The Path to Understanding in Demian In "Demian" by Hermann Hesse, Emil Sinclair transforms into a self-aware man after experiencing true friendship and the purity of life. Immaturity and innocence have surrounded him since he was a child until a confidant named Max Demian sets him on the path to understanding himself. Having opened his eyes to the weakness of life, the boy realizes the true purpose of his existence. Starting life in the “realm of light,” (7) Sinclair goes through life criticized and labeled an outcast. When he tells a little lie to gain approval from his peers, internal destruction begins to occur. My condition at that time was a kind of madness. In the ordered peace of our house I lived timidly, in agony, like a ghost; I took no part in the lives of others, rarely forgetting myself for an hour at a time. To my father, who often got irritated and asked me what happened, I was completely cold. (25) Only when Demian, whose "manners and bearing were those of a prince disguised as country boys," (27) enters her life do things begin to clear up. This new guy seems to look past Sinclair's lonely and depressed exterior, straight into his soul longing for someone to confide all his secrets and desires to. Demian sees a "mark of Cain" (32) on Sinclair's forehead, signifying "a little more intellect and boldness in his appearance than people were accustomed to" (29). After many conversations, Sinclair realizes the vastness of Demian's intelligence and ability. that his magnificent mental strength can overpower anyone and anything, including the priest in the Conformation class. Demian explains to him the power of his will and the ability to control the mind through concentration. Once you figure it out... half the paper... and thoughts. After Demian has a premonition "that the collapse of the old world is indeed imminent," (160) war breaks out in Russia. Sinclair realizes that he must now separate himself from these beloved people and serve his country on the front lines of battle. Sinclair has the deepest experience during the war. After being wounded, a soldier takes him to a shelter where his wounds are bandaged and where he meets Demian, a lieutenant in battle. Lying on that bed, in that room, Sinclair talks about his life with Demian. His final thoughts include realizing his strong affinity with Demian and how true the friendship has become. He finally observes: "Sometimes, when I find the key and climb deep into myself, I only have to lean into that dark mirror to see my image, which now completely resembles him, my brother, my master." (171).