However, although he brings joy to all, Siddhartha feels no joy himself. ... A group of Samanas, or wandering ascetics, passes through Siddhartha's town, and he decides to join them. ... Leaving the grove, Siddhartha experiences an awakening. ... Thus Siddhartha begins his quest with an extreme behavior, first signaled by an unsettling break from his family. ... The novel destroys this notion immediately, giving voice to Siddhartha's doubts about the words' truth. ...

• Word Count: 1200
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate