Comparing and Contrasting Week 4:

Ok there were some crazy people in both books. Siddhartha was cool and an ideal person in the beginning but over time he totally changed, I was kind off shocked. On other hand I was even more shocked when I read about Gatsby. Who is the world does that man. He sacrificed his life to just get that so-called daisy. That pissed me a lot. What do you think about both characters and how did you felt about there behaviors and changes over time? I am pretty sure you were really shocks. I mean they all were doing stuff that was morally supper wrong. Well I don’t know but I think it was pretty crazy. Hopefully you enjoyed reading about these different characters.

comparing and Contrasting Week 4

Theme will be the theme of this post. Siddhartha's theme was something along the lines of do not try to hard while still being as genuine and dedicated as you always are. This was similar to a theme for The Great Gatsby considering that Gatsby tried his hardest to get Daisy to finally love him and leave Tom but in the end his attempts were futile. I think that this was an okay theme for the two books but not for me personally. I say this because I have always been trying my hardest when it comes to practicing soccer not just the sake of becoming a pro but because I find it fun. How do you feel Mahek about the whole concept of not trying too hard. I actually recall this concept back firing on the protagonist of 21 Jump Street as he tried to act like the popular new kid at school by not trying hard at anything, only to find that he quickly became the loser that has to try hard. Another theme that one might pick up from reading Siddhartha and The Great Gatsby is to not become lovers with someone that you do not truly love and that does not truly love you, because in Siddhartha, Siddhartha did the nasty with Kamala and ended up having a baby with her that he could not control and that eventually ran away from him. While in The Great Gatsby, Gatsby tried to love Daisy (who was not his true love) and ended up dying. On this theme I would like to say that you should not love those that do not love you Mahek considering that if you try too hard you will only end up in ruins.

comparing and Contrasting Week 3

I would like to dedicate this compare and contrast post to talk about the setting. The setting for Siddhartha took place in ancient India before Jesus was born while The Great Gatsby takes place in some time around modern day New York. I am glad that I chose these two books considering that the settings were different which did not make me bored when reading them both because they both took place in different times and places. The times were essential in allowing the stories to make sense considering that in modern day New York City you would rarely find anyone wandering around in little clothing searching for "enlightenment." Well, unless they're prostitutes... The river in Siddhartha was the most vital setting in the story considering that it was where Siddhartha met The Ferryman which lead him to meeting Govinda, his son, and to finding his enlightenment thus allowing him to die peacefully. In the Great Gatsby the setting and where most of the people involved in Gatsby's death forced Nick to think that westerners have a bad heart. As a person that was born in the west I found this whole theme or statement to be highly offensive and false. For me I prefer the setting in The Great Gatsby considering that I like a more modern and technological setting but the author of The Great Gatsby barely related the setting to his story and his characters because it was hard for me to identify what time the book took place in, but I am guessing that it took place from the 1950's to now . There is not much that I can say about the settings in each of the stories but that I believe that the author of The Great Gatsby should of related it more throughout the story and no just the end of it. Do you have anything to add on about the settings Mahek because I covered just all I can think to talk about regarding them. Mac I really think that you should not rush your posts and read them out loud to yourself in order to check for grammar and the depth of your writing. For now and for future cases. I was pretty shocked when Gatsby died but more of how he died considering that I had a feeling that he was going to kick the bucket but in a more dramatic and meaningful way.

Comparing and Contrasting Week 3:

Ok I am already tired of posting again and again for these books. I don’t really know what to talk about anymore. I mean both books are great like I mentioned in my previous posts and they though me a lot. I think these were the far best books I’ve read till today, nahh not really but they are pretty good books. John Paul I would like to know what you think about these books, I mean sure you might liked them too but what was the lesion that you learned from it and how are you going to implies that to your life. I think there were some great real life lesions i can implie to my life and help others around me with. Like Zibraan I can motivate him to work harder in his life to lose weight and become totally fit by summer. I am pretty sure I will be able to achieve that. What do you think about Zibraan losing lots of weight? Do you think he will look better or worst….or maybe you just like him the way it is? That’s actually a better topic to talk about then these books, you know what I mean? Well you should share something interested with me too. I am ready bring it on.

