Pessimism In The Alchemist

In the world where humans reside in today, a vast diversity of individuals strive towards their ultimate goals; one may endeavor to become a prestigious actor or perhaps a contented engineer. These varied, ultimate goals are “Personal Legends”; this phrase appeared in Paulo Coelho’s best-selling novel, The Alchemist, and he concretely defines the peculiar term “Personal Legend”. Throughout this novel, Santiago, a youthful shepherd, strived to follow his Personal Legend, finding treasure at the Egyptian Pyramids; he encountered numerous hindrances as well as meeting various individuals that guided him closer to the inevitable goal. Near the beginning of the book, Coelho elaborated, utilizing the technique of dialogue, that “[A Personal Legend

From this citation, the author portrayed one’s Personal Legend as the ultimate strive towards their prime goal; one must accomplish this goal at a youthful age before pessimism dominates their mental capacities. Nevertheless, Coelho elaborated that an individual will not simply achieve their Personal Legend without one aspect: obstacles. Depicted in the introduction of The Alchemist, Coelho elaborated that “we are told from childhood onward that everything we want to do is impossible...[we] are afraid of hurting those around us by abandoning everything in order to pursue our dream...[we] fear of the defeats we will meet on the path...[we] fear of realizing the dream for which we fought our lives.” (Coelho X-XII). From this quote, it is apparent how people are told that their ambitious strides are impossible starting from childhood, and individuals have become pessimistic that their Personal Legends will negatively affect their loved ones through abandonment. Moreover, people developed apprehension towards the negative repercussions of their goals, and individuals may feel undeserving of their possibly uncertain

At the Al-Fayoum Oasis, Santiago was instantaneous lovestruck initially; however, this sudden attraction crucially hindered Santiago 's diligent efforts towards his Personal Legend. Moreover, Santiago endured a dilemma whether to settle with Fatima indefinitely or to temporarily abandon Fatima in search for irresistible treasure. Santiago even expressed to the Alchemist that he wanted “to stay at the oasis...I’ve found Fatima, and, as far as I’m concerned, she’s worth more than treasure.” (Coelho 118). Nonetheless, as a result of the Alchemist’s mystical prognostications and Fatima’s persuasion, Santiago resumed his journey into the desert with the Alchemist. Their journey, however, abruptly halted when Santiago and the Alchemist were seized into a military camp and accused of espionage against their faction. The Alchemist, in an attempt to rescue their fates, claimed that Santiago could transform into the wind given three days. After the chief of the camp agreed to the claim, Santiago collapsed to the aspect of terror and defeat.