Part 1: "Awakening" Summary

As Siddhartha sets out on his own, he realizes he is no longer a youth but a man, like a snake who has shed his old skin. He also resolves no longer to learn from others but to be his "own pupil" and "to learn from myself the secret of Siddhartha." As he walks along, not sure where he is going and feeling utterly alone, Siddhartha is filled with sadness, yet he feels he is more himself than ever.

Part 1: "Awakening" Analysis

This chapter, like the last one, reinforces the theme that we each must find out own way in the world, that no one can show us the way to happiness and self-fulfillment. Until now, Siddhartha has been like a boy who listens to and believes what others tell him. On his journey since leaving home, he has...