Comparing and Contrasting Week 2:

Comparing and contrasting both books in going to be bit hard I think because both of

them are about totally two different things. Great Gatsby is more of a modern daybook

where Siddhartha is about ancient times. The setting of Great Gatsby is of United States

during 1920’s and the setting of Siddhartha is in India. I actually liked both books but

great Gatsby started out great and was a great novel but the thing that disappoints me the

most was the ending. But for the Siddhartha it started out so lame that I didn’t expect

anything out of it and just wanted to read it because I had to post but it tuned out to be a

great book. Reading about two different time period and different cultures was really

interesting actually. Back in ancient times people were more devoted to their families as

seen in Siddhartha, that he cares about his parents and asks them before leaving and is

doing everything that is morally right. On other hand Great Gatsby is modern world

where nobody really cares about anybody and everybody is supper, tom was married to

Daisy but he still had a girlfriend and Daisy had a affair with Gatsby this world is

morally wrong. Comparing both times and settings we can the dramatic difference and

the importance of there moral values are decreasing. What do you think

this

comparing and Contrasting Week 2

In this compare and contrast post I want to talk about the differences and similarities between the characters in Siddhartha and the characters in The Great Gatsby. I feel that Siddhartha and Gatsby were so alike that it was unreal. They both were not very happy with their lives. Siddhartha had everyone in his Brahman societies respect and complete admiration. For Gatsby he had the riches and glamor that he had always wanted ever since his rich idol died. Even though they had what many people thought was enough, they still wanted more. For Gatsby he wanted enlightenment and to find it on what he thought was a proper path. As for Gatsby all he wanted was his 'true love" Daisy. Both men suffered harsh experiences on the path to obtaining their goals in life except Siddhartha's path allowed him to achieve his goal along with the sweet taste of happiness. Gatsby's path on the other-hand did not reward him with his true love but except with pain and death. I think that the only thing that stopped Gatsby from obtaining his goal was the goal itself. His goal, Daisy, was not something that would help him even if he achieved it because Daisy is a filthy whore that only cares about money and sex. While enlightenment helped Siddhartha fulfill his life. I think that Daisy was a bit similar to the relationship that Siddhartha shared with Kamala. I say the "relationship" because Kamala, after Siddhartha left her, decided to stop sleeping and having relations with other men and to devote her life to raising her child. Daisy and Siddhartha's relationship on the other-hand was strictly sex and they did not share actual love. While Daisy continued to cheat on other men and not repent for her actions even when Gatsby died. I think that Govinda and Nick were very alike considering that they were always there for their best-friend and they were both full of heart and honest. I feel that Siddhartha's relationship with Govinda was stronger than Gatsby and Nick's because Siddhartha and Govinda have known each other since they were children and they both helped each other achieve their greatest goal in life, enlightenment. Because if Siddhartha did not have Govinda he might of given up on living sooner thus stopping him from finding enlightenment. Gatsby and Nick's relationship was strong, but it was not strong enough to keep Gatsby alive because if Nick really wanted and was closer to Gatsby, he could of convinced him to give up on Daisy before things got as worse as they did. Do you agree of disagree with my opinions about these characters Mahek? And did you find any other characters or items that are similar or different in these two books?

