Theme of Unity in SiddharthaIn Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, unity is a reflective theme of this novel and of life. Unity is “the state of being one or a unity; harmony, agreement in feelings, ideas or objectives, etc. » Unity is first introduced by means of the river and by the mystical word “Om”. The direct commentary of Siddhartha and the narrator also introduces the theme. The frequent allusions to the river correspond to Siddhartha's infinite thoughts on Unity and his initial plans to achieve it. Siddhartha has a number of specific goals over the course of this novel, but that doesn't take away from the simple nature of his ultimate goal. Achieving specific goals was an important part of progressing toward one's absolute state of unity. Siddhartha sees things united and somehow entangled in a seemingly endless and meaningless circular chain of events. The allusions frequently show Siddhartha's conditions through clever imagery suggesting circular motion and a still state. Siddhartha is first compared to a potter's wheel that turns slowly and stops. From there, Siddhartha meets the elegant and beautiful Kamala, finds himself “off track” and becomes entangled in a “insane cycle” of acquiring and wasting wealth. In the final chapters, Siddhartha proves that reaching or overcoming obstacles leads to greater unity. Before taking a step forward to achieve his goal, Siddhartha finds himself in despair. He speaks to Vasudeva, the ferryman. The ferryman smiled and said very little, letting the river speak for him. Siddhartha listens to the river reveal its first true and complete message: “Om”. Siddhartha hears. His “wounds” heal, losing the attachment he had for his son. Siddhartha merges into Oneness; he achieves his ultimate goal. The river is essential in helping Siddhartha achieve an important achievement of unity. He hears the river laughing at him, making him realize that he is acting stupidly..