Department of English
Mr. Roddy
English 12 AP—Summer Reading
Siddhartha ~ Hermann Hesse
One summer reading project for English 12 AP is Hermann Hesse’s
Siddhartha. The following work must be completed and mailed to me
(jroddy@lindenwold.k12.nj.us) by August 16, 1013.
1. Research—Research the following topics and write 125—200 words ¾ to one full
page):
a. Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path
b. Background on Hermann Hesse, his themes, and the influence of Carl Jung.
c. Read the packet of Zen quotes and stories (see attached). They may seem
paradoxical, and yet they contain much wisdom. Choose three that you think contain
profound or wise insights, and explain what the wisdom is and how it is expressed.
2. Typed up answers for each of the 20 “Reading Guide” questions and the
“Symbol Chart”. Each of these answers should be in the RACE format (answer—
example (quote)—explain) format (four to five sentences each).
(See questions on next page)
Siddhartha ~ Herman Hesse Discussion
1. With whom does Siddhartha have his first major conflict about leaving home?
2. How is the conflict resolved?
3. What is a Brahman?
4. Govinda is said to be a “shadow figure” for Siddhartha. In what ways is Govinda
similar to Siddhartha and in what ways is he different?
5. Who or what are the Samanas and how do they live?
6. Who is Gotama and why does the news that he is nearby create excitement?
7. What is the outcome of the encounter with Gotama for Govinda? For Siddhartha?
8. What animal imagery is used in the chapter, “Awakening” and how is it used?
9. Who is Kamala?
10. What does Siddhartha tell Kamala he can do? What is profound about his
answer?
11. What can Siddhartha do that truly impresses Kamala?
12. Who is Kamaswami and what does he teach Siddhartha?
13. Who are the “child people” of the chapter’s title (p. 34)? Why is this an
appropriate name for them?
14. What does Samsara mean (your book has a glossary). Why is this an appropriate
title for this chapter (p. 40—46)?
15. What is the meaning (dream and symbol analysis needed here) of Siddhartha’s
dream (pp. 43-44)?
16. Who does Siddhartha meet when he awakens after leaving kamala and the life of
the city? What is the import of their conversation?
17. What is the reason for Siddhaartha’s joy in the chapter, “By the River”?
18. Who is Vasudiva and what important role does he play in Siddhartha’s journey?
19. Explain how what happens in the chapter, “The Son,” create a cyclical pattern to
the story.
20. Govinda meets Siddhartha. How are they different and who has learned the most?
Symbols—give several examples of each of the following in the novel
and then explain what you think they mean and why?
Symbol
Birds
Snakes
Stars
Trees
Dreams
The river
Where they occur
Meanings