Comparing and Contrasting Week 1:

Theme I am comparing and contrasting is going to be Love because Love played a great

role in both books. Gatsby changed everything in his life. He worked his ass off to get

rich for his love (Daisy). He changes his lifestyle and everything around him based on his

love. Siddhartha was in love with Kamala that changes him and made him life in a town,

then later on his son that was the symbol of his love changed him around even more. I

mean this love stuff is kind of crazy that’s why I tend to stay out of this crap...you know

what I mean. Second main thing I am going to talk about it moving on- Gatsby should

have moved on from Daisy because he was a rich handsome guy that girls would totally

dig but he was never opened himself to anybody. Siddhartha he shouldn’t have moved

on from Kamala, that explains lots and lots about him and gives people a wrong idea

about him. He moved on from her because she was getting old and wrinkly. I don’t get it

I mean ok he was in search of enlightenment but that’s not the reason to leave someone

you love. It’s like “biting the hand that fed you”; you see what I did there? He left the girl

he made love with, that’s bad ass. What do you think about this John Paul.

Comparing and Contrasting Week 1

In this post I will discuss how my views and liking for Siddhartha and The Great Gatsby changed as I read through the stories and why I formed my opinions. Regarding Siddhartha I felt that the book was first because the author took a good deal of time to introduce Siddhartha and Govinda, their feelings, and the society they were living in. I usually do not mind hearing about characters so that I can understand them and their actions but the author kept on using unfamiliar words like "OM." Come to think of it I still do not know what OM is even though I finished the book. All I know is that OM saved Siddhartha many times throughout the book. Do you know what OM is Mahek? As I continued to read the book I found myself feeling hard to stop reading. I like how the author made Siddhartha travel from location to location often mixing things up and surprising me. This is the complete opposite of how I felt about The Great Gatsby. The beginning of the Great Gatsby was great because there was a lot of mystery and confusion regarding the mysterious Gatsby. But as the book drew on Gatsby identity was not very interesting and did not live up to what the author made me think it would. I soon found myself angry at how stupid and heartless the people were. They were paying no regard to honesty and the sanctity of marriage and none of them made up for it or set things right. I think that is the main reason why i did not like The Great Gatsby. My liking of these books proved to be the opposite for Siddhartha I did not really like it at first but grew to enjoy it as I read on. With the Great Gatsby I liked the mystery of it at first but the story and its characters pissed me off. How did your liking of these books change over time Mahek?

The Great Gatsby Week 4:

Another huge shock, Gatsby is murdered by Wilson. This story had the worst ending

then 1947. No joke but I expected way better ending. I am strongly disappointed with the

ending. Even more surprising were the people who actually showed up on his funeral.

I think I disagree with you on the lesson this book thought us. The book taught me that

don’t let something like Women hold you back, because there are plenty of single girls

out there. I would really like to get your thoughts on this, what do you think?

The song I wrote long time ago should have been a great ending for this book…

“I used to love her kindaa like common,

20/20 vision but I never saw us falling,

You told me to forget you when I tried,

I got my regrets but I also got my pride,

I needed you the most and your heart I couldn’t find,

I know it’s inside but why does it hide,

Journey to the end but you hopped out the ride

I am looking back like you coming back anytime,

But the fact is I can make you come back,

Said it’s for my good,

But I wouldn’t learn nothing from that,

bun-bag why did you leave me all alone,

It was suppose to be us together until we get grown,

Never trust the women but you made me,

Holding hands,

I even called you my baby,

And I am stuck here nothing but memories,

Till the end of time I hope you wouldn’t remember me.”

~ By. Mahekdeep Singh

The Great Gatsby Week 4:

I understand how Gatsby may feel that he likes Daisy because this is his first time "falling in love" but the fact that he made up all of those lies shows that Daisy "fell in love" with the wrong person. I feel as this book died down near the end because Gatsby dies and all of a sudden Nick thinks that the cruelty in their hearts was there because they were from the west. I really do not see the theme to this book except that it is wrong to cheat on your lover and one must only have one spouse considering that is the reason why Gatsby died int he first place. Honestly, I am really disappointed in the ending and I think that the author should have made Gatsby died in a more dramatic and meaningful way. I really can't think of anything else to say but that I am really mad at how the author ended this book. I think they should just name it Gatsby because there was nothing great about him. Gatsby threw his riches away on stupid things and did not do anything to help those less fortunate then himself. I was also right about Jordan and Daisy and how they were no good for Gatsby and Nick considering that Gatsby died because he "loved" Daisy and Nick and Jordan eventually broke up and moved on with their lives. This was such a bad ending. Are you as unsatisfied as me Mahek because I really feel as if I was lead on into thinking that this book was going to be really great.

