Study Questions Chapter 5 and 6

Chapter 5 - Kamala

1. How has his point of view changed? How does the writing style reflect this?
2. Complete the quote: “To obey no other eternal command __. Nothing else was necessary.” What does this quote mean?
3. What dream does Siddhartha see? Will this woman lead him to enlightenment?
4. What does Siddhartha think of the Ferryman and of the river?
5. Why doesn’t Siddhartha “ascend the tree” with the woman?
6. Hesse uses a simile to describe the woman’s (Kamala’s) mouth. What is it? What does that say about the woman?
7. How does Siddhartha prepare for Kamala? What does he want from her?
8. Why might the portrayal of Kamala be politically incorrect?
9. What three things can Siddhartha do?
10. When Siddhartha receives his first kiss, the style changes. How? Why?
11. Who is Kamaswami?
12. Siddhartha compares himself to a stone. How is this so?

Chapter 6 – Amongst the People

1. How does Siddhartha take control of the interview?
2. For all of his holy skills, in the end, why does Kamaswami hire him?
3. In your own words and thoughtfully, what did Kamala teach him?
4. What makes Siddhartha good at business? Why might he be an excellent partner for Kamaswami?
5. What does his four day trip to the village show about Siddhartha? How could that be good business?
6. What does Siddhartha’s inner voice say? How is life “flowing past” him?
7. What do you suppose a Samana heart is?
8. How are Siddhartha and Kamala similar?

Ch 4--Awakening

Ch. 4 Study Questions: “Awakening”

1. What do you make of this quote and how, if at all, can you relate it to your own experiences: “…for to recognize causes, it seemed to him, is to think, and through thought alone feelings become knowledge and are not lost, but become real and begin to mature.”
2. To what realization does Siddhartha “awaken”? Why is his sense of isolation called “the last shudder of his awakening” (42)?
3. What does Part One seem to suggest about the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of education?
4. Track Siddhartha’s progress through Part One. In terms of Hindu or Buddhist understanding, what path or paths has Siddhartha been traveling? On what path, if any, do we find him at the end of Part One?

Ch 3--Gotama

Ch. 3 Study Questions: “Gotama”

1. What contradictory images or descriptions characterize the first encounter with the Buddha?
2. Why does Siddhartha choose not to join the order of the Illustrious One?
3. What, if anything, do you think is the Buddha’s opinion of Siddhartha at their parting?
4. What has the Buddha stolen from Siddhartha? What has he given in return? What do you think the literal answers to these questions signify? How might the concept of the “twins” offer one interpretation here?

Chapter 2 --with the Samans(12 questions)

Hello, Girls, there are 12 questions waiting for us to discuss.  Please post your comments and enjoy discussing!!!!


1. Describe Siddhartha's life with the Samanas with  the Samans.

2.What is Siddhartha's goal as an ascetic?

3.What is the great secret? What means does Siddhartha use to try to attain the great secret?

4.Where else does Siddhartha believe he could have learned what he learned with the Samanas?

5.What does Siddhartha believe the eldest Samana will never attain?

6.What is the knowledge that is everywhere?

7.What is the worst enemy of Atman?

8.Who is Gotama?

9.What did the Buddha give to the people?

10.What path did the Buddha follow before he reached inner peace?

11What does Siddhartha do to the eldest Samana?

12.What does Govinda say Siddhartha would have learned if he stayed with the Samanas?

Discuss Chapter 2

Hello, Girls, let us enjoy discussing Chapter 2.

Chapter 2- The Samanas

1. How does Siddhartha act when he is with the Samanas?

2. What is his goal? What happens when he reaches that goal?

3. How does Siddhartha meditate?

4. What frustrates Siddhartha?

5. Complete the quote: “I could have learned more quickly and easily ________________.” Explain this.

6. According to Siddhartha, what can one learn? Explain this.

7. Who is Gotama? What does the author think of him?

8. What does Siddhartha do with the oldest Samana? What does that feat show?

If you have other opinons about CH1, please post here

Dear all,
Besides 5 questions of Ms.Han asked us to discuss, if you have any opinions or ideas about CH1, please post your comments here. We can enjoy discussing any topic here, thanks.

5. Why, do you suppose, Siddhartha’s mother doesn’t have more of a role in the decision?

Girls, this is the last question. We can take a rest, and just go to get a cup of coffee!!


5. Why, do you suppose, Siddhartha’s mother doesn’t have more of a role in the decision?