A gifted student's struggle against the soul-crushing pressures of academia and conformity.
In a tranquil Black Forest village, Beneath the Wheel follows the story of Hans Giebernath, an exceptionally bright student who finds himself on a path of rigorous scholarship dictated by the expectations of his community. Burdened by endless studying and examinations, Hans's only respite comes in the form of a rebellious young poet who introduces him to a world beyond the confines of academia.
When a nervous breakdown sends him home, Hans finds solace in the beauty of nature and the promise of romance. Determined to break free from the gray conformity that threatens to suffocate his spirit, he vows never to return to the academic system that nearly crushed him.
In this poignant coming-of-age tale, Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse explores the oppressive forces of societal expectations and the importance of staying true to one's own path. Beneath the Wheel is a moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.