Symbols and Motifs in the Book Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse Essay

In the book Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, there are many things within it that could represent a symbol or motif. There are many recurring ideas within the book such as love, Om, lightdarkness and even water. There are even objects and characters that are symbolic such as the Ferryman and especially the river. Each symbol is significant in its own way and adds its own part to the story and Siddharthas journey. Water is one of the biggest and most significant symbols throughout the book.Water constantly appears throughout Siddhartha and his journey towards enlightenment. Even before Siddhartha really gets into his journey there are quotes that he says that revolve around water. At the end of the second chapter, With the Samanas, Siddhartha says, I do not seek to walk on water. Let old Samanas be content with such feats! This quote shows how dedicated Siddhartha is to fulfilling his dream and that he doesnt just want to be on top of being enlightened. He wants to be submerged within it so it can be everywhere around him at once. Within the text, water symbolizes change, transformation and growth. It also symbolizes the continuous flow of life to Siddhartha. Siddhartha drastically changes throughout the book as his life completely changes and he eventually becomes enlightened. The cycle of life to Siddhartha was revealed to him through the river at some very crucial points in his life such as when he was thinking about his son. The river always remained to flow forward while Siddhartha was constantly changing through his many life phases. He had always been searching for true happiness from the moment he started his adventure until the day he died. The river is like Siddharthas life. It was constantly changing as new water took the place of the old which is what Siddhartha did- constantly change. Dreams and restless thoughts came flowing to him from the river, from the twinkling stars at...

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