Herman Hesse Essay

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SIDDHARTHA_______________________
Departure
-Call to Adventure
Siddhartha grew up in an environment with Brahmins where he was taught good morals and how to become at peace and find peace within him. One would believe that you would be satisfied to find peace, however Siddhartha realized that he wasn’t satisfied. Siddhartha encounters his call to adventure when he whether or not he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps as a Brahmin. When he makes the decision that this isn’t his destiny he tells his father that he plans to join the Samana’s and find true enlightenment on his own terms.
-Refusal of the call
“It is not seemly for Brahmins to utter forceful and angry words, but there is displeasure in my heart. I should not like to hear you make this request a second time.” (10)
Siddhartha’s father disagrees with his decision to become a Samana, and says to him that he will be greatly discouraged if Siddhartha continues to even ask for his permission. His father doesn't believe in foul language and communication, however, he tries to the best of his ability to talk him out of leaving, as peacefully as he can. This created conflict for Siddhartha in his decision making, blocking him from the call to adventure.
-Supernatural Aid Siddhartha receives his support when Govinda decides to join him on his pilgrimage. The ferry-man is also considered an aid because he put a roof over Siddartha’s head and guided him to the river which aided him in continuing his journey. Govinda and the Ferry-man give him life lessons. He learns from Govinda the lesson of patience when he began to feel that he possibly can’t learn anymore from the Samanas. The Ferry-man informed him about the wisdom of the river which allows him to reach Nirvana later in life.
-The Crossing of the First Threshold “You will go into the forest,”he said, and become a Samana. If you find bliss in the forest, come back and teach it to me. If you find disillusionment, come back, and we shall again offer sacrifices to the gods together. Now go, kiss your mother and tell her where you are going …”-Siddhartha’s father[pg.12] (The Brahmin’s Son)
This part of the text displays the crossing of the threshold because it marks the beginning of Siddhartha’s journey. When Siddhartha originally asks about leaving home to become a Samana, his father dismisses his desire. By being persistent and standing in the darkness for an entire night, he persuades his father into letting him embark on his spiritual journey.
- Belly of the Whale Siddhartha learns that he was, for the longest duration, trapped within the fear of himself. Behind the wall of pride and self worth that hides the path to enlightenment and inner/outer connection. He knows, now, that he must start over if he really wants to become all that is and is capable of being. This containment that he suffers in internally serves as the belly of the
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