Self-Identity Through an Existential Lens in Hesse’s Siddhartha

Abstract

This paper explores Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha through an existential lens, analyzing the protagonist’s journey as a profound quest for self-identity and authentic living. By rejecting conventional paths such as asceticism, materialism, and even the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha embodies the existential struggle to define oneself through personal experience and individual choice. The novel delves into existential themes such as the rejection of conformity, the burden of freedom, the transformative power of suffering, and the fluid nature of self-identity. Siddhartha’s repeated encounters with suffering serve as catalysts for self-realization, illustrating that identity is not a fixed state but a dynamic process shaped by lived experiences. The river, as a central metaphor, symbolizes the interconnectedness and continuous flow of life, reinforcing the existential notion that true wisdom lies in embracing the totality of one’s journey. This analysis highlights Siddhartha as a profound reflection on the human condition, emphasizing that the search for self-identity is an endless and deeply personal pursuit, characterized by moments of clarity, despair, and ultimately, acceptance.