Demian

Although Sinclair did not learn about Abraxas like he hoped to from Pistorius, he does recognize that his new friend is important to his self-discovery journey. Pistorius listens to Sinclair when he divulges his observations of the world, and Sinclair learns about ancient mysteries and mysticism from Pistorius. They also discuss their dreams. Pistorius claims that he most desires to become a priest. When Sinclair tells him that he could have become a pastor due to his schooling, Pistorius says that Christ is a “mythical hero” for him and “not a person” (90).

Sinclair meets a fellow student, Knauer, who has similar interests. Sinclair reveals that he ‘just [lives] in his dreams” that are unlike the dreams of other people (93). They discuss Knauer’s abstinence, and Sinclair dismisses his classmate’s desire to stay “pure” from sexual thoughts and activities. He tells Knauer that he must simply “reflect” on himself and “do what truly comes from [his] nature” (95). Later, Sinclair leaves his room after he paints another woman who resembles him and dreams of his past. On his walk, he discovers Knauer contemplating dying by suicide. The two become friends, but they eventually lose contact with each other.