Name:
Mr. Ragasa
English 2A
Siddhartha Study Questions: Chapters 4-6
Chapter 4: Awakening
15. When did Siddhartha realize that he was no longer a youth?
16. After leaving the Buddhists, Siddhartha admitted that he still did not know anything about
himself What reason did he give for his failure?
17. How did Siddhartha feel after he came to the conclusion that he must learn from himself?
Part Two: Chapter 5: Kamala
18. At the beginning of Part Two, Siddhartha began truly looking at the “phenomenal” (or
temporal) world for the first time. Previously, he said, he had regarded the everyday world of
nature as an illusive veil. What did he mean?
19. How do you interpret the dream Siddhartha had at the ferryman’s hut just after leaving the
Buddhists?
20. Why did Siddhartha reject the overtures of the young girl and seek instead the company of
Kamala, the prostitute?
21. Why did Siddhartha cut off his beard before presenting himself to Kamala?
22. In what ways did Siddhartha reveal his naiveté during his initial conversation with Kamala?
23. What is the significance of the names Kamala and Kamaswami?
24. After leaving the Buddhists, Siddhartha said that he no longer felt the need for teachers. Yet
he immediately became the student of two new teachers, Kamala and Kamaswami. How can this
apparent contradiction be resolved?
Chapter 6: Amongst the People
25. How did Siddhartha distinguish between lacking possessions and being in need? Was
Siddhartha completely truthful when he told Kamaswami that he was not in need?
26. Was Siddhartha a good businessman?
27. What values did Siddhartha derive from his experience as a businessman?
28. Was Siddhartha a good lover?