Who Is Santiago's Personal Legend In The Alchemist

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In The Alchemist, the author argues that one’s personal legend is only liberating if one pursues it. If not pursued, it can become oppressive. When Santiago meets the crystal merchant, he tells Santiago that the merchant’s personal legend is to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. However, the merchant does not plan on going through with the trip because he does not want to pursue his personal legend and then have it not be as good as he imagined it would be. When the Alchemist and Santiago are having a conversation on following one’s heart, the Alchemist states, “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say. That way, you’ll never have to fear an unanticipated blow” (129). What the Alchemist

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