Siddhartha Essay: Use of Form, Symbolism, and Conflict -- Hesse Siddha

Use of Form, Symbolism, and Conflict in Siddhartha Hermann Hesse uses the literary devices of form, symbolism, and conflict to reveal his novel, Siddhartha. Hermann Hesses novel, Siddhartha, is a novel of classical symmetry, a perfection achieved (Hermann Hesse 25). It tells the story of a young man who sets out to find his authoritative self. Throughout his journey, Siddhartha converts to various religions, intrusive for the one religion that will help him discover his identity. As his journey continues, the main character is forced to overcome various obstacles in pursuit of his true self. He learns the ways of reality and its many flaws. As the story progresses, he comes across a river inhabited by Vasudeva, the ferryman, who t separatelyes Siddhartha to find the holy Om by hearing to the river. Finally, Siddhartha becomes satisfied with his newfound religion, which offers him his identity and his true happiness. Hesse employs a structured form throughout the novel, div iding the work into three instalments, each section containing three chapters. An interlude follows each section, signaling a change in the characters way of living (http//www.ic.ucsb.edu/ggotts/hesse/works/jensid.html). This structure remains uniform throughout the entire novel, helping to establish its framework. In dividing his literary work into three sections of three chapters, Hesse uses each section to depict another new beginning in Siddharthas continuing search for his lifes meaning. The first section deals with Siddharthas Brahmin beliefs, and as the first section progresses, he continuously moves away from the Brahmin religion. As a result, he makes a change, leading into the first sec... ...ngly insufferable journey, thus discovering his true identity. Works Cited Freedman, Ralph. The Lyrical Novel. Princeton, New Jersey Princeton University Press, 1963 Hesse, Herman. Siddhartha. Dover Publications, 1998. Welch, Carolyn Roberts. Cliffs Notes on Hesses Steppenwo lf and Siddhartha. Lincoln, Nebraska Cliffs Notes Inc., 1923. Ziolkowski, Theodore. Hermann Hesse. Columbia Columbia University Press, 1966 Ziolkowski, Theodore. Hermann Hesse A Study in chemical group and Structure. Princeton Princeton University Press, 1965. Ziolkowski, Theodore. Hesse A Collection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1973 http//members.aol.com/_ht_a/jawaayu/hesse.html http//www.hermann-hesse.com/html/english/e.biographiw.html http//http//www.ic.ucsb.edu/ggotts/hesse/works/jensid.html