AP PREP POST 1: SIDDHARTHA

1. http://www.shmoop.com/siddhartha/questions.html

What purpose does self-denial serve in Siddhartha? Is it a feeling? An attitude?

Self-denial seems to serve as an antagonist against finding oneself in the novel. It is neither a feeling nor attitude but a character itself. Siddhartha is in search of himself. He wants to be awakened and once he is he is not simply at ease. He is uncertain of his surroundings and feels a bit lost but that doesn't mean he isn't in a position in which he doesn't want to be.

2. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/siddhartha/study-help/essay-questions.html

Siddhartha and Buddha both eventually attain Nirvana. However, the way that each achieves it is different. Explain the difference, relating this to the reason for Siddhartha's not following the Buddha.

In order to answer this question one would have to analyze the way in which Siddhartha reach that state of bliss and contrast it to the way in which Buddha was able to get to that same place as well. According to the question Siddhartha followed a different path toward Nirvana and the reasoning behind that must also be deciphered from the reading. Siddhartha must have had a greater force driving his toward his own version of Nirvana.

3. http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/siddhartha/study-help/essay-questions.html

What is the function of Kamala in the novel?

Kamala is Siddhartha's instructor in the art of physical love. Her and Siddhartha carry out an emotional relationships from which an offspring is born. She teaches Siddhartha about the city and broadens his perspective on life in general.

4. http://chs.mesa.k12.co.us/departments/Language%20Arts/thomas/sid_essay_topics.html

Choose a character other than Siddhartha and discuss how the character supports the theme of Hesse's novel.

Any major character can be chosen for this question excluding Siddhartha of course as has been clearly stated in the question. Some may still make the mistake of choosing Siddhartha as their topic. For this question one must have a broad knowledge of the major characters and the possible themes that can serves as links to such. Characters must be connected to theme and reasons for the linkage must be explained.

5. http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/Siddhartha.pdf

How does the book Siddhartha illustrate the major tenets of Indian thought and belief?

This question may be given a stronger response if outside information is provided. General knowledge about Indian thought and belief must be known to answer the question in the first place but going the extra mile and adding additional information about the Indian culture to answer the question can be helpful. One must also understand the Siddhartha character in order to discuss the way in which it illustrates Indian thought and belief.