The Recurring Motif of the River

“One can learn much from a river.” (pg. 49)

                This quote illustrates the recurring motif of the river. This is the first time that Siddhartha comes into contact with the river and the ferryman. The ferrymen tells Siddhartha that even though Siddhartha does not have gifts or possessions to give to the ferryman, he will in turn pay him back because everything comes back to the river, including Siddhartha. This relates to the entire novel because it is an example of foreshadowing. The author is using the character of the ferryman to foreshadow Siddhartha returning to this very same river later in his life. This quote does raise questions about Siddhartha’s future and why he will return to the river and how it will affect him.

“That was the deed he longed to commit, to destroy the form he hated.” (pgs. 88 and 89)

                This quote is showing the hatred that Siddhartha has of himself and how he wants to commit suicide. This occurs at the river that he once crossed with the ferryman when he was a child. It is significant because Siddhartha wants to take his own life at the place where his life was just beginning. This relates to the novel as a whole because after all the things that have happened to Siddhartha in his life, he feels he has failed. This quote does raise questions about Siddhartha’s happiness and his overall well-being, both physically, mentally and emotionally.

“I stand once more beneath the sun, as I once stood as a small child.” (pg. 95)

                This quote is illustrating the fact that Siddhartha has returned to the same river or the recurring river that he visited as a child. The river is an important recurring motif because it has occurred when Siddhartha was young and inquisitive, and now when he is older and knowledgeable. This relates to the text because Siddhartha is remembering and relating to his time as a child when he visited the river with the ferryman. The author chose to utilize the motif in this way because it signifies the importance of the river that he has been there two important times in his life. Yes it does raise questions about who Siddhartha was and who he has become.