“The Alchemist” is a novel written by Paulo Coelho in 1988. Regarded as a Coelho’s best novel, it captures the elixir of life through the view of a sanguine Spanish Shepard. Set in a forsaken church in Spain at night; the young Shepard Santiago tastes the exquisite sensation of a compelling dream. He dreams that a young lady tells him about a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. After the dream recurs more than once, Santiago decides to consult an old man and an old woman who tells him that his dream is prophetic and that he must abide by its directions. Santiago then decides to pursue his dream and sets off on the venture of a lifetime with a set purpose of finding the fortune hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. In the course of his …show more content…
Desert. Water. Thieves. Pyramids… Firstly, the cobra in the novel is an emblem of danger and strength. Secondly, the desert in the novel is in token of the barriers that stand between people and their aspirations. Thirdly, the water in the novel is an allegory of life’s similarity to water and love as well. Fourthly, the thieves in the novel typify every person who attempts to find an easier route to achieving their personal legend. Finally, the pyramids in the novel are a representation of the ancient and …show more content…
First of all, the Coelho emphasized on the importance of dreams and striving for attaining our personal legends; as the main purpose around Santiago’s actions was chasing his dream. Moreover, the most important message in the novel was to follow our personal legends. In addition, the writer highlighted the theme of fate, as he stressed on the fact that everything is determined; as the motto of the crystal merchant was “Maktub”. At the same time, Coelho elucidated that we can’t accomplish anything unless we take action and pursue our dreams while accepting our
1. In the prologue, the alchemist reads a version if the story of the death of Narcissus that has a somewhat different ending from the traditional telling, one that emphasizes the grief of the lake into which Narcissus will no longer be looking at his reflection. In beginning the book with this story, what themes and relationships is Coelho telling us to watch for throughout Santiago’s story? Do you think there may be an element of “narcissism” in the pursuit of one’s personal legend?
Santiago's epiphany leads to him pushing forward and finishing his journey of achieving his ultimate treasure of hope and
In The Alchemist, the protagonist, Santiago, goes on a journey to follow his dreams and find hidden treasure. He encounters many problems, including having to face his fears. He eventually finds his treasure
Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a novel set in a futuristic time where books are burned and seen as problematic. Instead of reading, the people in this society live in a virtual reality. They wear “seashells” and spend their days with their “family” that live in the screens. “No one has a true understanding of actual happiness or freedom” which causes the main character, Montag, to question the world he lives in (Sisario 2). As he begins questioning the way of life he is used to, the reader gets a new sense of consciousness that was not there before.
Coulson Plouff Arlandis Jones English 1302 19 April 2023 Research Paper on the Impact of Metaphors in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. This novel's enduring popularity is a testament to its profound impact on its readers, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and find their purpose in life. At the heart of "The Alchemist" lies an intricate web of metaphors that lend the story its poetic quality and give depth and meaning to the narrative. In this research paper, we will delve deeper into the role of metaphors in "The Alchemist" and explore how they contribute to the reader's overall understanding of the story.
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).
He digs for his treasure and finds it. As a master of both worlds Santiago decides to return to Africa with his treasure to find
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.
All of these people and objects helped guide Santiago through his journey to get to the pyramids. When Santiago first meets the King of Salem, he is inspiring Santiago to pursue his personal legend. The King says, “In order to find the treasure, you will have to follow the omens. God has prepared a path for everyone to follow.
The Alchemist is a famous book written by Paulo Coelho. It’s about a shepherd named Santiago who travels from his homeland Spain to the Pyramids in Egypt. He does this to find a treasure he was told about. Along his hard journey, he meets some people along the way like a gypsy woman and a king in disguise who all direct him towards his quest. He doesn’t let the obstacles stop him toward his goal and eventually he finds his treasure.
Many people may not know much in the way of their identity. The challenges can help people learn about themselves through the actions they take and what they can achieve in the face of adversity. Learning about your identity is represented quite well by Santiago in Paulo Coelho’s fantasy novel The Alchemist. The the start of the story Santiago is lost with no goal in life and has little knowledge of what it outside of the plains and towns of Spain. Then Santiago is faced with massive amounts of adversity in the form of a threat of death he learn about his identity and learns that he can face and overcome the challenge.
This is illuminated when the Alchemist says, “‘There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure’” (141). This particular moment shows that even though Santiago has both the ability and the knowledge to achieve his dream, it is impossible to attain it if he fears even attempting to reach it. Consequently, this fear acts as his enemy and a barrier that stands in the way of the meaningful and happy life he is destined to accomplish. Furthermore, another one of his fears is the fear of losing what he believes he has already earned. ” He reminded himself that he had been a shepherd and that he could be a shepherd again.
However, through disregarding everything but his dream, Santiago understands his real potential. In this way, he inserts to the Soul of the World. With this under consideration, many questions can be brought up. What is the attitude of The Alchemist towards material wealth and individualism, and how does this relate to significant religions? Unlike various religions, The Alchemist does not differentiate between the material and the spiritual world.
Santiago has an epiphany when he realizes that if you never change and take risks you will never move forward. He wants to find his “personal legend,” or true desire, and to obtain this he needs to change his own nature. He must be willing to give up whatever is necessary to achieve this goal, including freedom. On Santiago’s journey he becomes employed by a crystal merchant that never achieved his personal legend. The merchant resisted change and never accomplished his dreams.
Although the treasure was in the very spot Santiago had the dream and not near the pyramids, through Santiago 's journey through the desert, being rob, being threaten, and meeting the women of his dreams, Santiago learns that everything in life is not easily attainable. And if you want something so much, don’t give up, because of the difficulties you face. Because in the end those same difficulties can positively shape who you are. I believe that Santiago development closely relates to Vygotsky’s theory, which states that social and cultural interaction guide cognitive development.