At the end of the main part of Hermann Hesse's classic novel, The Glass Bead Game, the central character, Joseph Knecht, dies suddenly. In this article, I consider the educational significance of Hesse's portrayal of Knecht's death. This pivotal moment in the book tells readers much about the process of educational transformation. I argue that the theme of incompleteness is important in understanding Knecht's life, death, and transformation in educational terms. I also suggest that teaching allows educators to 'live on' through the lives of others and thus serves as a bridge between death and life.