Men turn into women who turn into men. The protagonist's friend turns into Mozart and back into his plain ol' friend. Doors appear and disappear into the night. Steppenwolf is full of magical transformations, which show the protagonist and the reader that things aren't always as they seem… and show us the power of our own mind to transform situations.
Questions About Transformation
- Why do people look familiar, then look different, to Harry all the time? Is it part of his madness or are they somehow messing with his mind?
- Why do you think Pablo is the one who can change into so many characters in the magic theater?
- Which is the most interesting transformation in the novel? Why?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Hermine is actually part of Harry's imagination; that's why she looks like Herman and takes whatever name Harry gives her.
Harry transforms from an isolated Steppenwolf into an infinite number of identities.