1. How does the concept of asceticism emerge from the text of the novella? What ascetic practices, teachings and goals do we find in Siddhartha? Are these teachings compatible with each other?

2. What was the driving force behind Siddhartha’s quest? Why did his quest result in dissidence?

3. What flaw did Siddhartha find in Buddha’s teachings? What is the function in the novella of the conversation between Gautama and Siddhartha about this flaw? Why did Siddhartha decide to continue his search instead of joining Buddha?

4. What was the meaning of Siddhartha’s awakening which followed his departure from the grove of the Buddha?

5. Why does the protagonist’s name, Siddhartha, overlaps with that of Buddha?

6. What is the meaning and role of the river in the narrative of Siddhartha?

7. What values does this novella offer?

8. Can we say that Siddhartha is a dated work or does it have an enduring relevance?