Theme, Symbols, and Characterization Established in Part I

Part I of Siddhartha initiates a theme that continues throughout the rest of the novel- one of a quest for enlightenment. Hinduism and Buddhism provide the foundation of the novel by which all characters are characterized. The quest for Nirvana, or the ultimate understanding of life and the end of all suffering (a spiritual enlightenment) is sought out by Siddhartha and his friend, Govinda, when they first leave the Brahmins to join the Samanas. They then leave the Samanas to listen to the teachings of Gotama, an enlightened one. It is here that the two friends part as Govinda pledges himself to Gotama. Siddhartha, however, discovers throughout his journey thus far that enlightenment can only come from within his own self. No matter how much he learns from the teachings of others and no matter how much he detaches his soul from his body through asceticism, the trivial enlightenment offered is only temporary. Siddhartha seeks something deeper than this- an eternal enlightenment. Part I sets the stage for the rest of the novel by establishing this quest that will govern Siddhartha's actions, relationships, and spiritual journeys. It is clear that Siddhartha is much further along than most others in the community when it comes to achieving this spiritual salvation in that he understands the meaning of Om and comprehends its place in life. He is also able to hypnotize the eldest Brahmin, illustrating that he is closer to enlightenment than this man of sixty years. The entities of Om and hypnosis can be considered symbols of checkpoints of Siddhartha's journey. It is at these two checkpoints that the reader is able to analyze Siddhartha's spiritual progression and prepare for further development of the main character's spiritual disposition.