Govinda as Siddhartha's Shadow

Govinda represents an aspect of Siddhartha's shadow, both literally and figurately. Literally, Govinda follows Siddhartha in his initial journey of self-discovery. Govinda reveres the youthful Siddhartha, like everyone else who is acquainted with the Brahmin's son. Govinda is willing to subjugate his own aspirations in favor of being supportive of Siddhartha: " . . . Govinda wanted to follow him as his friend, his companion, his servant, his lance bearer, his shadow" (Hesse 5). Govinda is described in Hesse's novel only in relationship to Siddhartha. This provides an additional clue that the author has intended Govinda to represent an aspect of Siddhartha's personality.

As the novel begins, Siddhartha is well entrenched in his career path of becoming a respected Brahmin. Both his mother and father take pride in their son. Siddhartha's father considers him intelligent and thirsty for knowledge. He is certain that Siddhartha is destined for greatness. Siddhartha's mother treasures his fine physical attributes and his gracious bearing. Siddhartha also inspires love among the hearts of the young ladies in his social circle.

Despite the high esteem that he inspires in all his acquaintances, Siddhartha becomes plagued with psychological restlessness. Although his father has imparted the best of the wisdom of the Brahmins to his son, Siddhartha does not feel that this wisdom holds the key to the meaning of life. The seeds of discontent that Siddhartha experience are

Related Essays

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse .... The two young men listen to the Buddha and absorb what he says, Govinda more than Siddhartha, for Govinda wishes to study and learn with the master: The .... (2714 11 )

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse .... The two young men listen to the Buddha and absorb what he says, Govinda more than Siddhartha, for Govinda wishes to study and learn with the master: The .... (2700 11 )

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse .... The two young men listen to the Buddha and absorb what he says, Govinda more than Siddhartha, for Govinda wishes to study and learn with the master: The .... (2686 11 )

bolic of Siddhartha uniting with his anima side. Vasudeva teaches Siddhartha to listen to the river by instructing him in the skills of the ferryman trade. Siddhartha becomes a ferryman and learns the secret of the river, that there is no such thing as time. Siddhartha's experience as a ferryman marks an important transition in his life. Before, he had been the follower of human beings. He sought out great men or women as teachers. Vasudeva explains that he is an unlearned man, incapable of teaching or thinking: "I only know how to listen and be devout" (Hesse 105). Vasudeva demonstrates to Siddhartha that there are important lessons to be learned from the river. Eventually, Siddhartha realizes that there are lessons to be learned from all living things. Part B: Siddhartha communicates many truths to Govinda in this passage. Most importantly, Siddhartha demonstrates the futility of words. Words can only convey meanings that are one-sided. For this reason, Siddhartha considers teachers, doctrines, and books irrelevant. According to Siddhartha, it is extremely difficult for humans to comprehend unity, completeness, and totality. Humans must conceptualize matter in terms of divisions. For this reason time is meas

Category: Philosophy - G