The River Motif in Siddhartha

“One can learn a lot from a river” (Heese, pg 40). The river is a very important motif in the novel because it helps Siddhartha to realize what he really wants to do with his life. Siddhartha learned a lot from the river. Every time that Siddhartha visited the river he recognized something new about himself. The first time that he came to the river he didn’t know what he wanted to do since he left the Samana’s. But then after seeing the river and talking with the ferryman, he realized the happiness nice people can bring him. These made him want to go and visit the big city. This quote does raise questions about the confidence of Siddhartha because he is never sure what he wants to do. He is always questioning himself. “He recognized himself in the midst of his misery and delusion” (Heese, pg 70). This is a quote from when Siddhartha tried to commit suicide in the river. At first he thought that his choices in the city gave him nothing to live for. But then when he was down in the river he realized that he still had the inner mind of a Samana. And that is why later he repeatedly said the word “OM” in his head. The river helps the reader to fully understand and connect with what Siddhartha does and says and that is why the author tried to use this motif. This part of the book again raises questions about what Siddhartha is going to do next and how long he will do it. Even though the river does help the reader to understand what is going on, it will still leave them wondering what is to come. “Farewell Govinda” (Heese, pg 72). This is a very important part of the book because it is the first time Govinda and Siddhartha meet since they decided to go and learn in different ways. It is very suiting that they meet by the river because of the meaning the river has. They were both off learning many things for a very long time but since they saw each other, it makes them remember all that they had going for them before they split up. So not only does the river motif affect Siddhartha, but it also affects people like Govinda.