Siddhartha – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
What is the genre of Siddhartha?
answer
Fiction
question
What is the setting of Siddhartha?
answer
Ancient India
question
What is the date of Siddhartha?
answer
Approximately 500 BC (circa founding of Buddhism)
question
What is the theme of Siddhartha?
answer
Self-discovery and knowledge; spiritual quest
question
What is the Point-of-view of Siddhartha?
answer
Third-person omniscient
question
What is the conflict of Siddhartha?
answer
Person vs. self (internal), person vs. society (external)
question
Siddhartha
answer
Main character, a man looking to achieve spiritual enlightenment, Govinda's best friend, Kamala's lover
question
Govinda
answer
Siddhartha's best friend, goes to follow the Buddha
question
Brahmins
answer
The caste of priests, Siddhartha's father is a Brahmin
question
Samanas
answer
A group of men who live in the woods, barely clothed and empty themselves to achieve enlightenment
question
Siddhartha Gotama
answer
Siddhartha's son with Kamala who wants to live in the material world
question
Kamala
answer
Siddhartha's lover who goes to follow the Buddha
question
Kamaswami
answer
The stressed merchant that Siddhartha works for when he lives in the city
question
Vasudeva
answer
The ferryman that Siddhartha works with and becomes close friends with
question
The action of the novel moves chronologically and follows Siddhartha on what?
answer
His journey through all stages of life - from childhood to adulthood
question
What do Chapters 1-2 (The Brahmin's Son and With the Samanas) have to do with?
answer
Spiritual Innocence
question
What do Chapters 3-4 (Gotama and Awakening) have to do with?
answer
Spiritual Awakening
question
What part of Siddhartha's life do Chapters 1-4 correspond with?
answer
Preparation for Life and First 20 years
question
What do Chapters 5-6 (Kamala and Amongst the People) have to do with?
answer
Sensual Existence
question
What do Chapters 7-8 (Samsara and By the River) have to do with?
answer
Material World
question
What part of Siddhartha's life do Chapters 5-8 correspond with?
answer
Experiencing Life and Material World
question
What do Chapters 9-10 (The Ferryman and The Son) have to do with?
answer
Spiritual Quest
question
What do Chapters 11-12 (Om and Govinda) have to do with?
answer
Redemption
question
What part of Siddhartha's life do Chapters 9-12 correspond with?
answer
Adulthood and Spiritual World
question
Identify Siddhartha and Govinda and discuss their friendship. How are they alike and different? Do you have an important friendship? How would it compare to that relationship described in the novel.
answer
Siddhartha and Govinda are close friends with Siddhartha being the leader of their friendship. They both grew up in Brahmin families. Govinda is happy in his life right now while Siddhartha isn't. Yes, I have an important friendship. It is similar because my friends come from similar backgrounds as I do yet we all think differently on certain things.
question
Describe the quality of life that Siddhartha leads. Identify his family, friends, religious experience and training.
answer
Siddhartha leads a nice life. Siddhartha comes from a good Brahmin family, he has good friends (especially Govinda), has a good religious experience and training.
question
Why is Siddhartha disillusioned with performing the ritual of ablution? What does he fear if he stays at home and continues with his father's religion?
answer
Siddhartha is disillusioned with performing the ritual of ablution because it doesn't bring him joy. Siddhartha fears that if he stays at home and continues with his father's religion, he will not have joy.
question
What does Siddhartha conclude about finding peace? Why does he fear that he will not find it in prescribed religious teachings?
answer
Siddhartha concludes that he has to get rid of distractions to find peace. Siddhartha fears that he will not find it in prescribed religious teachings because he does not receive joy or peace from these teachings.
question
Explain the steps in the reaction of his father to his decisions and Siddhartha's responses. What does this exchange reveal about parent and child relationships?
answer
At first, Siddhartha's father does not want Siddhartha to go but then lets Siddhartha go. This exchange reveals that parents want what is best for the child even if it is not the best for themselves.
question
How does Siddhartha divest himself of his past? What is his new goal? What new skills does he learn with the Samanas?