The Great Gatsby Week 3:

I feel really bad for Gatsby man. I truly feel like everything Gatsby did for Daisy all

his life was worthless. He lost his love of life. Daisy really pissed me off in this chapter

too man. I was very disappointed after reading this chapter, you were right that daisy is

going to hurt Gatsby. I just don’t know how to put my emotions in words. But on other

hand I feel like Gatsby should have moved on before anything like this even took place.

He should have been more open in his life and I am pretty sure they way he is described

in the book he would have found a right girl for him. Daisy it truly a SLUT she totally

disappointed me. What do you think about this? I am pretty sure you will agree with me

too. This should have a great affect on Gatsby’s and Nick’s friendship, I don’t know if

it will be a positive or negative effect but I think everything happens for a reason and it

is good that she didn’t come back to him. I am really frustrated; I don’t want to read this

book no more. What is Gatsby doing with his life, she shouldn’t have taken the blame for

the accident let daisy get punished for her deeds. She doesn’t deserve the love Gatsby is

willing to give her. I think I understand what he is going through right now but I think

there is a limit for everything. What do you think about this John Paul? It reminds me of

something that took place in my life...if you know what I mean?

The Great Gatsby Week 3:

It is pretty cool that Gatsby's character is becoming more revealed and I feel as if he squanders his money a bit too much, with all the luxurious and expensive parties and his offers to Nick just for him to invite Daisy over. I feel like Gatsby needs a more human and real friendship with Nick instead of one that solely relies on bribery and I think that is what Nick is aiming for. Gatsby almost reminds me of a child, a very rich child. I say this because he does not know how to use his money very well and he is quite a worry wart. Especially when he was waiting for Daisy to arrive and when she did he was terribly nervous and said that it was a disaster. That is perfectly normal for anyone that has not had a date or a relationship in a while but how quickly he bounced out of it and changed his mood reminds me of my peers and I. I would like to take this minute to foreshadow what will happen in the future. I think that both Daisy and Jordan will hurt Gatsby and Nick emotionally and will leave the heart-broken. This in turn will bring their friendship closer together. Or that is how I think it will turn out. Do not get me wrong I am not one of those guys who favor bromance over romance but I feel that Nick and Gatsby need each other more than they need those two bimbos. Chapter seven pissed me off from the moment that I found out that Daisy had a baby. She is so selfish and will be a bad mother if she does not realize how dumb she is being. I feel bad for Gatsby because he was completely manipulated by her and while it may be healthy for him to get rid of all his maids and butlers but it is dumb for him to replace them with weird shady employees. I feel even stronger about my statement regarding Jordan and Daisy because a unwanted baby and another lover is no way to start a new relationship. Do you think that Gatsby should leave Mahek?

The Great Gatsby Week 2:

I agree with you about Tom’s and Daisy’s Characteristics. I don’t really get what’s really going on with Daisy and why she is still sticking with Tom after all this Tom is doing. I guess you are right man she is all about getting-some and money. Well one thing I want to tell you don’t judge people without knowing the whole truth about them. Man Gatsby really sounds like a smart, rich, powerful, and well-known man. Despite the fact that he in army and also went to Oxford. The incident with the police officer really reminded me of India. How the cop pulled him over and he just showed him the white card and the cop apologized to him for pulling him over (Baksheesh). You are truly in love with this word, what do you think about it? I don’t know what to really say about Gatsby’s past. I mean this story is getting like some stupid Indian movie about some love story. I think you won’t get it until you watch a dumb Indian love story. I am pretty sure Devdas would be a great example (It was a waste of my 3 hours). What do you think about an India movie sometime? (NO HOMO). I really feel like the reunion would be awkward but after reading what happened I was really shocked man. The finally conformed they were still in love with each other. I mean Daisy is with Tom, what was she thinking couple of years ago??? I really like I will never get the way girls think. Do you want to add something to this, I am pretty sure you are way more experienced then me.

