Siddhartha Created by Educational Technology Network. www.edtechnetwork.com 2009
Overview Siddhartha I Siddhartha II Siddhartha III Siddhartha IV 10 20 30 40 50
What event made the this novel popular for youth in America in the 1960s?
Vietnam War
Define allegory
A story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
How many Hindu caste systems did we examine? Name two.
Brahmins: priests who guard the traditions and rites of Hinduism Kshatriyas: the nobility or ruling class, military Vaishyas: those who engage in commerce, such as farmers and merchants Shudras: servant class established to meet the needs of the higher castes The Untouchables: the lowest caste; homeless, criminals, sick
Explain Buddha’s concept of dependent origination and one way it can be seen in the novel.
Hindu beliefs are explained in what two major texts?
The Vedas, Upanishads
What is the difference between Brahman and Brahmin?
Brahman- the oversoul, or universal essence of everything Brahmin- Ancient Hinduism/caste
Describe peoples approach to Siddhartha at the beginning of the novel Describe peoples approach to Siddhartha at the beginning of the novel. Why is he unhappy?
They look up to him. He gives them hope He cannot find anyone who has achieved enlightenment
What is an epithet? Which one is used to describe Govinda?
An adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality regarded as characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. The shadow
What are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?
Existence is suffering Suffering is a result of desire Suffering ends when desire ends The way to end desire is to follow the Eightfold Path
What does Siddhartha learn from the Samanas? 3 things
Think, Wait, Fast
At the end of Part I, Siddhartha leaves the Samanas and Govinda and is reborn. What does he realize at this time?
He needs to be more in the world. He cannot go home. He is alone.
What is Kamala? What does Siddhartha do to get in her favor?
A courtesan. Nice things.
Name a lesson Siddhartha learns from either Kamala or Kamaswami during his time among the people
Kamala: Don’t be afraid to be someone’s equal. Kamaswami: Life is a give and take.
What does Siddhartha envy about the way most people live?
They know for certain their lives are important and are happy with them. They can love.
What metaphor does Siddhartha use to describe the similarity between himself and Kamala?
Leaves vs. shooting stars
What does Siddhartha contemplate doing after leaving the city What does Siddhartha contemplate doing after leaving the city? Who watches over Siddhartha after this, while he sleeps?
Killing himself Govinda
Name two of the three metaphors used to discuss Siddhartha’s soul during his time among the people.
Songbird Tree Potter’s wheel
What does Vasudeva suggest to Siddhartha about his son What does Vasudeva suggest to Siddhartha about his son? Why doesn’t he listen?
He needs to be around people like him. Siddhartha could wait him out with love and patience. He was growing too from having him around.
What does Siddhartha tell Govinda about being a seeker?
With your eye on one thing you cannot see all that is around you.
What does Siddhartha mean when he tells Govinda about the stone What does Siddhartha mean when he tells Govinda about the stone? Summarize.
Everything in life is connected Everything in life is connected. It contains everything within it, like potential, and that is what makes it beautiful.
What does Siddhartha give Govinda at the end of the novel What does Siddhartha give Govinda at the end of the novel? What can we assume Siddhartha has attained?
A kiss > knowledge Enlightenment
What does Buddha warn Siddhartha of when they meet in the grove?
Not to be too clever or he’ll never be happy.
How does Siddhartha explain to Govinda that Buddha does believe in love?
He dedicated his life to teaching.
What does Siddhartha dislike about words?
He believes they cannot express ideas as well as people believe them to.
Name one way Govinda knows Siddhartha has obtained enlightenment?
He smiles like Buddha