Hermann Hesse

SIDDHARTHA

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With what religions are you familiar? What is universally important in religion?

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What do you think of what we’ve read so far?

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How was Siddhartha feeling the last time we read? What is he questioning in his life?

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What do you think it shows about Govinda that he accompanies Siddhartha on his quest? What does it tell you about their friendship?

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What has Siddhartha learned on his journey so far?

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What was Siddhartha feeling the last time we read?

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Why do you think Siddhartha is not finding what he’s looking for on his journey?

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What is Siddhartha feeling now? Has he started to feel fulfillment at all?

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How has Siddhartha’s time with the Samanas affected him? How has it affected Govinda? How have their experiences been different?

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How has Siddhartha’s experience with Gotama affected him? What changes do you see in his character?

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What are Siddhartha’s main issues with the religions he’s been learning about?

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Why do you think people rely on religion to find fulfillment and peace? Explain.

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Why do people go on journeys to find themselves as Siddhartha has done? What do you think they’re searching for? Explain.

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Make a list of 10 things you know about Siddhartha. Include physical characteristics, his experiences, his family and friends, his beliefs, and anything else you feel is important.

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What do you think Siddhartha hopes to gain from his time with Kamala? Being that he’s never really been around women, how do you think he will deal with his new experiences?

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Is Siddhartha any closer to finding the Self? Why or why not?

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What is Siddhartha gaining from his new experiences? What do you think they’ve taught him so far?

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What ideals do many religions have in common? What are fundamental, basic things that most people value in leading worthwhile lives?

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Why has Siddhartha left the village and Kamala? How does he feel right now?

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Siddhartha has realized the error of his previous ways and realizes his decisions have left him empty. What do you think has caused him to feel this way?

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Why do you think Siddhartha developed a gambling problem? What do you think made him susceptible to an addiction?

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What does Siddhartha’s encounter with Govinda show him? How does it change his outlook?

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What do you think will happen to Siddhartha next?

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What will become of Siddhartha and his son? How will having his son in his life now affect his search for the Self?

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Why do you think Siddhartha’s son is rebelling? Why is he not happy with Siddhartha?

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What has Siddhartha’s time with Vasudeva taught him thus far?

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How has Siddhartha’s life been like every human being’s life? How has it been different? Explain.

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Why does it take Siddhartha so long to understand his life’s journey? Do you think he, like most people, could only understand the journey late in his life? Explain.