explores the pressures of the German education system and the resulting downfall of the individual. The protagonist, Hans Giebenrath, is a highly talented boy whose academic abilities earn him great expectations from his village and school. However, these expectations and the demands of the education system place a heavy burden on Hans, gradually breaking him down.
The main themes of the novel are the pressure of education and the suppression of individual freedom. Hans suppresses his emotions, freedom, and creativity to focus solely on academic success, but this leads to both physical and mental exhaustion. Ultimately, he is crushed under the "rad" of the educational system, losing his sense of self and meeting a tragic end.
critiques how the strict German education system and societal expectations can stifle personal growth and freedom. Hesse presents a deep reflection on the external factors that hinder personal development and emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's self-identity.

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