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As with our reading of the Bhagavad Gita, these study questions are meant to aid your understanding of the text, not extend your reading time significantly.
However, you should choose one question from each chapter and write a response for class.
Kamala
1. How has Siddhartha’ relationship to nature changed? (45)
2. Explain how everyone are “children” (49)
3. Again in this chapter, Hesse uses the motif of lowered eyes. What is the connection between this practice and the theme?
4. Is the relationship between the necessity for “material” wealth as an entrée to Kamala’s knowledge similar or different from the requirement to become a Samana? Why does Siddhartha agree to become rich first?
5. Is Siddhartha naïve? What are the flaws in Siddhartha’s assumptions?
Amongst the People
1. Is Siddhartha’s love for Kamala idealized or do situations like this happen?
2. Is Siddhartha a good businessman? Can his approach be copied today?
3. Discuss this quote: “He was sometimes afraid of these thoughts and wished he could also share their childish daily affairs with intensity, truly to take part in them, to enjoy and live their lives instead of only being there as an onlooker.” (71)
4. What is love according to Siddhartha? According to Kamala? Is Hesse arguing that love is unnecessary?
5. How do thinking, waiting and fasting continue to dominate Siddhartha’s life?
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