answer
Siddhartha divests himself of his past by getting rid of his material possessions and fasting. Siddhartha's new goal is to become empty. With the Samanas, Siddhartha learns to deny himself and get away from the Self.
question
Why does he wish to "lose the Self"?
answer
Siddhartha wishes to "lose the Self" so he can achieve enlightenment.
question
Why is Govinda called his Shadow?
answer
Govinda is called Siddhartha's Shadow because Govinda follows Siddhartha around.
question
What does Siddhartha feel are the inadequacies of the Samanas' beliefs and practices? What ideas does Govinda present to counter his doubts?
answer
Siddhartha feels that the inadequacies of the Samanas's beliefs and practices are that he is not learning anything to help him achieve enlightenment. The ideas that Govinda present to counter his doubts are that they are learning how to achieve enlightenment.
question
Discuss the description of Gotama/Buddha and his effect on his world.
answer
The description of Gotama/Buddha and his effect on his world is that he has achieved enlightenment and helps others do the same.
question
Discuss Govinda's hope and Siddhartha's skepticism regarding Gotama.
answer
Govinda is hopeful that Gotama is what everyone says he is and Siddhartha is skeptical of how great Gotama truly is.
question
Describe the Buddha's appearance and character, his speech, his manner of instructing.
answer
Gotama is a monk with a yellow robe, portrayed perfection, his voice was full of peace and perfection, and he instructed wonderfully.
question
Why do Govinda and Siddhartha part?
answer
Govinda and Siddhartha part because Govinda wants to follow the Buddha while Siddhartha does not.
question
Examine the conversation between Buddha and Siddhartha. How are their beliefs similar and different? Any similarities between this conversation and the conversation between Siddhartha and his father?
answer
Buddha and Siddhartha's beliefs are similar because they believe that you need to have a relationship with the Self but their beliefs differ because Siddhartha believes that there is a gap in Buddha's teachings. This conversation is similar to the conversation between Siddhartha and his father because the Buddha tries to convince Siddhartha of his ways but then lets Siddhartha go.
question
What is the connection between Siddhartha's loss of Govinda as his shadow and his discovery of himself?
answer
The connection between Siddhartha's loss of Govinda as his shadow and his discovery of himself is that Siddhartha realizes that he needs to focus on himself alone.
question
Examine carefully Siddhartha's statement about what he has learned. What is your reaction to his beliefs.
answer
Siddhartha says that he knows nothing about himself. My reaction to his beliefs is how can someone not know himself or herself.
question
What is the cause of his smile? His awakening? How is he changed?
answer
The cause of Siddhartha's smile is his new knowledge. The cause of Siddhartha's awakening is the knowledge he received after talking to the Buddha. Siddhartha has changed because he wants to know himself, instead of emptying himself.
question
What is the "snake in his path"? What change does this discussion lead to? Trace the changes in feeling as he goes through this process of thinking.
answer
The "snake in his path" is the fact that Siddhartha has no place to belong to. The change leads to Siddhartha's realization that he is alone. The changes in Siddhartha's thinking are that he knows he has no place, thinks of his family and friends, and then realizes that he is alone.
question
Discuss how Siddhartha views the world after his decision to leave Buddha.
answer
After Siddhartha's decision to leave Buddha, he views the world in a new light as if everything was reborn.
question
Describe Siddhartha's dream.
answer
Siddhartha's dream was that Govinda appeared to Siddhartha and when Siddhartha kissed Govinda, Govinda turned into a woman.
question
What wisdom does Siddhartha learn from the ferryman? What is symbolized by his river crossing?
answer
From the ferryman, Siddhartha learns about the wonder of the river. By Siddhartha's river crossing, new beginnings are symbolized.
question
Why does Kamala attract him? Describe his method of courtship. What does he expect to learn from Kamala? What skills and knowledge do they share with each other?
answer
Kamala attracts Siddhartha because of her beauty. The method of courtship is going to Kamala's backyard and spending time together. From Kamala, Siddhartha expects to learn more about her world. The skills and knowledge that they share with each other are their talents and what they have learned so far in their lives.
question
What changes does Siddhartha have to make to become a "man of the world"?
