Fear. It is something that humans often feel or experience throughout life journey. A very hated characteristic known by mankind, not because of the feeling itself but because of the choices and decisions that it hypnotizes someone to make. This concept is very well portrayed in “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho through a character known as the Crystal Merchant. The author adds this character to the main character (Santiago) story not only to give a new lesson down the road to Santiago but to the readers as well. The novel reveals that Coelho emphasizes the significance of the outcome of one giving up their dreams due to fear of failure through the crystal merchant, a character who has done just that. The crystal merchant represents the fear of change and the comfort of routine. The old merchant is a character that we as humans often take comfort in because of how relatable a fictional character can be to such human life choices. He is afraid of taking risks and pursuing his dreams, as he fears failure and the unknown. In one section of the novel the crystal merchant states “I don’t want to change anything, because I don’t know how to …show more content…
The merchant has never acted on his dreams and has instead settled for a life of selling crystals. He is initially skeptical of Santiagos’ ideas but eventually learns from the boys’ young enthusiasm. The merchant ultimately decides to take a risk and pursue his dreams of going to Mecca. The character goes on to say “You have been a real blessing to me. Today, I understand some things I didn’t see before every blessing ignored becomes a curse”(60). The crystal merchant's character also serves as lesson to santiago’s journey. Highlighting the importance of knowing what lessons and “omes” one should
He decides to earn back his money by working with the crystal merchant and overcoming the fear of failure. Lastly, the main character comes across the fear that he can’t reach his goal without money but earns it
Santiago’s last step to completing his personal legend was walking through the desert, to find his treasure and completing it. Thus, showing the symbols and meanings behind these little puzzle pieces in the journey and being rewarded with love and treasure helping to support my thesis, through seeing and understanding symbols behind the world people can learn about their own personal legend and live life to the
In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho uses the story of Santiago to illustrate that adversity stands as a necessity in one’s growth and transformation. Coelho talks about how if an individual is persistent about reaching their “treasure”, they will not only
Fear is a Barrier Fear is a defense mechanism that tries to protect us, but at times that fear becomes an obstacle between an individual and their dreams, and that fear can be worse than the actual consequences. In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho fear is portrayed as a barrier that needs to be overcome, and it is portrayed by Santiago’s heart, the Crystal Merchant, and the Camel Driver. Santiago’s heart is a symbol of his intuitive voice and how fear can affect it. The heart represents the inner fear and doubt that lead Santiago to hesitate about following his dreams. The Crystal Merchant represents a life lived in fear of an uncertain future.
Santiago relents and decides to buy some sheep and return to Spain with honor. At the last minute, he decides to forgo returning to Spain and continues his journey. This relates back to the Crystal merchant being a threshold guardian because this is the first time Santiago
While at the Oasis of Al-Fayoum, the elder chieftain of the oasis tells Santiago the story of Joseph of Egypt. Joseph was enslaved for being a dreamer, but he persevered and managed to become an important counselor to the Pharaoh of Egypt. This Personal Legend could have suited Santiago because of his connection to the Soul of the World. The Soul of the World is a spiritual unity that binds all forms of nature together. Santiago knew he wanted to follow his dreams; it was helpful when he learned that “When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it” because he knew he was now destined to complete his goal, and not somebody else’s (Coelho 64).
The book begins with Santiago’s craving for love with a merchant’s daughter to whom he has only spoken with a few words. This “love” is what takes Santiago off track from his pursuit of his Personal Legend as Santiago refers to this love as his main goal in living. However, when Santiago meets Fatima, his true love, it presents a more difficult challenge as it convinces him to abandon his Personal Legend. However, his love with Fatima is acceptable since Fatima encourages him to pursue his Personal Legend. Fatima says, “If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day” (97).
Thinks Santiago “I am learning the Language of the World, and everything in the world is beginning to make sense to me” (Coelho 103). Temporarily residing in the desert, the young shepard becomes aware of the environment around him, and the deeper meanings in the world. Located in the desert for a long time allows Santigo to learn of the connections between the world of souls and his present through his journey to the treasure. Wisely states Santiago, “‘I learned the alchemist’s secrets in my travels.
Santiago's temptation is when he has the choice whether or not to stay with Fatima and abandon his Personal Legend. After leaving Fatima he has a difficult time coping with the separation, even if Fatima is a woman of the desert, who knows he will return. The Alchemist offers him a sole piece of advice, “love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend.” (120) Santiago’s heart is aching for the loving arms of Fatima. He realizes that he needs to focus on what he needs, pursuing his Personal Legend and not what he desires to be with Fatima.
Many people around the world interpret dreams and believe in omens as a part of their religion. In “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho, the author centers the novel on the “Soul of the World”, which deals with omens, dreams and the ability to connect with God. The main character, Santiago interprets what the “soul of the world” is telling him and goes in search of his treasure. Throughout the novel Coelho reveals what the “soul of the World” means to him through imagery, personification, simile and metaphors.
Santiago then tells the alchemist: “My heart is a traitor. It doesn’t want me to go on.” The alchemist replied with a smart answer and said “That makes sense. Naturally, it’s afraid that, in pursuing your dream, you might lose everything you’ve won.” A fear of uncertainty is what Santiago is feeling and he worries he’ll lose everything he’s accomplished so far.
During his journey, Santiago receives knowledge that he treasures and uses on his behalf when he hopes to achieve his personal legend. During his time with the Crystal merchant Santiago learned the five sacred obligations of all Muslims, and he learned that the Pyramids were not nearly as close as he thought when he arrived in Africa. During his time with the Alchemist he learned how to find life in the desert, and how to
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. As this anonymous quote elucidates, fear acts as a barrier that essentially traps us in our comfort zone, limiting our experiences and holds one back from achieving his or her potential. In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the protagonist must overcome his own fear through obstacles that he comes across as fear diverts one from their purpose. To begin with, Santiago displays his fears throughout the book, and these fears are what hinders him from achieving his Personal Legend. Santiago displays an immense terror of failure.
From the crystal merchant’s experiences Santiago realized that his dreams might not come true if he waits too long. Santiago ultimately learns to realize his dreams, change is needed to be successful and achieve your
Some people’s ignorance of dreams can be harmful for themselves just like knife is for butter. Santiago’s dream of a treasure in Egypt, for instance, reveals to him his Personal Legend and sets the entire plot of the Alchemist into motion. For Santiago finding treasure wasn’t easy. He had to sacrifice his shepherdess (as he sold his sheep) and work for year at Crystal Merchant’s shop to gain money to travel because he was robbed. Crystal Merchant did not believe in his dream of going to Mecca.