Steppenwolf Madness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Preface if applicable, Paragraph)

Quote #7

TONIGHT AT THE MAGIC THEATER 

FOR MADMEN ONLY 

PRICE OF ADMITTANCE YOUR MIND. (459)

Well, that's convenient. If Harry isn't mad enough to get into the theater he will be by the time he pays the admission fee. But actually, the fee isn't about literally losing your mind. The admission is opening up your mind so that the Theater can exist within it.

Quote #8

"Brother Harry, I invite you to a little entertainment. For madmen only, and one price only—your mind. Are you ready?" (483)

Pablo is sort of a puppet master in this scene, asking Harry to give him his mind in order to experience the Magic Theater. Why do you think it's necessary for him to lose his mind?

Quote #9

"Just as madness, in a higher sense, is the beginning of all wisdom, so is schizomania the beginning of all art and all fantasy." (597)

How Romantic! No, not Valentine's romantic, but the Romantic literary movement, which equates insanity with creativity. The chess player seems to be telling Harry that his insanity isn't something to fight with, but actually something that gives him a different, unique perspective on the world.