answer
To become a "man of the world", the changes that Siddhartha has to make are physical appearance and lifestyle.
question
Contrast Kamaswami and Siddhartha's views of business and of life in general.
answer
Kamaswami worries about the profit and what he will gain out of the business and in general, life. Meanwhile, Siddhartha focuses on the connections that he makes with others in business and in life in general.
question
Analyze the "soft, gentle inner voice" Siddhartha hears. Can you relate to this experience?
answer
The "soft, gentle inner voice" Siddhartha hears is his conscience. I can relate to this experience.
question
What meaning develops through Siddhartha's relationship of pleasure with Kamala? In what sense is Siddhartha not an "ordinary person"?
answer
Through Siddhartha's relationship of pleasure with Kamala, trust develops. In the sense that Siddhartha has a spiritual understanding Siddhartha is not an "ordinary person".
question
Discuss the comparison of Siddhartha's Samanas years and his Samsara (Kamala/Kamaswami) years that begins this chapter. What do you see as the value of each of these experience?
answer
Siddhartha's life as a Samana serves as a disconnect between him and Kamala and Kamaswami. The value of Siddhartha's life as a Samana is that he learned how to life a spiritual life. The value of Siddhartha's Samsara years is that he learns how to build relationships with others.
question
How is Siddhartha affected by the life of rich men? Do you think wealth inevitably brings the problems "of discontent, of sickliness, of displeasure, of idleness, of lovelessness"? Why does Siddhartha succumb to this life?
answer
The life of rich men affects Siddhartha because Siddhartha loses himself. Yes, I do think that wealth inevitably brings the problems of "discontent, of sickliness, of displeasure, of idleness, of lovelessness" if misused. Siddhartha succumbs to this life because of Kamala and the temptation that he faces.
question
Describe his decision with Kamala about the Buddha. What change begins to take place in Siddhartha? What are the first signs of this charge?
answer
Siddhartha's decision with Kamala about the Buddha is that how good of a life the Buddha leads. In Siddhartha, the change of his lustful ways begins to take place. The first signs of this change is that he doesn't find joy in his actions.
question
Analyze Siddhartha's dream. What does the songbird in the golden cage symbolize?
answer
Siddhartha dreams that the bird dies and gets thrown in the street. The songbird in the golden cage symbolizes Siddhartha.
question
What does Hesse mean when he writes, "Siddhartha knew that the game was finished . . ."? What decision does Siddhartha make at the end of this chapter? Why does he leave Kamala? What is her reaction?
answer
When Hesse writes, "Siddhartha knew that the game was finished...", he means that Siddhartha knows that he needs to get out of the lifestyle he has been living. At the end of this chapter, Siddhartha decides to leave the city. Siddhartha leaves Kamala because he feels that this lifestyle isn't good anymore. Kamala was not shocked by Siddhartha's decision because she knew it was coming.
question
What is signified by the fact that Siddhartha goes into the forest and eventually becomes unconscious beside a river?
answer
The significance of the fact that Siddhartha goes into the forest and eventually becomes unconscious beside a river is that he re-starts the path he took when entering the city.
question
Discuss the images Hesse uses to show that Siddhartha is overcome by sadness and guilt. What lesson from his youth rescues him from this despair?
answer
The images that Hesse uses to show that Siddhartha is overcome by sadness and guilt are that he wants to die and thinks of all the bad in his life. The "Om" which Siddhartha learned in his youth rescues him from this despair.
question
What do you think the "Om" means in this passage? Have you ever tried to do the "Om" exercise?
answer
In this passage, I think that the "Om" means peace and life. No, I have never tried to do the "Om" exercise.
question
What is signified by the long sleep that follows this crisis in Siddhartha's journey?
answer
Rebirth is signified by the long sleep that follows this crisis in Siddhartha's journey.
question
Does it seem coincidental that he is discovered by his old friend Govinda? This coincidental plot elements suggests that Govinda may actually be a symbolic figure. What might he represent? Is the meaning of the character here the same as his "shadow" role in the opening chapters?
