Pictor's Metamorphoses And Other Fantasies (2003) - Plot & Excerpts
A breezy collection of light fantasy stories from a typically heavy-handed spiritual explorer, most of these tales feel undercooked (most likely intentionally) compared to Hesse's other works. I agree with Hesse (and many others) on the cultural significance of fairy/folk tales, but it's hard to craft short versions of them that don't feel trivial.The highlights are the quietly powerful Jesus-ish allegory "Hannes," "The Painter," "Bird" and "Two Children's Stories." I also strongly identified with the 1st of his "Nocturnal Games," as it's an anxiety dream I've had many times myself. What most of the best stories in the collection have in common is that they're strongly autobiographical. "Two Children's Stories" in particular offers fascinating insights into Hesse's personal life and thought process. "Bird" is probably the most complete story, including references to various other stories and works such as "Klingsor's Last Summer," "Pictor's Metamorphoses" and Journey to the East. This in addition to biting social satire.Another thing I liked about the collection was that it documents Hesse's development as an author since the stories are laid out in chronological order, some of them from even before adulthood. His evolution is interesting to avowed fans such as myself.Overall I would recommend this collection only to Hesse enthusiasts. A better, more polished collection of stories, some of them fantastical too, would be Strange News from Another Star (see my review), which is where I would start if you're interested in Hesse's short works.Cross-posted at Not Bad Reviews.
Inspired and influenced by classical German folktales, Hermann Hesse creates a world of child-like fantasy. Some of these stories borrow directly from these folk classics, which Hesse read much of as a child. Many of these stories are allegorical in nature and not easy to fully understand in one reading. However, each one has a moral of universal appeal to share.One story that impresses is Hannes; it is a story of two brothers, born from different mothers. The younger leaves home in search of labor, and the older remains behind to work for the father, who favors him above the younger. These two brothers can not be any more different and are modeled after Cain and Abel.Another impressive story is King Yu. This story, as one can imagine, takes place in the Far East - China. This story seems to be a reworking of The Boy Who Cried Wolf; the queen can be substituted for the boy. One element is that of blind love: the king in this tale, King Yu, is quite taken by the queen and does anything to please or placate her, and as a result sees the downfall of an entire kingdom.These are two of the nine-teen short tales in this collection, Pictor's Metamorphoses. We can gain a better appreciation of Hesse from contemplating these enduring tales of beauty and wisdom.
What do You think about Pictor's Metamorphoses And Other Fantasies (2003)?
I was surprisingly non-plussed by most of these stories. Even the titular tale, Pictor's Metamorphoses seemed unremarkable. There are a few great bits in here, however. "Hannes" is the tale of a man who was always thought to be mentally handicapped and is therefore ridiculed to the point that he prefers the company of animals. Thus he retains his capacity to interact directly with the animate earth - not just with the sheep and cows he tends, but with the clouds, the rivers, the rocks. Not to give anything away, the townspeople come to learn before long that his lifestyle has lent him an unusually peace and kindness, and he is thus able to help them overcome personal strife.The Wicker Chair story is also cute and quite nice.
—Adam
Hesse fans will enjoy these short stories, fables, and indeed, fantasies that non-Hesse fans will find either hard to understand or too whimsical to bother trying. The hardcover edition (maybe the paperback too?) includes the original transcript of Pictor's Metamorphoses as penned by Mr. Hesse when he was very young. It also includes some incredible art work created by the author. I found the first story in the book (which is not the title story) interesting to read but obscure in its meaning. The prose is, in places, wonderful but the story meanders so much that its ambiguity becomes tedious after a while. The other stories are more easily digested. And again, Hesse fans will savor the psychological playfullness that Hesse does so well.This book is no Siddhartha, Demian or, my personal favorite, Steppenwolf. For one thing, it is a collection of short stories, not a novel, and thus cannot, by limitation in length, delve into the deep and often dark abyss of the human psyche as Hesse does in his novels. However, Hesse fans will definitely want to add this book to their collection.
—Pamela
