The Alchemist | Discussion Questions 11 - 20

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After Santiago arrives at Tangier in The Alchemist, he visits a bar. What omens appear to him
there? Why might he have made good use of Urim and Thummim there?
Both the Spanish-speaking young man and the angry bar owner are omens. Santiago recognizes the young
man to be an omen, but he does not realize the bar owner is one also. Santiago operates out of anxiety and
fear largely because he does not speak Arabic, thus mistaking the meaning of both these omens. If he had
used Urim and Thummim, he would have learned that the Spanish-speaking man was not an ally but a
thief. In retrospect, Santiago realizes that the bar owner was, in fact, an omen—one who "was trying to tell
him not to trust that man." He vows to watch more closely for signs and omens as he continues his journey.

 Santiago

After the Spanish-speaking man steals Santiago's money in The Alchemist, the shepherd
reflects on his situation. What advice does Santiago come up with that helps him continue his
journey?
As Santiago thinks about his situation—alone with no money in a foreign land—he determines that it is up
to him to choose his path forward. He must decide to regard himself as either the thief's victim or as "an
adventurer, looking for treasure." With his confidence regained, he gazes around the dark and empty
marketplace. Although it is still deserted, the plaza is no longer a strange location—it's simply a new one,
and exploring new places is one of his goals. Once again, exercising his free will moves Santiago a step
closer to enlightenment.

 Santiago Free Will versus Fate

In The Alchemist, why might the author have chosen crystal as the product sold by the
merchant?
Crystal is breakable, valuable, beautiful, and clear when it is clean. In these ways, it is like life itself. When
Santiago cleans the crystal glasses in the window of the shop, two customers come in and buy the crystal
because they can now truly see its beauty. Similarly, people who see life clearly can appreciate its beauty
and value. The merchant, who is fearful, doesn't want to build a display case for the crystal—he thinks that
"people will pass by and bump into it, and pieces will be broken." The display case is like his dream of
Mecca, which he refuses to realize because then he'll have "no reason to go on living." He does, however,
give Santiago permission to build the display, and the narrator comments, "Not everyone can see his
dreams come true in the same way." In other words, some people, such as Santiago, will advance further
than others in pursuit of their Personal Legend.

 Santiago Crystal Merchant

How does Santiago change throughout his time working with the crystal merchant in The
Alchemist?
After his first month on the job with the crystal merchant, Santiago realizes the work "isn't exactly the kind
of job that would make him happy." The merchant spends his time "telling the boy to be careful with the
pieces and not to break anything." Although uninspired by the job, Santiago decides to stay until he can
save enough money to buy sheep and return to his life as a shepherd. If he cannot journey on to Egypt and
the quest for his Personal Legend, at least he can still travel around Andalusia. Over time, however,
Santiago grows enthusiastic and invested in the job. He realizes his work leads to increased business, and
he comes up with innovative ways to increase sales even more, such as selling tea to thirsty customers who
climb the hill. His ability to succeed at business in a foreign country boosts his confidence, and although he
has enough money to buy dozens of sheep, he decides not to return to his life as a shepherd. Instead, he
uses what he learns to move forward in pursuit of his Personal Legend.

 Santiago Crystal Merchant Free Will versus Fate

In The Alchemist, what does the crystal merchant learn from Santiago during their time
working together in Tangier?
The crystal merchant is stuck in a rut. Unmotivated to do anything different from what he has done for
years, the merchant lacks initiative, and his crystal shop suffers the consequences. But the shop isn't the
only thing suffering. The merchant suffers, too, going through the motions and letting fate, instead of free
will, rule his life. Santiago's arrival, however, awakens the crystal merchant from the fog he's been living in
for many years. From Santiago, the merchant comes to realize that small changes and innovations in his
business can increase sales. He also benefits from the positive atmosphere that Santiago and the new
customers bring to the shop. Likewise, the merchant grows more aware of the choices he's made in life and
his decision not to pursue his dream of traveling to Mecca. Turning his back on his dream has caused him
suffering, the merchant tells the boy, but his newfound awareness of this fact has also brought him some
kind of peace. Now alert to his strengths and flaws, the merchant is content to stay and run his newly
thriving business.