answer
Yes, it does seem coincidental that his old friend Govinda discovers Siddhartha. Govinda may represent God. The meaning of Govinda here is the same as his "shadow" role in the opening chapters.
question
The conversation between Siddhartha and Govinda is one of the most important sections of the novel. Compare what the two friends have learned. What are their philosophies of life?
answer
Siddhartha has learned from his mistakes while Govinda has learned from the Buddha. Siddhartha's philosophy on life is that you have to learn yourself and Govinda's is that you can learn from a teacher.
question
Explain what Siddhartha has learned about his past. Examine the last three paragraphs of this chapter and try to imagine Siddhartha's feelings.
answer
From his past, Siddhartha has learned the importance of spiritual life.
question
Discuss the "wheel" of Siddhartha's life.
answer
The "wheel" of Siddhartha's life is that he thinks that he discovers the right path to enlightenment and then he falls into realizing that it is not and then the cycle restarts.
question
Explain the connections between Siddhartha's learning and his decision to remain by the river. (Look at his explanation of the meaning of the river to his new friend Vasudeva.)
answer
The connections between Siddhartha's learning and his decision to remain by the river are that the river saved him so he wants to learn by the river.
question
Explain the events that make Siddhartha think about the Gautama Buddha again and about Kamala. Why do you suppose Hesse introduces the complications of Kamala's death and his discovery of his son just when it seems that Siddhartha has reached his goal in life?
answer
The event that makes Siddhartha think about the Gautama Buddha again and about Kamala is when a snake bites Kamala. I think that Hesse introduces the complications of Kamala's death and the discovery of his son just when it seems that Siddhartha has reached his goal in life because life always throws a rock in your path when things get too good.
question
How does Kamala die? How does Siddhartha react to her death?
answer
Kamala dies by snakebite. Siddhartha is sad but is happy to have his son.
question
Is the son a symbolic figure? Is Siddhartha a good father? How does he judge his ability as a parent? What is Vasudeva's advice to Siddhartha?
answer
The son is a symbolic figure of the world trying to ruin Siddhartha's quest for enlightenment. Siddhartha is a good father. Siddhartha judges his ability as a parent by wanting to keep his son happy. Vasudeva's advice to Siddhartha is to let the son go home.
question
Why does Siddhartha follow his son when he runs away? What does he recall when he reaches the town?
answer
Siddhartha follows his son when he runs away because he doesn't want his son to leave. When Siddhartha reaches the town, he recalls when he came to the town and when he was with Kamala.
question
Are the problems between Siddhartha and his son realistically presented? Why or why not?
answer
The problems between Siddhartha and his son are realistically presented because it makes sense that the son wants to leave but Siddhartha doesn't want him to go.
question
Why do Siddhartha and Vasudeva listen to the river? What do they hear? How is Siddhartha changed by listening to the river?
answer
Siddhartha and Vasudeva listen to the river so that Siddhartha can receive healing for the loss of his son. Siddhartha and Vasudeva hear the Om. Siddhartha changes by listening to the river because he realizes that there is enlightenment.
question
What memory from his youth is evoked in him by the parallel situation of his loss of his son?
answer
Siddhartha's memory from his youth that is evoked in him by the parallel situation of his loss of his son is when Siddhartha left home to become a Samana.
question
Near the end of the chapter Siddhartha feels that he has "completely learned the art of listening." How would you describe this "art" that Siddhartha is practicing?
answer
Siddhartha feels that he has "completely learned the art of listening", I would describe this "art" that Siddhartha practices as listening completely to his surroundings.
question
What changes take place in Siddhartha and Vasudeva at the end of the chapter?
answer
At the end of the chapter, the changes that occur in Siddhartha and Vasudeva are that Siddhartha has understanding and Vasudeva leaves.
question
Why do you think Govinda is the title of this concluding chapter? Summarize the comparisons between Govinda and Siddhartha that are the focus of the chapter. Is Govinda a symbolic figure here?
answer
I think that Govinda is the title of this chapter because Siddhartha started his journey with Govinda so it makes sense that he ends it with Govinda also. Siddhartha looked for his own answers while Govinda listened to other teachers. Yes, Govinda is a symbolic figure of youth here.
