Siddhartha
The Romantic Era was one of individuality and freedom; Herman Hesse, author of Siddhartha, captures this lively energy by intertwining two distinct characteristics of Romanticism throughout the book: individualism and respect of nature.
Siddhartha’s quest for individuality begins with him abandoning of the Brahmin ways, he had been raised Samanas. He desires to find his “true Self” and questions everything his parents and teachers have taught him about the world around him. He believes that finding the truth on his own he must do and when even when he is denied by his father on his first attempt for permission, declares “I will stand and wait.” (pg. 11) and does just that. He shows his father that he wants to explore other areas of belief and that he has acquired a newfound individuality.
With each scene in Siddhartha, a new sense of individualism is presented. After Siddhartha and his childhood friend, Govinda, leave their stint as Samanas behind them, they progress to heed the teachings of the Illustrious One: Buddha. The yellow-cloaked monks and Buddha’s resonating inner peace draw the attention of Siddhartha’s faithful, following friend. It is here that Govinda chooses to follow his own instincts and stay behind in order to become a follower of Buddha. Siddhartha realizes that this is his dear friends only chance at becoming his own person and, although Govinda pleads him to “tread the path of salvation” (pg. 29) with him, Siddhartha leaves him as a follower turned into an individual.
As Siddhartha travels along a lonely path, he finally comes across a young woman whose beauty which takes over his thoughts. Her name is Kamala and she introduces him to the need of “fine clothes, fine shoes, and money in his purse,” luxuries that the Samana believes will be simple to come across. Following, he explaining himself and a reader and writing proving he is worthy and is introduced to Kamaswami, who gives him a job as a...
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