Find Each Other 3-5-14 BP #34

     Herman Hesse's Siddhartha does an excellent job of making the reader truly feel the emotion of Siddhartha and others. Never have I read a piece of literature before that makes the reader feel this strong a sense of empathy. One example of this is how Hesse describes Siddhartha's emotions after his son leaves him. "For a long time his wound continued to smart. A number of the travelers Siddhartha ferried across the river had a son or daughter with them, and he was never able to look at them without feeling envy, without thinking, So many, many thousands enjoy this most precious sort of happiness; why can't I?" (Hesse 108). Siddhartha is finally beginning to think about others than himself and is taking it very hard. Before meeting his son, Siddhartha was able to solve every problem internally; now, he can't control how everything happens in his life. Another example of empathy is at the very end when Govinda realizes that Siddhartha is dying/achieving Nirvana and feels sad. "Deeply Govinda bowed, tears of which he knew nothing coursed down his old face, and like a fire the feeling of the most ardent love, the most humble reverence was burning in his heart," (Hesse 126). This quote, although sad, is very beautiful and uplifting. Govinda loves his friend so much that seeing him go is almost like losing a piece of himself. This sense of love and passion from a character in a book is one way that Hesse's writing is so incredible.

  Another theme I found interesting in Siddhartha is the theme of selflessness towards Siddhartha. Siddhartha is clearly a selfless man however he is shown much humility as well. For example, the ferry driver, Vasudeva, is very kind toward him. "This was one of the greatest among the Ferryman's virtues; He had mastered the art of listening," (Hesse 88). Listening to someone speak about their own troubles and never once stop or question them is not only an act of wisdom but also one of humility. Vasudeva did teach Siddhartha, however he also showed him how to act by simply listening to him go on about himself and his own problems. Govinda also showed Siddhartha love through humility by sticking with him through the end. Although their was a period of them being apart, they were always connected. "Perhaps this, that you (Govinda) are seeking all too much? That all your seeking is making you unable to find?" (Hesse 117). This line from Siddhartha explains how both him and Govinda were searching for each other all along but could never find each other. Govinda could have easily moved on and never though of Siddhartha again, yet he chose to keep believing.