question
What differences result from a lifestyle of seeking (Govinda) and a lifestyle of acceptance (Siddhartha)? Which do you think Hesse believes is preferable?
answer
Siddhartha's lifestyle has led him to the truth over many years while Govinda thinks he found it but has not achieved spiritual enlightenment. I think that Hesse believes that Siddhartha's lifestyle is preferable.
question
What has Siddhartha discovered about illusion and truth? What is the value of the spiritual vs. physical world for Siddhartha?
answer
Siddhartha has discovered that people search so hard for the truth yet it is really right in front of them. For Siddhartha, the spiritual world holds more value than the physical world.
question
How would you define the term Self as Hesse uses it in this chapter? What is its significance in the journey?
answer
I would define the term self as your inner soul. In Siddhartha's journey, it is significant because that is what Siddhartha truly searches for.
question
At the end of the novel Govinda has a vision. Describe what he sees. What do you think his vision means?
answer
At the end of the novel, Govinda has a vision of all the lifetimes of the universe. I think his vision means that Siddhartha has reached enlightenment.
question
Why is Siddhartha unhappy? Why is his spirit like a "waiting vessel"?
answer
Siddhartha has unhappiness because he "started to cultivate the seed of discontent within himself". Siddhartha compares his spirit to a "waiting vessel" because he feels that his teacher have taught him everything they know yet Siddhartha's vessel has not reached fullness.
question
Why is Govinda willing to follow him?
answer
Govinda has wiliness to follow Siddhartha because the two men have closeness with each other.
question
How are the Samanas described? From his description, how does the author feel about them?
answer
The Samanas have the description of "pilgrims and ascetics: three scraggly worn-out men who were neither old nor young, with dusty and bloody shoulders. They were nearly naked, singed by the sun, given over to loneliness, strangers and enemies of the world, and estranged, gaunt jackals in the domain of mankind. From behind them wafted a hot scent of quiet passion, of a duty that destroys, of a merciless self-effacing". From the description, the author has disdain for the Samanas.
question
How did Siddhartha convince his father? Why didn't he just go?
answer
Siddhartha convinces his father by having a conversation with him. Siddhartha does not just leave since he has respect for his father.
question
Why, do you suppose, Siddhartha's mother doesn't have more of a role in the decision?
answer
I suppose that Siddhartha's mother does not have more of a role in the decision because women did not have much of a role in society during this time.
question
How does he act when he is with the Samanas?
answer
During his time with the Samanas, Siddhartha has actions of self-denial and had pain.
question
What is his goal? What happens when he reaches that goal?
answer
Becoming empty counts as Siddhartha's goal. When Siddhartha reaches his goal of becoming empty, he desires to leave the Samanas.
question
How does Siddhartha meditate?
answer
Siddhartha meditates by "clearing of all perceptions from him senses".
question
What frustrates Siddhartha?
answer
The teachings Siddhartha has learned frustrates him.
question
Complete the quote: "I could have learned more quickly and easily ________________." Explain this.
answer
The quote continues as "Anywhere". Siddhartha believes that all the lessons that the Samanas taught him, he can figure out on his own.
question
According to Siddhartha, what can one learn? Explain this.
answer
According to Siddhartha, one can learn in their own existence because people can only learn from themselves.
question
Who is Gotama? What does the author think of him?
answer
A man "who has overcome the world's anguish within himself and has brought the Wheel of Rebirth to a standstill" named Gotama, or the Buddha, has approval and a bit of from the author.
question
What does Siddhartha do with the oldest Samana? What does that feat show?
answer
Siddhartha performs a spell on the oldest Samana that "conquered the elder's will, making the elder do what he wanted". This feat shows that Siddhartha has learned something from the Samanas.
question
How is Gotama different from the Samanas?
answer
Gotama differs from the Samanas because Gotama wears clothing.
question
How do they recognize him?
answer
Siddhartha "recognized him as soon as he saw him, as if a god had pointed him out to him" and then Siddhartha shows Govinda.
question
Why does Govinda choose to join him? Why won't Siddhartha join him?
