In them he saw himself -- all that for which he had lived -- and saw clearly that it was not real at all, but a terrible and huge deception which had hidden both life and death. This consciousness intensified his physical suffering tenfold. He groaned and tossed about, and pulled at his clothing which choked and stifled him. And he hated them on that account (Tolstoy, 1981)."
The above passage is a common theme to many as they pass through the acceptance of the inevitable, death.
In Hesse's work however,. The protagonist is not a boring quiet average Joe as Ivan appeared to be. In this work, Siddhartha, is a man who follows nothing other than his own heart and soul. While Ivan followed all the rules and complied with societal expectations, Siddhartha does not even care that those expectations exist. Whereas Ivan was average in all areas Siddhartha is not. He has looks, charm, intelligence and grace that rival the average man (Hesse, 1982). His life by most accounts should have been blessed with ease but this work only serves to underscore that without inner peace and contentment nothing else matters. Siddhartha had everything that should have given him the golden key to the golden dream. Instead, because of his own internal demons and unhappiness he was tortured with wondering what the meaning of life really meant (Hesse, 1982).
As a struggling young man Siddhartha explores spiritual truth (Hesse, 1982). The work examines it so closely that it challenges several faiths along the way. Through the heart and eyes and emotions of this protagonist the reader is taken on the journey of enlightenment and comes out the other side in tune with the world. The harmony that is discovered by Siddharth creates a balance with nature and emotion that many men seek throughout their lifetimes.
While Ivan's journey is one of quiet reflection and conversation Siddartah takes a completely different path. He first envelopes himself with indulgence....
He wants to know if having it all will create a sense of contentment. When he realizes that will not work he then goes on a journey of self denial and sacrifice. This may be the answer in his mind but he soon discovers that is not the key either (Hesse, 1982).
His journey is a classic representation of many people's ideas and thoughts. While everyone cannot participate in the extremes the way he does, his pathway is one that many people believe will provide them with the answers to life. Just as Siddarth discovers, others often discover that neither extreme is necessary or needed to find the answer to life (Hesse, 1982). Mental, emotional and spiritual well being come from within and not from without. They do not need to be fed or starved materialistically, in fact the material things can get in the way of true discovery.
Conclusion
Life is often so busy that one does not take the time to stop and reflect on its meaning. Often times it is only when faced with life changing experiences does one take the time to come to terms with the need for emotional, mental and spiritual well being. In the case of these two works death faces one protagonist and discontentment faces the other. Siddhartha finds true inner peace before dying but only because he made a conscious effort to seek it out and understand its truth and beauty. Ivan on the other hand refused to even entertain the idea of seeking until he was facing death. If there is a lesson to be learned by comparing the protagonists in these two stories it is that mental, spiritual and emotional well being should be a constant goal throughout life so that life can be truly understood, enjoyed and lived.
REFERENCES
Hesse, Herman. Siddartha Mass Market Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Bantam Classics; Reissue edition (January 1, 1982)
Tolstoy, Leo. The Death of Ivan Llych.
Publisher: Bantam Classics; Reissue edition (March 1, 1981)