The Great Gatsby Week 2:

I felt as if my last post was dragging on a bit but I would like to say that Tom is a little bitch. He is cheating on Myrtle for some sinner that gets drunk for absolutely no reason. I feel as if the only reason Daisy is with Tom is for sex and his money considering that Tom bought her a puppy out of nowhere. I say this because she must feel guilty about the inevitable hate and fall-out of love she will cause for Tom and his wife but the "positives" are outweighing the negatives. I feel like Tom and Gatsby are opposites considering that Tom feels out of place at the parties that he has recently been to and he is something of a relaxed guy. Gatsby on the other-hand loves to throw parties and has a confusing and wide reputation that consists of spying and murder. While although they may be opposites I still feel that they are good for each other and that Nick may teach Gatsby a few things about settling down and living a stable life and vice-versa. Like the old saying goes, "opposites attract." When I first read chapter 3 I found myself wondering how Gatsby became so rich. I mean can't the author just come out and explain the man that is known as Gatsby!? That is my view at this point as a reader but I envy the author for this genius writing technique that unravels the history of it's characters as the story goes on, in order to keep the reader interested. And interested I am. As I read on I realize that Gatsby is not the kind of guy that I thought he would be as I found out that he doesn't drink much and watches his guests party. I feel that I should not just come out and judge someone by what little facts I have because it will lead to hate and misunderstanding. I think that is what the theme of the book might be. Mahek, do you think that Gatsby's stories and past are true, because he did have pictures but to accomplish all of that is a very large feat.

The Great Gatsby Week 1:

I really had no idea what exactly this book was all about until I started reading it, despite the fact that we picked it at the last minute. That’s good that you are preplanning for the ninth post, we truly need that if you know what I mean. I totally agree with you about the setting of the book, it’s truly amazing (U.S.). After reading all these books on India and other countries, I was bit tired so this really refreshed my mind. Anyways talking about the book it’s really interesting. Personally I really liked the way the book is written and narrated by Nick too. Well I am not sure about Jordan’s and Nick’s relationship at this point of the book because I don’t think it is the main point of the book there are way more important things that are going on right now. I felt like in Chapter 2 the author gave details on gray valley, I really think it will have an important role in the future. What are your thoughts about that? Tom has a girlfriend, really man these rich people lack in morals. Well it’s cool that he is getting-some but that’s not being a loyal husband at all. You have to agree the introduction to the character of Gatsby was slick, like how he is looking over water and there is a green light shinning. What do you think about it?Huh? John Paul I don’t get what’s a matter with you about nick drinking. His life, I am pretty sure sometime in your lifetime you will drink too.

The Great Gatsby Week 1:

I just want to say that I like this book. I like the setting and how it is a bit more modern then Siddhartha and the fact that it takes place in America, because we have been working on projects and reading books that involve India. Not that I do not like learning about India but it was refreshing to read about something different. Maybe that is why I found Siddhartha a bit dull. I would like to compare the settings in my ninth post considering that that posts is dedicated to comparing and contrasting the two books. Back to the Great Gatsby now, I thought it was smart of the author to make himself a character in the story because for me at least, I felt... well I guess I just thought it was cool. When I read the first chapter I liked how the author mysteriously introduced Gatsby and when he talked about Gatsby reaching out at the dark water at night I felt that Gatsby was going to be one of those weird and deep guys that open up the eyes of those who are lost and find that their lives are meaningless or dull. At that point in the story I thought that if I predicted Gatsby's personality right, he could possibly help Siddhartha. I am not sure if it is just puberty but for some odd reason I really want Jordan and Nick to get together, as long as their relationship does not get in the way of Nick's relationship with Gatsby. I honestly do not like sort of gave into peer pressure by getting drunk at the party considering that it was only his second time. On the other-hand it is healthy to mix things up and live a bit on the edge, but there was really no real reason to drink or celebrate so shame on Nick. SHAME! How do you feel about Nick's drinking Mahekdeep Singh?