answer
Govinda chooses to join Gotama, or the Buddha, because he believes that the teachings will lead him to salvation. Siddhartha will not join Govinda because Siddhartha believes that the Buddha's teachings have broken pieces in some places.
question
According to Siddhartha, how will he find enlightenment?
answer
According to Siddhartha, he will find enlightenment by "not to seek other, better teachings, for I know there aren't any, but to depart from all teachings all and teachers and either to reach my goal on my own or to die".
question
Gotama asks him if his, Gotama's, followers will also find enlightenment. Siddhartha dodges this question. How?
answer
Siddhartha dodges Gotama's question by saying that he does not have a place to judge those people.
question
What has the Buddha robbed from him? What has he given?
answer
The Buddha has robbed Siddhartha of Govinda. The Buddha gave Siddhartha himself.
question
What does Siddhartha decide to study? How is that the one field he has been ignorant in?
answer
Siddhartha decides to study himself. Knowing himself counts as the one field that Siddhartha has ignorance in.
question
Why does he feel an "icy chill"? He compares himself to a star. How is that so?
answer
Siddhartha feels an "icy chill" because he feels alone. Siddhartha compares himself to a star because he has nobody and loneliness.
question
How is he different now?
answer
Siddhartha has differences now because he wants to learn from himself and known himself.
question
What is the "Self"? Why has it occupied Siddhartha so?
answer
The Self counts as the physical and spiritual person. The "Self" occupies Siddhartha because he focuses on himself.
question
When Siddhartha "awakes" from his dream, what does he see for the first time?
answer
When Siddhartha "awakes" from his dream, he sees the beauty of the world for the first time.
question
How has his point of view changed? How does the writing style reflect this? '
answer
Siddhartha's point of view changes because he has more awareness for the world around him. The writing style reflects this because the style shows more attention to detail.
question
Complete the quote: "To obey no other eternal command __. Nothing else was necessary." What does this quote mean?
answer
The quote continues as "To be obedient like this (not to an external command, only to the voice), to be ready like this, was both good and necessary. Nothing else was necessary". This quote means that listening to the voice counts as the only necessary in Siddhartha's life.
question
What dream does Siddhartha see? Will this woman lead him to enlightenment?
answer
In his dream, Siddhartha sees Govinda who turns into a woman. No, this woman will not lead Siddhartha to enlightenment.
question
What does Siddhartha think of the Ferryman and of the river?
answer
Siddhartha thinks kindness of the Ferryman and he thinks that the river has much beauty.
question
Why doesn't Siddhartha "ascend the tree" with the woman?
answer
Siddhartha does not "ascend the tree" with the woman because the voice instead his head tells him no.
question
Hesse uses a simile to describe the woman's (Kamala's) mouth. What is it? What does that say about the woman?
answer
Hesse uses the simile of "a freshly cracked fig" to describe Kamala's mouth. This simile says that Kamala has innocence.
question
How does Siddhartha prepare for Kamala? What does he want from her?
answer
Siddhartha prepares for Kamala by shaving his beard and cutting his hair. Siddhartha wants Kamala to teach him and act as a friend to him.
question
Why might the portrayal of Kamala be politically incorrect?
answer
The portrayal of Kamala may not count as politically incorrect because women may have power in this time period.
question
What three things can Siddhartha do?
answer
Siddhartha can do three things: think, wait, and fast.
question
When Siddhartha receives his first kiss, the style changes. How? Why?
answer
After Siddhartha receives his first kiss, the style changes because Siddhartha thinks less about the world. Siddhartha thinks less about the world because he loses his innocence.
question
Who is Kamaswami?
answer
Kamaswami, the richest merchant in the city, wants to accept Siddhartha into his service.
question
Siddhartha compares himself to a stone. How is this so?
answer
Siddhartha compares himself to a stone because like a rock falls to the bottom of a river, Siddhartha directly follows his goals and "doesn't let anything enter his soul which might oppose the goal".
question
How does Siddhartha take control of the interview?
answer
Siddhartha takes control of the interview by explaining why he behaves in the way he does.
question
For all of his holy skills, in the end, why does Kamaswami hire him?
