Hermann Hesse, "Siddhartha": content and reviews

After the novel "Steppenwolf", "Siddhartha" is perhaps the most famous work of the German prose writer Hermann Hesse. Literary critics attribute it to an allegorical parable. In the center of the narrative is a young brahmana, whose name is pronounced in the title. The novel was first published in the Berlin publishing house in 1922.

The path to "Siddhartha"

One of the most famous German writers of the early 20th century is Hermann Hesse. "Siddhartha" is his eighth novel. His path to great literature he began in 1904, publishing "Peter Camencind." A novel about a beginning literator who moves from a small alpine village in Zurich, trying to find his place in the world. In a similar style and the next work of Hesse "Under the wheel" - about the gifted boy Hans Gebenrath, who studies in an elite seminary. In his native village he can not make friends with anybody, he goes to the blacksmith's pupils, however, in the final he perishes under strange circumstances. Many researchers of Hesse believe that this incident was a suicide.

In the novel "Demian" in 1919, the writer's passion for psychoanalysis is vividly expressed. Beginning with this work, Hermann Hesse regularly turns to this psychological theory. Siddhartha is no exception.

A novel about a young brahmana

For an author like Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha, whose content fascinates from the first pages, is a great way to convey your thoughts and ideas to the reader. The main characters are the young brahmana Siddhartha and his close companion Govinda. They devote their lives to the search for the Self. Atman is one of the key concepts of Indian philosophy and Hinduism. This is the eternal essence, the higher "I", which is in every person and in all living beings in principle.

In search of truth

Siddhartha also embarks on this path. Hermann Hesse makes him a beggar and an ascetic, only so you can achieve the desired result, he believes. His companion Govinda follows him. On the way, the protagonist begins to suspect that all his thoughts are wrong. But still he makes a pilgrimage to Gautama, but does not accept his teachings.

He believes that it is impossible to become a Buddha, yielding to someone's influence or teaching. The ways of enlightenment must be achieved only on their own, on their own experience. Therefore, he decides to go his way, while his friend Govinda joins the disciples of Gautama.

Hardly not lost track

After leaving Gautama, the main character seeks to explore the surroundings and amazing beauty of the surrounding world. So continues to describe his further journeys Hermann Hesse. Siddhartha arrives in a big city, where a girl of easy virtue meets Kamala. He asks him to teach him the art of love.

However, this requires money, and considerable. Therefore, it goes into trade. Thanks to his unbearable education and intelligence, he achieves successes, his affairs are soon going up the hill. At the same time, he is skeptical about the worldly needs of man in money and power, even calling it a strange feature of "people-children." However, soon he plunges into luxury and becomes one of their representatives. Enlightenment to the protagonist comes many years later, he suddenly remembers why he started this way and what should come.

Back on the road

In the novel, a sharp turn, his hero in a new journey sends Hermann Hesse. Siddhartha left the rich mansion one day, left everything and left Kamala, who was pregnant with him, (which he did not know about).

Soon he reaches the river, which he already crossed, when the ferryman prophesied his return. He is in a serious mental state, almost dies, deciding to commit suicide and drown. However, he is saved, but realizes that he was only caught in Samsara's wheel. This is another key concept in Hindu philosophy, meaning the cycle of birth and death in different worlds, limited by the karma of a particular person.

Awakened from a deep sleep, Siddhartha discovers the former companion Govinda, who many years ago chose Buddha's teachings and followed him. After talking with Govinda, the author immerses his hero in meditation - this is the distinctive device used by Hermann Hesse. Siddhartha feels that he was again at the beginning of his journey. Even more acutely aware that other people's knowledge is nothing, only personal experience is important.

In the same river twice

As mentioned above, the main character returns to the river, which he crossed many years ago. His book "Siddhartha" further narrates about his new path. Hermann Hesse again brings his character back to the ferryman Vasudeva. They become colleagues, crossing the needy through the river barrier.

Vasudev plays a big role in the novel, it is he who teaches the main character of the ability to listen to nature and learn from her. In particular, they turn to the river.

Relationship with the son

Many literary critics believe that this is the best novel of those created by Hermann Hesse. "Siddhartha," the summary of which can be found and read without difficulty, makes it possible to penetrate many aspects of a person's life, but it will not be possible to understand all the thoughts that the author has put into the work. The main points will remain unclear. It is better to read the novel completely.

Soon after the events described the protagonist meets his beloved with his son, the existence of which he had no idea. The boy was named the same as his father, Siddhartha. Kamala tragically perishes after a snake bite. Siddhartha tries to teach his son a calm view of the world, however, a young man, pampered with life in luxury, does not accept this state of affairs.