Siddhartha Week 4: End

I think Siddhartha was just lucky that he met Vasudeva. I really like the ending of this book because it wasn’t depressing or anything. In addition to what can be better then achieving what you dreamed of as a kid? Like you JPP, don’t worry you’ll be a pro some day and I have my faith in you, my friend. Trying less hard is not the way to go my friend, in order to achieve something in life you have to work really hard despite the fact that Siddhartha was luck in this book that he bumped in Vasudeva that guided him. Yeah man I really like it when both friends reunite and it’s weird how only Siddhartha recognize Govinda. Siddhartha’s son was no surprise to me because when he was kid his self he left his father’s place and now it was his son’s turn I guess. I actually went through the same process as you JP but it was about my heritage and culture so that’s why I had a better understanding. I agree with you how it started out slow and slowing got interesting and got used to it. I enjoyed reading this book and I am kind of curious to know what happens next in their lives. There are many questions in my mind like if Siddhartha is ever going to see his son again? And what will be there next step in life after they already achieving enlightenment.

Siddhartha Week 4: End

Whoa. I must admit that it was pretty cool how Siddhartha is now the new ferryman. Although I like this event I am sad that Vasudeva has left leaving both of the two men lonely. Do you think the two friends will ever see each other again Mahek? I kind of like the whole method of trying too hard. For me I try my hardest on the soccer field whether I'm practicing alone, with my friends, or with my team. I did this so I would be good enough to become a pro and get scouted at a game. But with this method in mind maybe it is better to try less hard. I mean I am still going to try as hard as I can but I will try not to over-think things and become less nervous while still maintaining the same intensity. i love how Siddhartha and Govinda were able to reunite and realize who each other were. I was extremely happy that the book had a happy ending and the two friends were able to end with many of the things they started with, like their friendship. The also have found their enlightenment and at this point I started to wonder what will happen now. Will they both stay there and live as ferrymen and help the next generation find their own enlightenment. Yet I still want to know what will become of Siddhartha's son too. I would like it if the author were to create another book talking about his sons life. This book started out boring for me but slowly got better and better as the story went on. I really like this book but it did not help me much with understanding the concepts and key terms in Freedom at Midnight. Did you enjoy reading this book, and what do you think will happen to Siddhartha?

Siddhartha Week 3: OM

OMG…He had a dream about Govinda. That was just ridiculously gorse. Now I see why you were all getting excited. Anyways I’ve always been taught that everything happens with a gods will and everything has a reason in our lives. I think theses 20 years will have a drastic effect on him. The way all this is written in really interestingly simple. I think I like this book because of its simplicity and depth. I think this story is similar to this one show I used to watch when I was kiddo. It was called “Shakalaka Boom Boom” so there was this guy that is looking for a meaning in his life and then he encounters crazy situations in his life that makes him the man he is and finally he finds peace and prosperity in his life and live happily after. Moving on well the word OM means “a mystic syllable, considered the most sacred mantra.” Let me know if you have any other questions about any of the words you don’t understand. I think Siddhartha is messed up, he was fine with Kamala until she was young and beautiful. After 20 years when she got all wrinkly he gave her up and just went away. That is just so messed up, what do you think about it? Huh? Well I don’t know what is exactly going to happen with him and his song, I think they are going to reunite again and just life happily after. Well the sounds of river, I am not really sure but it’s just being able to understand the nature and just being able to learn things from non-living things or animals. Well I guess that answered your question. Right?