answer
In the end, Kamaswami hires Siddhartha because of Siddhartha's writing skills.
question
In your own words and thoughtfully, what did Kamala teach him?
answer
Kamala teaches Siddhartha how to live in her world and how to love someone.
question
What makes Siddhartha good at business? Why might he be an excellent partner for Kamaswami?
answer
Siddhartha has a calm and down-to-earth demeanor, which makes him good at business. Siddhartha makes an excellent partner for Kamaswami because Siddhartha relaxes Kamaswami, who has stress and anxiety.
question
What does his four day trip to the village show about Siddhartha? How could that be good business?
answer
Siddhartha's four day trip to the village shows that he has a friendly and optimistic demeanor. Siddhartha's friendliness and optimism helps business flourish because the people draw themselves to Siddhartha due to his behavior.
question
What does Siddhartha's inner voice say? How is life "flowing past" him?
answer
Siddhartha's inner voice says that Siddhartha participates in childish and meaningless behavior. Life flows past Siddhartha because Siddhartha wastes his life doing this childish behavior.
question
What do you suppose a Samana heart is?
answer
Samanas have a heart that has openness and wiliness to suffering. Samanas deny themselves of material things and focus on the spiritual needs.
question
How are Siddhartha and Kamala similar?
answer
Siddhartha and Kamala have similarities because they both differ from most people and inside themselves they have "a peace and refuge to which you can go to at every hour of the day at be at home inside" themselves.
question
Does Siddhartha have a bad life? What is good about it?
answer
No, Siddhartha does not have a bad life. Siddhartha has Kamala, which counts as the good in Siddhartha's life.
question
What had Siddhartha learned "amongst the people"?
answer
"Amongst the people", Siddhartha learns how to do trade but he also learns of his unhappiness.
question
What happened when the property finally became chain and a burden?
answer
When the property finally became chain and a burden, Siddhartha begins to play the game of dice.
question
How does his dice playing echo his real life?
answer
Siddhartha's dice playing echoes his real life because reaches a high point in his spirituality, falls in his spirituality, and the cycle repeats, just like in a game of dice.
question
What was his Kamala dream about?
answer
In Siddhartha's dream about Kamala, he dreams that Kamala has interest in Govinda's purity and then Siddhartha realizes "how akin lust was to death".
question
What was the Bird dream about? What does it mean?
answer
In Siddhartha's dream about the bird, Siddhartha finds the bird dead in its cage so Siddhartha throws the bird into the street. This dream that Siddhartha's has no point or worth in this period of Siddhartha's life
question
Why does he feel dead?
answer
Siddhartha feels dead because he does not feel happy or that he does anything good with his life.
question
Why is it important that Kamala is pregnant? Why out of that last trip?
answer
Kamala's pregnancy has importance because Siddhartha creates something good during his time of misery. Kamala becomes pregnant that last trip because Siddhartha realizes everything wrong that he has done.
question
Why does Siddhartha wish to kill himself?
answer
Siddhartha wishes to kill himself because he feels that he wastes his life and that he had no joy.
question
What is the tone of this section? Is it entirely serious?
answer
The tone of this section has a dark, sad feel. This section has an entirely serious feel.
question
What sound does he here? How does he react?
answer
Siddhartha hears the "Om". Siddhartha receives deep shock from hearing this sound.
question
How is he different when he wakes up? Who is sitting with him?
answer
When Siddhartha wakes up, he has energy and rejuvenation unlike before. Govinda sits with Siddhartha when Siddhartha wakes up.
question
What does Siddhartha start lecturing his friend about?
answer
Siddhartha starts lecturing Govinda about during his life, he no longer knows himself.
question
What does Siddhartha learn from the Ferryman?
answer
From the ferryman, Siddhartha learns to listen to the river and to run the ferry.
question
How are the skills he is learning now important to him for life?
answer
The skills that Siddhartha learns have importance to him for life because they help Siddhartha work and live.
question
What do people say about Siddhartha and the Ferryman?
answer
People say that Siddhartha and the Ferryman counts as sorcerers or brothers.
question
How are they becoming alike? Is this a good thing?
