12TH GRADE SUMMER READING THEME: THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY

SIDDHARTHA

By Herman Hesse Hesse’s novel was first published in l922 in German. It received a worldwide audience after its translation into English in l951. Siddhartha tells the story of an insatiable seeker who searches for Self and the attainment of Nirvana, the Buddhist state of final bliss. The tale is set in India, where Siddhartha’s search leads him to depart his father’s home and to experiment with different lifestyles. Along with his friend, Govinda, he practices self-denial and seeks spiritual improvement. Read this deceptively simple account of how Siddhartha’s physical journey and spiritual journey become intertwined. Herman Hesse (l877 – 1962) was a German novelist and poet. He was strongly influenced by German Romanticism as a young man. As a mature writer, he tended to combine ideas from psychoanalysis and Eastern religion. Two themes common to almost all of his work are the isolation of the artist and the duality of existence. His characters often represent opposite forces, such as light and darkness or good and evil. He is known today as a writer who is rich in human sympathy, imagination, and ironic humor. Hesse won the Nobel Prize for Literature in l946.

Take notes on these characters’ traits and experiences as you read. These reading notes should be handwritten and turned in as part of the study guide: Siddhartha-- a Brahmin’s son who seeks enlightenment and the attainment of Nirvana Govinda—Siddhartha’s companion and foil Gotama Buddha—the founder of Buddhism Kamala—the beautiful woman who teaches Siddhartha to love Kamaswami—the wealthy merchant who introduces Siddhartha to his material world Vasudeva—the ferryman who teaches Siddhartha his trade and to hear the voices of the river After reading, respond to the following questions, writing 1 – 3 paragraphs each. Type, double space, cite specific details, and include page numbers for any direct quotations or sources of information.

1) What is your reaction to the father-son relationships portrayed in the novel? 2) What is your reaction to the friendships portrayed in the novel? 3) What is the role of romantic love and passion in the novel? 4) How does Siddhartha resolve the conflict between materialism and spirituality? 5) “Siddhartha” is a name of the actual Buddha. Why do you think Hesse chose to tell the life of a

character named Siddhartha rather than that of the Buddha himself? Would the story have been more effective if it were less fictional and more historical? Look up the life of the Buddha to answer this question effectively.

6) Does the novel offer any suggestions or guidelines for living in modern technological society?