 Santiago Crystal Merchant Free Will versus Fate

In The Alchemist, how does the crystal merchant's attitude toward dreams differ from that of
Santiago?
The crystal merchant tells Santiago: "You're different from me, because you want to realize your dreams."
He confides that he just wants to visit Mecca in his dreams. This reveals his satisfaction with just having a
dream, versus actually living and fulfilling the dream, which Santiago attempts to do. Herein lies the
difference between the two characters' attitude toward dreams. The merchant goes on to explain that his
lack of interest in pursuing his dream stems from his fear "that it would all be a disappointment." For this
reason, he prefers to keep dreaming the dream, instead of following the dream in real life.

 Santiago Crystal Merchant Personal Legend

In The Alchemist, how does the crystal merchant know Santiago will pursue his dream of
looking for treasure at the pyramids, and why is this significant?
Before Santiago has a chance to tell him, the crystal merchant knows the boy will not use the money he's
earned to buy sheep. He tells him so right before Santiago leaves, saying, "You know that I'm not going to
go to Mecca. Just as you know that you're not going to buy your sheep." How does the merchant know? He
grows close to Santiago over the 11 months they work together and comes to realize the boy's strength and
ambition and the fact that he will not be happy with an ordinary life. That is why the merchant responds
with the Arabic word maktub when Santiago asks him how he knows about his plan to pursue his Personal
Legend. Maktub means "it is written," and the merchant uses it here to make the point that Santiago is
meant to follow his dreams. In this case, Santiago's free will and his fate coincide.
 Santiago Crystal Merchant Free Will versus Fate Personal Legend

In Part 2 of The Alchemist, readers meet the Englishman, a wealthy, educated individual who
is traveling to Al-Fayoum. Consider the character of the Englishman and what he might
represent.
The Englishman serves as an example of an individual dedicated to learning, particularly from books.
Having devoted his life to finding the language of the universe, he has studied religions and alchemy. He
has much to learn about alchemy and wants to study with the master alchemist at Al-Fayoum. He tells
himself he needs to stay focused and show up well prepared when he meets the master alchemist, who is
rumored to be 200 years old. The Englishman also serves as an archetype—an ally to Santiago. However,
when they meet, his priority lies with his book, not with meeting new people or striking up conversations.
In fact, he comes across as self-absorbed and unfriendly to Santiago, who closes the book he has been
reading because he doesn't "want to do anything that might make him look like the Englishman."

 Santiago The Englishman

In Part 2 of The Alchemist, the Englishman and Santiago await the departure of their caravan.
Why does the Englishman take an interest in Santiago after first snubbing him?
It is the Englishman's avid interest in alchemy that draws him to Santiago. When Santiago pulls the two
stones, Urim and Thummim, from his pocket, the Englishman recognizes them. He says that people
schooled in alchemy know of these stones. The ones that Santiago has are not unique. He shows Santiago
an identical pair. He is interested, however, that Santiago received his as a gift from a king. The two start to
realize they have some things in common; both know about omens and are searching for a treasure. The
Englishman and Santiago then become traveling companions and friends as they venture out across the
desert.

 Santiago The Englishman

In The Alchemist, the Englishman mentions shepherds as the "first to recognize a king that the
rest of the world refused to acknowledge." To what does he allude and why?
The Englishman alludes to Bible verses regarding the birth of Jesus and the shepherds who visited the
stable where the Christ child was born (Luke 2: 8–20). Once the shepherds had seen the Christ child, the
Bible says that they "returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been
told them." The Englishman uses this reference to reassure Santiago. He is affirming his belief in Santiago's
statement that Melchizedek, a king, conversed with him and presented him with the stones Urim and
Thummim. The Englishman goes on to say that he learned about Urim and Thummim in that same book of
the Bible.