Siddhartha Week 2: Sansara

This part of the book certainly makes me think of Gandhi; its not very different from what Gandhi did with his life. So yeah I agree with you John Paul. Well I don’t know if Gandhi was looking for enlightenment but according to Hindu religion is the highest and most difficult step of their spiritual life, so everybody tries to achieve that in their life one way of another. Well talking about Gandhi there was a action that took place in his life that totally reformed him but here with Siddhartha I don’t see anything. To me he is just a young kid growing with lots of curiosity. You want to give your insight on that? This book is really boring and just the way it’s written there is no exciting moments what so ever. My reply to your questions about what our parents don’t us do this is because it’s straight up madness. I would not want to live in a forest or some place and beg people for food, even the though of that is so messed up. Govinda leaving Siddhartha disappointing, I mean they started off like BFF’s and now he left him alone and got all selfish about finding enlightenment by him self. After all the experience with Indian people and in this book, people are so selfish (especially Indian people). John Paul I promise I won’t be like Govinda to you my friend, life’s too long yeah I’ll give it a shot. I think I haven’t gotten to the part about any of the crazy dream; the stuff, and it but me sound kind of bizarre to me.

Siddhartha Week 3: OM

I never thought that Siddhartha would act like a "Samsara." I feel that he should of never had traveled alone and left Govinda because he wasted 20 years of his life having a meaningless relationship and disregarding all of his past teachings. On the other-hand I can see why Siddhartha might of thought that this experience was worth it. I mean he did find out what it means to truly love someone and how empty he will feel without enlightenment and to live a life that relies solely on material possessions. At this point in the story I started to wonder what had become of his ex-best friend, Govinda. I honestly do not know what to think about Kamala's baby. I feel as if even if Siddhartha stayed he wouldn't have the right mind set to raise a child and support a family to his best abilities, due to the fact that his life is empty without his enlightenment. What do you think about the whole pregnant situation Mahekdeep Singh? And what would you do if you were in Siddhartha's shoes because I do not know what I would. I am extremely pissed at Siddhartha's meeting with Govinda. I expected them to apologize to each other and travel together and live happily ever after. But no, the freaking author has to make Govinda not recognize his childhood friend and go on his way after talking to him. I feel really bad for Siddhartha at this point in the story and cannot foreshadow what will happen to him next. What is this OM thing?! I still do not get it. First it's mentioned in the beginning of the story, then it saves Siddharta from killing himself, and now he can hear the voices int he river saying it... What is it!? Haave you figured out what it is yet Mahek? I feel that it was cool that Siddhartha is reunited with her son but it sucks how Kamala had to die. As they say as one life dies another is born, and in this case introduced. I feel bad forSiddhartha butit is kidn of awake up call for him to see how his dad might of felt when he left to joint he Samanas. I think that Siddhartha, as a father, was too much of a pushover but I still like the fact that he loved his son no matter what horrible things he did to him and Vasudeva.

Siddhartha Week 2: Sansara

The Samanas attire reminds me of how Gandhi used to dress. But although they dress similar they probably did so for different reasons because I do not think Gandhi was searching for enlightenment. I fore shadow that Siddhartha will no find enlightenment by joining the Samanas and will only feel more depressed and lost. I say this because Siddhartha was already feeling lost and unhappy with himself, and the goal of the Samanas is to destroy yourself and empty of everything. That is the complete opposite of what Siddhartha needs and hopefully Govinda will make him realize that before it is to late. While reading this section in the book I thought, that is unfair! I mean why don't our parents let us venture out like that with our friends or girlfriends and find enlightenment?! Heck, I'll search for enlightenment everyday! Do you agree with me Mahek? I find it is funny how persuadable Govinda is because he immediately loved and obeyed the Samanas and now he thinks that Gotama is his new idol. I think that Siddhartha and Govinda will have to go on their own path by themselves in order to find their own enlightenment because many of their idols or teachers may just be imposters and finding enlightenment might just be different for everyone. Oh snap I was right! I knew Siddhartha would travel on his own. I know that I shouldn't read the section while but I think that it allows me to give my opinions fresh on the spot instead of reading the section first and then posting. Siddhartha's dream was pretty damn weird, I mean I understand the Christ portion but the whole sucking on Govinda's breast freaked me out. I can't think of what that dream may symbolize... But as i read further into the book I saw how Siddhartha met a beautiful girl and how his dream may be a sign to listen to what that girl has to tell him. I now think that in order for Siddhartha to attain enlightenment he needs to find his first love. Siddhartha had sex! How old is he! But anyways I feel sad for Siddhartha that he still can't find his true love.

