Self-Actualization of the Main Character in “Siddhartha” Novel by Hermann Hesse

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find the process of self-actualization of the main character in Siddhartha, a novel by Herman Hesse.  This novel written in 1922 represents human anxiety in achieving self-actualization. This study used a qualitative approach with a content analysis method in which the data source was taken from the text of Siddhartha's novel. The results showed that the process of self-actualization of Siddhartha figures according to Carl Rogers's typical characteristic theory tends to start feeling free and want to feel dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction is filled with openness to exciting new experiences. The ability to cope with the failures that are experienced actually encourages the character to have self-belief in life to develop the experience gained in existential life. Finally, the character has the confidence to live more creatively. The results of the study also show that the life of Siddhartha's character in the novel structurally can be grouped into 3 phases of life, namely phases of the spiritual life, the phase of earthly life, and the phase of the wise life. It also appears that the religious dogma that has been formally studied, even practiced, is felt by the main character Siddhartha as not being able to give satisfaction. Social life and nature eventually become teachers in this self-actualization process.