The+significance+of+the+compression+of+grand+power+into+smaller+entities

In __Perfume: The Story of a Murderer__, by Patrick Suskind, and in __Siddhartha__, by Herman Hesse, the compression of grand power into smaller entities reveals that despite a transfer of great power through a perceivable medium, it is difficult to transform innate identities,. In both novels, the power that is condensed can be amplified to universal proportions. In __Perfume__, a powerful and divinely beautiful scent is stored within a tiny vial. The influence of this single aroma can be expanded throughout the entire world, giving its wearer ultimate control of all within his vicinity. In __Siddhartha__, an equally magnificent power, the unity and harmony of all life, is bound to a river and the word that the latter produces: Om, able to lead any individual to Enlightenment as one syllable. The purpose of these powers differs in the way that they impact humanity. Grenouille’s perfume causes an instant transformation of human perception, granting the bearer absolute control. Grenouille effortlessly experiences an immense gain and admiration and love, but he himself remains unchanged. Furthermore, the transformation that the population of Grasse succumbs is ultimately temporary. In __Siddhartha__, the influence of the river’s power is not immediate, but rather slow, requiring much time for Siddhartha to feel its complete effect. As time progresses, Siddhartha learns more and more from the river and meanwhile perceives the river as increasingly grand. He is later consumed by the wisdom of the river as he is transformed into an enlightened being. Siddhartha changes with great dependence on the power of the river, but has still experienced difficulty, while Grenouille’s identity is completely intact despite his perfume’s immense power.