Siddhartha Critical Lens

            Logan Pearsall Smith, an American essayist and critic once said "It is not what an author says, but what he or she whispers, that is important." I agree with this quote, I believe that the little things add up to one big thing, and that is your life. Motif is a large part of life in general, not just books and literature. For example, in Herman Hesse's novel Siddhartha the main character, Siddhartha himself goes through a repeated pattern of change, trying to find out who he really is. Though this is just one motif, the book is brought together by many to make up the novel that is still read and related to by teenagers trying to find out who they really are, as well. 
         One big motif throughout the book Siddhartha is love. In the beginning of the novel the author describes how Siddhartha is loved by everyone. The people in his life loved him for every aspect of him, what he looked like, what he sounded like, who he was. They saw Siddhartha as a handsome, loving boy. They knew he was something of great significance to the world. His father loved him just as much, knowing that inside him was a great sage or priest.  Though his father wanted him to follow in his path, Siddhartha knew there was more to the world and to his life than becoming what his father was. Even though he was blessed with the love from others, Siddhartha wants to learn the art of love. He believes that if he cannot give love, he cannot receive love. While learning love, his teacher has his child. As his child is born he feels he can finally love and be loved.
           Another motif of large importance to the novel is questions. Questions make up the entire book, and without them there would be nothing to it. Without questions Siddhartha could not ask himself who he is, and who he wants to be. The novel is Siddhartha finding himself, and on this mission he experiences things that arise new questions. In just the beginning of the novel, Siddhartha questions if who his father is, is who he wants to be and from this question comes many more on his journey to find himself.  Within every chapter is a new question that leads him on a new adventure, and he experiences so much to figure out if this is what he wants and where he is supposed to be. 
          As Logan Pearsall said, "It is not what an author says, but what he or she whispers, that is important" Siddhartha is a really good novel to represent this quote. This quote to me means that it isn't what the author has put in bold, but what is behind the words that means something. Behind every sentence in the novel, there is a deep meaning to it. Behind every motif is a reason, and behind every question is an answer.