware that his freedom was a death and he stood alone.]
One day Harry receives an invitation to The Magic Theater that changes his life: FOR MADMEN ONLY, PRICE OF ADMITTANCE YOUR MIND. NOT FOR EVERYBODY.
Narcissus and Goldmund is the story of two medieval men, "one quietly content with his religion and monastic life, the other in fervent search of more worldly salvation. The conflict between flesh and spirit, between emotional and contemplative man was a life study for Hesse."
This story takes place in the future in an institution called Castalia where the main function of the day is to exercise the mind in The Glass Bead Game. The Glass Bead Game is a fictional game that is a synthesis of all the disciplines in the world including music, art, philosophy, mathematics, literature, language etc.
Joseph Knecht becomes the master of the game and reaches a turning point in his life when he is no longer intellectually or emotionally challenged. He begins to question the mundane purpose of his lifestyle and decides he must leave the Order of Castalia and go out into the world to experience first hand the sensuous experiences that he long ago relinquished, yet still longed for. Unequipped for the emotional challenges that arise Joseph Knecht drowns his first day out in the world.