The Alchemist | Discussion Questions 21 - 30

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Compare and contrast the Englishman's style of learning in The Alchemist with that of
Santiago. How are they similar and different?
The Englishman travels with several suitcases full of books containing dense graphs and descriptions
relating to alchemy. He believes these books contain essential knowledge and buries his head in them as he
crosses the desert. Santiago, on the other hand, tries to read a book every now and then but prefers
immersing himself in his environment. Unlike the Englishman, Santiago finds the desert landscape too
breathtaking and exciting to ignore. He spends much of their traveling time soaking up his surroundings
and also watching, listening to, and interacting with the many animals and colorful people along on the trip.
Santiago, then, prefers "learning by doing," one of the skills that helps him seek his Personal Legend. In
contrast, the Englishman opts to learn from books or the advice of experts, not from the simple act of
observation.

 Santiago The Englishman Personal Legend

In Part 2 of The Alchemist, the caravan reaches the oasis of Al-Fayoum, where the group will
remain for several days. What does the oasis signify?
Santiago and everyone else in the caravan reach the oasis in an exhausted state, after traveling day and
night to escape the warring tribes in the desert. The narrator tells readers, "Yesterday, the camel's groan
signaled danger, and now ... date palms could herald a miracle." To the weary caravan, Al-Fayoum
signifies a safe haven, with comfort, water, fresh food, and a chance to interact and trade with new people.
To Santiago, after he meets Fatima, the oasis also signifies friendship and love and—possibly—home.
Once he meets the alchemist, the oasis takes on added meaning as a place to glean additional clues in the
pursuit of his Personal Legend.

 Santiago Fatima The Alchemist Personal Legend

In The Alchemist, how does the Englishman react when he first sees the oasis of Al-Fayoum?
Explain the significance.
When the Englishman first glimpses the oasis of Al-Fayoum from afar, he says, "It looks like A Thousand
and One Nights." Here, the Englishman compares what he sees with the famous collection of stories from
the Islamic Golden Age (c. 750–1258). In doing so, he reveals how much he interprets the world through
what he learns from books. This differs from Santiago's reaction to his first view of the oasis, which is
based more on what he sees in front of him.
 The Englishman Santiago

Santiago and the Englishman inquire about the alchemist in Al-Fayoum. Why are some
people reluctant or unwilling to talk about him, and how does this challenge develop the
novel?

When Santiago and the Englishman inquire about the alchemist, they learn that not everyone knows him,
and many of those who do are unwilling to acknowledge or talk about him. At the well, for instance,
Santiago asks a man if he knows anyone in the oasis who can cure all illnesses, and the man responds by
saying that only Allah (God) cures illnesses. "You're looking for witch doctors," the man adds, going on to
recite verses from the Islamic holy book, the Koran. This unwillingness develops the novel in two ways. It
shows that the alchemist is a mysterious figure, one to be feared. It also gives Santiago another opportunity
to "learn by doing." Alchemy is a symbol for the path to enlightenment in the novel, and his quest to find
the alchemist is a part of that path.

 The Englishman Santiago The Alchemist Alchemy

Does Fatima distract Santiago from his dream in The Alchemist? Why or why not?
Fatima both distracts Santiago from his dream and empowers him to pursue it. When Santiago first meets
Fatima at the well, he realizes immediately that he is in love. He considers giving up his Personal Legend
and dream to stay with her. "He had been a shepherd, and [he] could be a shepherd again," the narrator
remarks. Though Fatima distracts Santiago from his dream when they first meet, she later empowers him to
follow it. During the time they spend together, Santiago learns more about the culture of the desert tribes as
Fatima reassures him that women of the desert are accustomed to seeing their men go off. "I want my
husband to wander as free as the wind that shapes the dunes," Fatima tells him. She says that, if necessary,
she will accept his transformation into "a part of the clouds, and the animals, and the water of the desert."
By telling Santiago this, she sets him free to pursue his dreams and lets him know that she will be okay,
whatever the consequences.

