Siddhartha Motif Analysis (Laughter and Smiles)

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Liz Gorelick Siddhartha Motif Analysis Laughter and smiles are motifs that usually represent innocence or kindness, yet Hesse uses these symbols in such a way that makes them represent enlightenment and destiny. We first see the mention of a smile when Siddhartha meets the Buddha. He recognizes him immediately because “he seemed to be smiling inwardly. With a secret smile, not unlike that of a healthy child” (Hesse 22). What Siddhartha recognizes in the Buddha is his smile of enlightenment. This smile influences Siddhartha so much that he sets his ambitions to achieve what the Buddha has achieved. He states that “I have never seen a man look and smile… like that... I, also, would like to look and smile like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious” (Hesse 29). This motif also appears on the next person who influences Siddhartha. Siddhartha’s inner voice leads him to Samsara and to Kamala after he leaves the Buddha. Kamala represents a deviation from the path of enlightenment, yet a significant step in Siddhartha’s journey. This is why Kamala does not wear the smile of enlightenment, but uses flirtatious smiles and laughs to teach Siddhartha. On their first meeting, “Kamala smiled and played with her fan… and thereupon Kamala laughed aloud” (Hesse 44). Her smiles and laughter represent her knowledge of love and sex that she passes on to Siddhartha. In this case, they do not represent enlightenment, but destiny because she was meant to be his lover and teacher and guide through Samsara. Yet, as Siddhartha falls deeper into Samsara, he becomes unhappy and finally leaves. He only finds himself happy again after he attempts suicide. After he realizes he does not need to drown himself, he “felt a great desire to laugh, to laugh at himself, to laugh at this strange, foolish world” (Hesse 77). This laughter is a healing
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