answer
Siddhartha and the Ferryman became alike because they do a lot of things the same way and think similarly. This counts as a good thing because they live "holy" lives.
question
Describe the events surrounding Kamala's meeting Siddhartha again.
answer
Kamala and her son, Siddhartha, travel to see Buddha before his death. They reach the ferry and they sit to rest. While they rest for a moment, a snake bites Kamala so they hurry to the ferry where they see Siddhartha and the ferryman.
question
How has Siddhartha changed since their last meeting? How has Kamala changed?
answer
Siddhartha changes from last seeing Kamala because he no longer dresses as a rich man and he now works as a ferryman. Kamala changes from last seeing Siddhartha because she follows Buddha and has a son.
question
What happens to Kamala? How does this effect Siddhartha?
answer
Kamala dies from the poison. Kamala's death bothers Siddhartha but he has happiness since he now has his son.
question
What about Siddhartha would make him a lousy father?
answer
Siddhartha has too much caring which makes him a lousy father.
question
How does young Siddhartha take advantage of the father?
answer
The young Siddhartha takes advantage of the father by making the father do all of his chores.
question
What does he try and do for his son? Why won't it work?
answer
Siddhartha tries to the son's work in hopes that "kind patience" will win him over. It will not work because the boy will get used to not working.
question
Why doesn't he punish the boy?
answer
Siddhartha does not punish the boy because he does not want the boy to get hurt or leave him.
question
Why is the river laughing? How has Siddhartha gotten "his own"?
answer
The river laughs because Siddhartha currently acts in a foolish way. Siddhartha gets "his own" because during his youth, he acts like this towards his own father.
question
How can love be "Samsara"?
answer
Love can count as "Samsara" because it "was a passion, something very human-that it was Samsara a murky spring of dark waters".
question
Why does the son hate the father?
answer
The son hates the father because he does not live the way the father does and the father never cares for the son until recently.
question
Why did he break the oar?
answer
The son breaks the oar because he does not want the father to follow him.
question
In losing his son, what might Siddhartha have gained?
answer
In losing his son, Siddhartha gains the ability to achieve enlightenment.
question
What "wound" does Siddhartha have? What is the different light that he sees people in?
answer
The loss of his son counts as the "wound" that Siddhartha has. Siddhartha sees people in a "warmer, more curious, and more engaging" way.
question
What has been his biggest change since becoming a ferryman? As a result, how does the tone of the book change?
answer
The surrounding of worldly people and his wound counts as Siddhartha's biggest change since becoming a ferryman. As a result, the tone changes because Siddhartha tries to heal.
question
What does the river do when Siddhartha goes to see his son? Whose reflection does he see?
answer
The river laughs when Siddhartha goes to see his son. Siddhartha sees his reflection in the river.
question
Siddhartha and Vasudeva listen very, very closely to the river. What do they hear? Why is everything interconnected?
answer
In the river, Siddhartha and Vasudeva hear talking and emotion from the river.Everything interconnects because everything has relation to something else.
question
Where does Vasudeva go? (Hint: not just the woods)
answer
Vasudeva goes to his eternal life.
question
Why is there still restlessness in Govinda's heart?
answer
Govinda still has restlessness in his heart because he still searches for the truth.
question
What is wrong with seeking, according to Siddhartha?
answer
According to Siddhartha, the problem with seeking counts as "the only thing your eyes see is that for which he is searching".
question
Why doesn't Siddhartha have a doctrine? How can wisdom not be communicable? Can you communicate knowledge?
answer
Siddhartha does not have a doctrine because everyone must learn themselves. Wisdom cannot communicate to others because each person has to find wisdom. Yes, you can communicate knowledge.
question
What is the symbolism of the stone?
answer
A person counts as the symbolism of the stone since each person counts as important.
question
How can Nirvana and Samsara be the same?
answer
Nirvana and Samsara can count as the same because they act as words, which cannot receive love.
question
What does Govinda see Siddhartha do? What does this show about Siddhartha's final change?
answer
Govinda sees Siddhartha's face turn into many faces from different lives. This shows that Siddhartha has holiness and perfection.
