International Literature: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Important Terminology/Folks to Know:
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Siddhartha
Brahmin
Om
Atman
Rig-Veda
Ablutions
Prajapati
Sama-Veda
Chandogya-Upanishads
10. Satya
11. Samana
12. Ascetic
13. Nirvana
14. Gotama – the Illustrious Buddha
15. Noble Path
16. Mara/Maya Veil
17. Vishnu
18. Lakshmi
Assignment #1: Siddhartha’s Preparation for Life
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Read through Part 1 – pg. 1-34
Prepare written responses (word-processed, double- spaced)
Active reading notes (10-15 with all 7 types covered)
Assignment #2: Mastering the Arts of Love and Business
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Read up to “By the River” – pg. 37-69
Prepare written responses (word-processed, double- spaced)
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Active reading notes (10-15 with all 7 types covered)
Assignment #3: Understanding the Message of the River
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Due:__________
Due:__________
Read up to “The Son” - pg. 70-94
Prepare written responses (word-processed, double- spaced)
Active reading notes (10-15 with all 7 types covered)
Assignment #4: Next Generation
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Due:__________
Due:__________
Finish Siddhartha – pg. 95-122
Prepare written responses (word-processed, double- spaced)
Active reading notes (10-15 with all 7 types covered)
Discussion Groups & Written Responses – Complete only 2 written responses (essays) out of the four listed.
You will be meeting in small groups (?) on the day the reading is due to discuss your responses to this novel. To
prepare for these discussions, you will be creating written responses for each assigned reading section. Each response
needs to address the following topics. Please label each entry separately.
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Write a paragraph explaining one of the lessons Siddhartha learns in this section of the reading. (5 pts.)
Write about a significant symbol, character, or plot line (archetypal element) and how it contributes to a deeper understanding
of the story. (10 pts.)
Write about one of the following topics using quotations (with page numbers) from the story for support (10 pts.)
 Evaluate the author’s use of imagery.
 Analyze Hesse’s portrayal of women.
 Write about an emerging theme in the story.
 Religion/philosophical beliefs – look up religious allusion to Buddhism or Hinduism and explain their significance in this part
of the story.
 Write about the meaning of names :Siddhartha, Govinda, Swami, Kama, Vasudeva, Samsara, Kamala and how the names
contribute to themes or characterization in the novel.
 Compare/contrast your own “journey” with Siddhartha’s.