Ready Reference Treatise: Siddhartha

By Raja Sharma

“Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse was first published in 1922. The novel was originally published in German language. It was written in a very simple and lyrical style.

The story illustrates the spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha who discovers himself in the process. It was the ninth novel written by the author. The book later got published in the United States in 1951; however, it gained popularity only in the 1960s. The book has been dedicated to Romain Rolland and Wilhelm Gundert.

Ready Reference Treatise: Siddhartha
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Major Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Part One
Part Two
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raja Sharma
• Release date: Sep 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311309419

Raja Sharma

Raja Sharma is a retired college lecturer.He has taught English Literature to University students for more than two decades.His students are scattered all over the world, and it is noticeable that he is in contact with more than ninety thousand of his students.

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Ready Reference Treatise: Siddhartha

Copyright

Ready Reference Treatise: Siddhartha

Raja Sharma

Copyright@2015 Raja Sharma

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved

Chapter One: Introduction

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse was first published in 1922. The novel was originally published in German language. It was written in a very simple and lyrical style.

The story illustrates the spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha who discovers himself in the process. It was the ninth novel written by the author. The book later got published in the United States in 1951; however, it gained popularity only in the 1960s. The book has been dedicated to Romain Rolland and Wilhelm Gundert.

Siddhartha comes from Sanskrit language; it is made up of two words: ‘Siddha’ which means achieved, and ‘Artha’ which means what was searched for. When they are coined the result is’ the person who has discovered the meaning of life or existence or the person who has achieved his goals.

Before Lord Buddha renounced his princely life and went in search of enlightenment, he was named Siddhartha Gautama. He was the prince of Kapilvastu, in Nepal.

In the present book, Lord Buddha is referred to as Gotama. The novel is set in India. The setting is quite mystical. By the middle of the 1970’s the book had already been printed 22 times.

The novel did not remain without controversy. Several schools and colleges in the western countries debated the novel’s values as an aid in teaching Eastern religions, obviously against the Western ideas being propagated by the Church.

For all the controversy, the book is read at several schools and colleges around the world, without ever discussing or debating that it is trying to promote Eastern religions in the western world.

Chapter Two: Plot Overview

The story is set in ancient and mystical India. The titular character Siddhartha happens to be the son of a Brahmin.

At a very young age, he decides to leave his home and go out in hope of being spiritually enlightened. He wants to become an ascetic, begging from door to door like a beggar. He wants to