Symbols can often be used to connect a character or event to real life occurrences. Herman Hesse creates these connections in his novel Siddhartha. Frequently he uses characters as symbols to make readers look deeper into the meaning of the book. The main character in the book, Siddhartha, meets many people who have symbolic purposes and are important to his progression. One of his friends and teachers, Vasudeva, and the river that he and Siddhartha live both have this symbolic importance, which express deeper meaning of the story.
             Vasudeva resembles Buddha, an omniscient and caring being who guides Siddhartha and becomes a teacher for him. For example, Vasudeva teaches Siddhartha to learn "from the river that it is good to strive downwards, to sink, to seek the depths". Vasudeva has so much knowledge, which he passes to Siddhartha and advises him with his wisdom. He knows the path to enlightenment and peacefulness and is willing to share that with Siddhartha. In addition, like a caring god, Vasudeva gives as much advice as he can to Siddhartha about his son but lets Siddhartha make his own decisions. Displaying resemblance to Buddha, giving people their own free will, he gives this gift to Siddhartha. Vasudeva knows the answers and solutions to Siddhartha's problems but knows that he must learn through his own experience. Furthermore, Vasudeva "listened with great attention; he heard all about [Siddhartha's] origin and childhood, about his studies, his seekings, his pleasures and needs. Vasudeva is interested in what Siddhartha has to say so that he may help him with his dilemmas. He already knows what Siddhartha must do and knows how he can help. Vasudeva shares many characteristics with Buddha and is meant to exhibit the peacefulness of God.
             The river symbolizes the flow of life and the unity of the past present and future. For example, Siddhartha "reviewed
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