Siddhartha
By: Herman Hesse
Religious Influences
Hinduism
Buddhism
Vocabulary Chapter 1
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Ablutions
Om
Atman
Brahmin
Upanishads
Prajapati
Rig Veda
samana
What is the characterization of
Siddhartha?
Siddhartha
Discussion Questions Chapter 1
1.) What is the plot summary of Chapter 1?
2.) How do people react to Siddhartha?
-Parents
-Govinda
-Girls
-Everyone (in general)
Discussion Questions Continued
Ch.1
3.) What is the primary conflict introduced in this chapter?
-Why is he unhappy?
-What does he do about it?
-How does he convince his father to go? Why not just go?
-Why is Govinda willing to follow him?
4.) How do you think his life will be as a samana? Will his emptiness fade?
For Homework:
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Complete Vocabulary List #2
Plot summary of Chapter 2
Three quotes/questions that stood out to you
from this chapter or from Chapter 1 (Be sure to
have an explanation as to why you selected
this quote/question.)
Vocabulary Chapter 2
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Self
Reincarnation
Ascetic
Meditation
Nirvana
Sakyamuni
Chapter 3
In this discussion today, you will answer a
series of questions about a section of this
chapter. Then, we will switch groups and you
will discuss these questions and answers with
your new group members.
The overall goal is to improve your
understanding of the chapter and to
communicate different concepts/ideas about
the text.
Group 1 (pp.25-26)
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1.) How popular was the Buddha?
2.) What was a common custom of the two
ascetics and of Buddha throughout Chapter 3?
3.) Why do they want to know if the lady had
seen the Buddha? Has she?
4.) What other than the woman saying so,
encourages Sidd and Govinda that this guy is
real?
Group 2 (pp.27-28)
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1.) What did they (Sidd and Govinda) observe
when they got to the grove?
2.) How were Sidd and Govinda able to pick
out Buddha from the crowd?
3.) How did the Samanas recognize Buddha in
town?
4.) Why was Sidd skeptical of Buddha’s
teachings?
5.) What does Sidd notice about Buddha’s
appearance?
Group 3 (pp.29-30)
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1.) What was the experience like about hearing
Buddha preach?
2.) What did Buddha teach?
3.) Describe the smile used to describe his
voice.
4.) What happened after the sermon?
5.) Why does Govinda join?
Group 4 (pp. 31-32)
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1.) Why won’t Sidd join Gautama if he says his
teachings are good/unflawed?
2.) What are the emotions Sidd felt for Govinda
when they parted?
3.) Why does Sidd want to speak to the Buddha
in private?
4.) a. How does Sidd describe Buddha’s
teachings?
b. What shines most from his teachings?
5.) What flaw/objection does Sidd find?
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Group 5 (pp.33-34)
1.) What kind of person is Sidd for having
questioned the Buddha?
2.) What does the Buddha say about Sidd’s
opinion of his teachings?
3.) a. What is not Buddha’s goal? b.What is
Buddha’s goal?
4.) How does Sidd respond to Buddha’s reply?
What does he say?
5.)a. What do Buddha’s teachings teach?
b. What don’t they teach?
Group 6 (pp.35-36)
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1.) Why does Buddha feel supported by his
teachings?
2.) What is Sidd’s wish for Buddha’s followers?
3.)Why is the Buddha concerned about Sidd and
too much cleverness?
4.)What does Sidd admire about Buddha?
5.) Why does Sidd say Buddha robbed him?
What did he give him?