Life is a river. Experiencing certain phenomena throughout the course of one’s existence is set to be believed as a rite of passage into becoming an adult. A river goes through an immense amount of challenges before getting to a more preferable, calmer body of water. It can derive from its journey due to the unfamiliar diversity that it comes across with; it can get trapped and ambushed and even lose its way for a while. However, the river finds its way. In the novel Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, the main character, Siddhartha seeks the knowledge of his purpose in the world, his journey takes multiple tolls, some which awakens his true desires, while the others push him into places he doesn’t wish to be in, just like a river. Siddhartha
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Though these facets may be of different origins, they all come together to form a unique component. Siddhartha crossed the river to a new chapter of his life and the river plays a significant role in the stages of his self-development, including certain life changing experiences, “I want to remain by this river, thought Siddhartha, it is the same one that I crossed while going to the child people. From the Ferryman’s hut my way once led me to a new life, which has now grown old and died, may my new life start out from there!” (Hesse 89). The river’s passageway to a new beginning brought Siddhartha his lover, Kamala, a courtesan who teaches him about the art of love and who plays a significant role in the development of his egotistical thinking. Kamala introduced Siddhartha to Kamaswami, a merchant who exposed him to the wealthy lifestyles of their time. Both influential individuals caused a shift in his identity. “He always seems to be only playing are business it never becomes part of him, it never dominates him, he never fears failures, he is never bothered by a loss.” (Hesse 60) The river also delivered Siddhartha his son, due to concerning news regarding the Gautama; the Buddha, who fell ill, in order to get to him people had to cross the river. However, because a river can also be destructive, it took Kamala away; a snake bites her on her journey to the river, causing her death and
Though these facets may be of different origins, they all come together to form a unique component. Siddhartha crossed the river to a new chapter of his life and the river plays a significant role in the stages of his self-development, including certain life changing experiences, “I want to remain by this river, thought Siddhartha, it is the same one that I crossed while going to the child people. From the Ferryman’s hut my way once led me to a new life, which has now grown old and died, may my new life start out from there!” (Hesse 89). The river’s passageway to a new beginning brought Siddhartha his lover, Kamala, a courtesan who teaches him about the art of love and who plays a significant role in the development of his egotistical thinking. Kamala introduced Siddhartha to Kamaswami, a merchant who exposed him to the wealthy lifestyles of their time. Both influential individuals caused a shift in his identity. “He always seems to be only playing are business it never becomes part of him, it never dominates him, he never fears failures, he is never bothered by a loss.” (Hesse 60) The river also delivered Siddhartha his son, due to concerning news regarding the Gautama; the Buddha, who fell ill, in order to get to him people had to cross the river. However, because a river can also be destructive, it took Kamala away; a snake bites her on her journey to the river, causing her death and