Trace Siddhartha's Changes in the Novel Siddhartha - Essay Example

Siddhartha is arguably the most inspiring novel to have ever been written, the novel presents contradictions and how they have ramifications on the life of Siddhartha. Siddhartha faces several concerns which also happen to be concerns faces by almost every other human being, the mind, body and spirit causes innumerable concerns which human beings often struggle with, Siddhartha was no different initially in the beginning of the novel, he wanted to know how to deal with these important concerns in his life and he was initially clueless but he starts finding solutions as the novel progresses and he also realizes that wealth is not everything in life, he gives up on his wealth and decides to live a peaceful life and ends up going to a place where no one would disturb him, this is where he starts using his mind and finds very important answers to his never ending questions. Siddhartha wanted to join the Samanas because he was not happy living like a Brahmin, his father was initially upset when he got to know that his son wanted to join the Samanas but he could not restrict his son from joining them, Siddhartha was not alone, he joined the Samanas with his best friend in Govinda. There are some changes which are in front of everyone to see, initially Siddhartha had almost everything, the people in his village loved him and he also loved them but his dreams often disturbed him and he was not happy living there so the pursuit of something more fulfilling resulted in him abdicating everything and joining the Samanas, this was perhaps the first major change in the novel. Almost everything changed after Siddhartha had joined the Samanas, he had never fasted earlier in his life but he went on a fasting spree after joining the Samanas, this was very unusual to him and in addition to fasting he also started meditating more often than he had ever done in his life. The Samanas believed that everything was nothing but an illusion and everything is ought to decay gradually, Siddhartha also started believing in the same after joining them and this was another major change that took place in the novel. Govinda, the best friend of Siddhartha also started believing that everything was nothing but an illusion and he also shared the same thoughts as Siddhartha that is exactly why they were the best of friends. "There is, my friend, only a knowledge.” (Siddhartha) This was when Siddhartha realized that he was no closer to his goal; his goal was to understand the purpose of our existence. Siddhartha and Govinda did learn a lot of things from the Samanas but this did not satisfy Siddhartha even a tad bit as he wanted to know much more, he also compared the Samanas to a drunkard who gets temporary relief from the pains of the world after having a few drinks, Siddhartha wanted to part company with the Samanas and this was another major change in the novel. The Introduction of Buddha The introduction of Buddha is another major change which takes place in the novel, Govinda and Siddhartha were intrigued upon hearing about this great man and wanted to meet him so they set out on an expedition to meet this great man which also meant that they part company with the Samanas after a gap of three long years. Their interest increases by several folds when they hear great tales about Buddha and his great deeds. They had both decided to meet him and learn from him. "He wore his gown and walked along exactly like the other monks, but his face and his step...spoke of peace, spoke of completeness,...an unfading light, an invulnerable peace." (Siddhartha) Siddhartha recognizes Buddha almost instantly and this is what is expressed in the quote above. At this point another major change takes place in the novel, Govinda after listening to the Sermon of Buddha wanted to be one of Buddha’s disciples but Siddhartha had other plans, he did not want to be a disciple there so they part company as both went in the opposite directions and this was perhaps the biggest change in the novel. Govinda and Siddhartha were together right from the very beginning of the novel. "To explain the world to those who are thirsty for knowledge. It's goal is quite different; its goal is salvation from suffering. That is what Goatama teaches, nothing else"  (Siddhartha) The above is the response of Buddha when Siddhartha asks him about his teachings and this is a very important quote from the novel as it sums up the main essence of the teachings of Buddha. "Bean to walk quickly and impatiently, no longer homewards, no longer to his father, no longer looking backwards" (42). (Siddhartha) This happens when the awakening sets in and how Siddhartha changes for the better. "Here with Kamala lay the value and meaning of his present life, not in Kamaswami's business" (Siddhartha) Major changes take place when Siddhartha meets Kamala. At this point Siddhartha begins to develop contempt for the rich and as a result of which he becomes a gambler. Numerous changes take place from here on in, Siddhartha decides to leave the village and settles by the river with the ferryman but after some time falls sick and the news of his sickness quickly travels and Kamala gets alerted and decides to visit Siddhartha. She also takes her son along who was also the son of Siddhartha, Kamala gets bitten by a snake and loses her life, Siddhartha’s son and Siddhartha start living by the river but his son refuses to accept him as his father and consequently just would not listen to him, his son decides to leave him and Siddhartha experiences great pain because of this, the novel ends when Govinda kisses the head of Siddhartha and sees a bright light coming from the forehead of his friend which shows enlightenment and a life free of pain and sorrows. These were the major changes which took place in the novel. Works Cited Donald McClory Introduction to Hermann Hesse. Siddhartha. Picador. London 1998  Read More