Theme of Unity in Siddhartha In Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, 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, goals, etc." Unity is introduced first and foremost through the river and the mystical word "Om". The direct commentary of Siddhartha and the narrator also introduces the theme. Frequent allusions to the river correspond to Siddhartha's endless thoughts about Unity and his initial plans to achieve it. Siddhartha has a number of specific goals throughout this novel, but that doesn't take away from the naked nature of his ultimate goal. The achievement of specific goals was an important part of the progress towards his absolute state of Oneness. Siddhartha sees things united and somehow intertwined in a seemingly endless and meaningless circular chain of events. The allusions often show Siddhartha's condition by means of clever imagery suggesting circular motion and an immobile state. Siddhartha is first compared to a potter's wheel that turns slowly and stops. From here Siddhartha meets the elegant and beautiful Kamala, is caught "astray" and becomes involved in a "senseless cycle" of acquiring and squandering wealth. In the final chapters, Siddhartha demonstrates that achieving or overcoming obstacles leads to better Unity. Before making a leap forward to achieve his goal, Siddhartha finds himself in despair. Talk to Vasudeva, the ferryman. The ferryman smiles and says little, letting the River speak for him. Siddhartha listens as the River reveals its first true and complete message. “Om.” Siddhartha hears. His "wounds" heal, losing the attachment he had for his son. Siddhartha merges into Oneness; reaches its final goal. The River is essential in helping Siddhartha achieve an important realization of Oneness. He hears the river laughing at him, making him realize that he is acting foolishly.