Much later, the protagonist realizes that he made the same mistake in which he reproached the Buddha Gautama earlier, he tried to direct his son to the path of knowledge, not allowing to achieve everything with his own experience. As a consequence, the response is a negative reaction - the son of Siddhartha flies back to a rich and luxurious city. The father first tries to catch up with him, but in time understands that this is meaningless, and frees the son from his influence.

The question is whether he did the right thing, the hero will be tormented for a very long time, until all doubts are dissolved and he does not realize that there is wisdom. Vasudeva, a ferryman, once again acts as a tutor, he again calls to listen and learn from nature, to watch the river, to understand what it bears. After all, it is a unique entity, constantly changing in its current and at the same time remaining unchanged, always the same river. As a result, the ferryman leaves Siddhartha, going to the forest for the last solitude in his life, and the main character takes his place on the river ferry.

Final of the novel

And today there are many fans of the novel "Siddhartha". Hermann Hesse received reviews about his creation during his lifetime. Discussed this work remains and still. Especially his finale.

The protagonist once again meets with a friend of his youth Govinda, who many years ago passed under the wing of the Buddha Gautama. At the end of his life, Siddhartha has already completed his journey, and Govinda is still seeking the goal and the main destination in his life. It is then that it becomes obvious which of the heroes made the right choice dozens of years ago.

Siddhartha carefully conveys to the comrade all the knowledge gained, the true essence of the nature of things.

This work is unique because the Buddha, who eventually becomes the protagonist himself, is shown not only from his enlightened side, but also from the human side. All this is demonstrated by Hermann Hesse. "Siddhartha" .epub is one of the most convenient formats for downloading a work.

On the big screen

The directors of the 20th century did not fail to transfer this unique story to the screen. Do you want to know why for many is the idol of Hermann Hesse? "Siddhartha" .fb2 - can help in this. This is the format in which you can read the book. And you can choose a film for her. In 2003, the same name was published in Argentina by Jorga Paloko. However, the most famous adaptation is the work of Conrad Rux. The film was released in the US in 1972. The main role in the film was performed by Shashi Kapoor, the younger brother of the popular in the USSR actor Raja Kapoor. By the way, Shashi became the first actor of Bollywood, who began to act actively in British and American films.

The plot of the film in many respects repeats the events described in the book. At the same time, one can not help noticing the differences. It is worth, for example, to mention that the picture positions itself as an erotic film. Relationships Siddhartha with a lewd courtesan Kamala devoted a lot of scenes.

As a result, the beloved of the protagonist also perishes from the snake bite, the son leaves his father, not wanting to live as a hermit, and Govind's old friend, meeting Siddhartha in old age, realizes that only he knew real happiness, found his place in this life, achieved the desired goal .

Reviews of the novel

Many people say that it is easy to find and read this novel on the Internet. Hermann Hesse "Siddhartha" .pdf - this is perhaps the most optimal choice for reading.

All the fans of this novel note that the author managed to fit the most important questions and answers about this world in one work. And the book does not just make us think, but gives peace and tranquility, lulls us with our ideas and thoughts. The novel has a magical property, it does not teach, but makes you feel peace for the soul, feel a deep understanding of the world around us.

The most amazing thing is that this book, imbued with thoughts and philosophy of the East, was written by a German author. Many people say that reading this parable is necessary in the proper mood, trying to understand what Siddhartha felt on his way to a true understanding of life.

Despite the fact that "Siddhartha", like the famous "Alchemist" Paolo Coelho, many refer to the same genre - parables, these are still works from different weight categories, each for their age and perception. If the "Alchemist" is interesting and useful in some way for adolescents, then "Siddhartha" is a book for a more mature reader, who, just like the protagonist of the novel, did not find his true vocation in life.

Creativity Hesse after "Siddhartha"

The next Herman Hesse released, perhaps, his most famous novel - "Steppe Wolf." In this work, much attention is paid to the theme of art. The author speaks of the decline of culture, in particular, of musical art.

This is a fascinating work with a subtitle "Harry Garler's Notes (only for the crazy)." Critics also refer this novel to the genre of the parable. The main character is in a deep mental crisis. At this time he comes across a theory about the division of a person's personality into two parts: a person of high moral and spiritual morality and an animal, in particular, a wolf. The hero understands that his personality is much more complex and multifaceted than he previously imagined.

Hermann Hesse is one of the outstanding German writers who have received world recognition. In 1946 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.