Siddhartha Week 1: Awakening

Siddhartha; well when I approached this book I felt like it would be easy read because it's about my heritage, but in-fact it’s easier then I thought. I agree with you John Paul, way the author is presenting this story is very childish, but I think the author is trying to make it easier for the readers that are not familiar with the Hindu culture. I personally think this book gives a great insight on a Brahmins life. Siddhartha is a character that just sounds too good to be true; he is an ideal son, friend, brother etc. Definition of a Brahmin personal - “Brahmin were the name given to persons who had attained the highest spiritual knowledge and who adhered to different branches of Vedas.” I mean truly Siddhartha is tend to be a great priest in his up coming years of the life, that guy seems to be super smart. What is your insight on that? Well good you mentioned British Raj; talking about British Raj I don’t think they had much to do with Brahmins and I don’t see any way that would have had effect on their traditions or anything else really. As far as I know Indians over all including Brahmins wanted British to leave. Govinda and Siddhartha’s friendship is kind of similar to you and I; I tend to keep you focused on soccer, academics, and just life over all. Yes John Paul I will consider watching anime sometime it sounds cool to me. No offense but I like the way you are comparing different characters from other books with Siddhartha.




Work Cited : "Brahmin." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 04 Feb. 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2012. .

Siddhartha Week 1: Awakening

This book so far is honestly a bit boring. I mean I love learning about new cultures and what not but the way the author is telling the story is not really pleasing me because it feels to kiddish compared to what I have been previously reading in class. I would like to use this post to compare and contrast Siddhartha with Freedom at Midnight and talk more about what I think about the characters considering there is a lot of irony in the air surrounding the boy with potential, Siddhartha. I recall in the beginning of Freedom at midnight when the author would speak of Brahmans and how many of them were not really interested in the British leaving because the Birtish Raj did not really change their lifestyles. Siddhartha I feel so far dig as deep into the backgrounds, traditions, and problems of India as well as Freedom at Midnight did, although I cannot really complain considering that if both books required such analytical and in-depth thinking I would find myself struggling to read and understand each of the books. Siddhartha reminds me Hermit, a character from Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple. Hermit is loved by everyone, he is good at sports, a gifted fighter, and popular with the ladies. But regardless he was never happy, he was constantly forced to put up an act that only made him more sad and angry. He is very similar to Siddhartha because although Siddhartha does not force himself to please everyone he is still not happy and as he grows older he might find himself in the same situation as Hermit. Hopefully his best-friend Govinda can make him realize his true values and what makes him truly happy, which is what Kenichi and his sister showed Hermit. Mahekdeep Singh, how do you feel about Siddhartha and Govinda's relationship, and will you consider watching anime sometime?

Siddhartha Reading Reading Schedule

Siddhartha an Indian Tale by Hermann Hesse

Week 1: Awakening

Week 2: Sansara

Week 3: OM

Week 4: End

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Week 5: Ch 1-3

Week 6: Ch 4-5

Week 7: Ch 6-7

Week 8: Ch 8-9

Compare and Contrasting Books

Week 9: Compare and Contrast 2 Posts

Week 10: Compare and Contrast 2 Posts