Siddhartha

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1922

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Part 2, Chapters 5-7

Part 2, Chapters 8-12

Character Analysis

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Character Analysis

Siddhartha

Siddhartha is the protagonist of the book, and the whole story revolves around his quest for meaning, physical and spiritual journey, and personal growth, which takes a lifetime. Biographically, Hesse’s hero and the historical Buddha Gautama display many parallels: They both leave wealthy homes to search for enlightenment, experiencing asceticism, awakening, and eventually Nirvana.

Siddhartha’s very human character is a powerful force in determining how his story unfolds. He is restless, stubborn, and yet very patient. These personality traits drive him to leave behind a life of entitlement and ease in the search for a more meaningful existence and deeper understanding of the world. With his charm and resilience, he ingratiates himself into several situations from which he benefits but then leaves as he finds them unsatisfying. Despite expressing an attitude of slight superiority to the ordinary people that he observes and lives amongst, he remains humble enough to open his heart to new emotions, learn from his experiences, and adapt his thinking.

Much of the book is devoted to relaying his inner thoughts and reflections, and these reveal to the reader Siddhartha’s character and preoccupations. Such reflections include, “Siddhartha had begun to feel the seeds of discontent” (4); and “the vessel was not full, his intellect was not satisfied, his soul was not at peace, his heart was not still’ (5). His intelligence and logical nature are displayed in his questioning of doctrines and their fallacies.

Throughout Siddhartha’s journey his state of mind is expressed continuously. His questions to himself are reported directly, allowing the reader to witness firsthand how he matures on the way toward his goal. He is a relatable character, as he lives through such human experiences as friendship, sexual awakening, lust, addiction, slovenliness, disillusion, self-disgust, depression, suicidal urges, paternal love and pain, and the eventual serenity which comes with age and wisdom. This characterization allows the book to function as both a work of spiritual philosophy and a novel, readable for the portrayal of a sympathetic character and the trials and tribulations of his life. These same human characteristics and experiences are a vital part of his final state of completeness, as he says after losing his son: “Although he had reached a high stage of self-discipline and bore his last wound well, he now felt as if these ordinary people were his brothers” (100).

Govinda

Govinda is Siddhartha’s lifelong friend, described as “his shadow; he travelled along the same path, made the same endeavours” (13). He is a less complex yet very important character in the book. Like Siddhartha, Govinda is a seeker; but unlike his friend, he is also a follower. His personality allows him to accept leaders and their doctrines easily, and where Siddhartha questions and rejects what he does not find logical, Govinda simply admires, acquiesces, and adopts the required habits. He is happy to follow Siddhartha to the Samanas, then to stay with Gotama Buddha. As he continues his quest, he does not come closer to his goal of enlightenment, and every time his path and that of his friend cross, Govinda is still seeking, while Siddhartha is gaining experience and wisdom. Siddhartha sees in his friend’s face “eagerness, loyalty, curiosity, anxiety,” even after several years have passed. Govinda tells Siddhartha: “I am not going anywhere. We monks are always on the way. […] We always move from place to place, live according to the rule, preach the gospel, collect alms and move on. It is always the same” (72).

It is not until the end of the story, when the two men are much older, that Govinda finally reaches enlightenment. This is achieved not through his own reflection and pondering, but through its transmission from Siddhartha to him. Prior to this transmission, Govinda recognizes his own inability to accept the complexity of Siddhartha’s interpretation of the world: “Some of them are strange thoughts. I cannot grasp them all immediately” (114). He is conflicted, but he admires Siddhartha and loves him unconditionally. Despite his misgivings, he is able to open his heart and mind so completely that he receives the full power of Siddhartha’s enlightenment through a kiss.

Despite Govinda’s relatively simple and innocent character, he is not merely a sounding board for Siddhartha’s wisdom. Govinda’s loyal friendship to Siddhartha is vital to the protagonist’s own development. Govinda is there to reflect on the difference between the two seekers and to contribute to Siddhartha’s accumulated experiences in the mortal realm, by demonstrating to him the importance of friendship. Having had an affectionate and, at times, somewhat superior older-brother attitude toward Govinda, Siddhartha acknowledges his deeper feelings: “He still loved him, his faithful, anxious friend. And at that moment, in that splendid hour, after his wonderful sleep, permeated with Om, how could he help but love something and someone” (74). Govinda is an essential part of Siddhartha’s life and his learning.

Kamala

Kamala is Siddhartha’s teacher in the art of love, sexual and emotional, although they both deny being able to love. She guides and arranges Siddhartha’s entry into the world of business, and she is the mother of his son.

The chapter “Kamala” details her appearance, position in society, and flirtatious skills. She shows her wit and intelligence in her dialogue with the young Samana and her seductive skills with her first kiss: “[H]e felt how much she taught him, how clever she was, how she mastered him, repulsed him, lured him” (46). She goes on to teach him how to conduct a relationship respectfully and for the two lovers’ mutual benefit. Their relationship is one of reciprocity: She allows herself to learn from him too, and they have a deep understanding of each other. Kamala displays a mature and generous nature throughout the story. Despite being a courtesan by trade, the independent and self-reliant Kamala lets herself get close to Siddhartha. She is also able to let him go and does not try to find him when he leaves the city: “Had she not always expected it?” (66). Instead, she remembers their last meeting with happiness and then releases her caged rare songbird. Thereafter, she gives up her trade and dedicates herself to being a mother. The son that is born from her relationship with Siddhartha displays character traits similar to those of both his parents: He is strong-willed and not easily dominated. Kamala herself becomes a seeker and follows Gotama, “taking refuge in his teachings” (86). She is not merely a person dedicated to worldly and carnal pleasures; she strives for a deeper meaning too.

Kamala is a key figure in Siddhartha’s development, both for the direct teaching for which he pays her, and for the experience of having loved, as a man and as a father, which she gives him. These experiences bring him closer to his final understanding of the world and its people. Siddhartha holds her in great esteem throughout his life, and when he realizes she is dying, he takes care of her gently. She recognizes as she dies that Siddhartha has the qualities she was seeking in Gotama. Her student has become her teacher.