 Santiago Fatima The Alchemist Personal Legend Oneness

During the oasis episode in The Alchemist, does the Englishman grow and evolve? Why or
why not?
While traveling in the caravan, the Englishman keeps his head buried in books and shows little sign of
learning from observing and interacting with the world around him. At the oasis of Al-Fayoum, however,
he talks and interacts some with locals and conducts hands-on experiments. For example, Santiago finds the
Englishman with a strange hand-built furnace, attempting to "separate out the sulfur," or complete the first
phase of his quest to achieve the Master Work in alchemy (the creation of Philosopher's Stone and the
Elixir of Life). "His eyes seemed brighter than they had when he was reading his books," the narrator tells
the reader, indicating that the Englishman is consumed with and passionate about the work before him. In
this scene, the Englishman shows signs of learning from the past, too. He admits that a fear of failure held
him back before and says, "I'm happy at least that I didn't wait twenty years." Here, he does indeed come
across as cheerful and more self-aware, both of which are qualities that can bring him closer to his Personal
Legend.

 The Englishman Santiago Personal Legend Alchemy

Omens appear often in The Alchemist. What role do they play in the novel?
In the novel, omens are portrayed as signs from which characters can gain insight into future situations or
events. Observing and correctly interpreting omens takes a high level of awareness and understanding. For
instance, Santiago misses the omen of the angry bar owner, which serves as a warning that his "friend" is
actually a thief. As the story progresses, Santiago gets better at spotting and heeding omens. Near Al-
Fayoum, he recognizes the omen of the hawk attack and shares his vision of impending warfare with the
tribal chieftains—a move that saves the oasis from devastation. Upon reaching the pyramids, Santiago
notices another omen: a scarab beetle on the sand. He interprets the omen as a sign of his treasure and starts
digging. Although Santiago doesn't find his treasure there, he does discover the real location of the gold and
jewels. Omens help Santiago overcome obstacles and continue seeking his Personal Legend. Omens are not
always signs of trouble, however. They can also signify good things to come. Meeting Fatima, for instance,
is a sign that Santiago is on the right path, and to the crystal merchant, Santiago's arrival is a sign of better
times ahead.

 Santiago Fatima Crystal Merchant Personal Legend

In what ways does the alchemist test Santiago when they first meet?

The alchemist, dressed in black and on horseback, draws a sword and points it at the boy's forehead while
asking him a series of questions about his vision of an attack on Al-Fayoum. The questions include: "Why
did you read the flight of the birds?" "Who are you to change what Allah has willed?" "What is a stranger
doing in a strange land?" After Santiago responds, the alchemist explains that the questions were a way to
test the boy's courage, which is "the quality most essential to understanding the Language of the World."
Likewise, the questions enable the alchemist to assess Santiago's awareness, purpose, and knowledge so he
can then figure out if the boy is the one the wind told him to watch for and help.

 Santiago The Alchemist Personal Legend Universal Language

What does Santiago find surprising about the alchemist's tent in the oasis of Al-Fayoum?

While Santiago expects to see tools used in alchemy, such as ovens, pipes, flasks, flames, and so on, the
tent has none of this equipment. It looks ordinary, both inside and out, with piles of books, a stove, and
other ordinary belongings. The only things noticeable are some carpets with mysterious designs. One other
thing that surprises Santiago is the presence of wine, which the alchemist shares over dinner. Although
Santiago drinks wine in Andalusia (a Catholic region), wine and other forms of alcohol are forbidden by
Islam, the chief religion of Al-Fayoum.

 Santiago The Alchemist Personal Legend Alchemy

What do Melchizedek and the alchemist have in common?

Melchizedek and the alchemist have a number of things in common. For one, they both play the role of
helper or mentor to Santiago. Instead of telling Santiago exactly what to do, they guide him toward truth
and understanding and empower him to find answers within. The two characters also have similar
philosophical approaches to life. In Al-Fayoum the alchemist and Santiago share a meal while the
alchemist repeats advice Santiago received earlier from Melchizedek. He tells Santiago that if someone
"really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream." This reveals
that both Melchizedek and the alchemist believe in the Soul of the World, or the idea that all living and
nonliving things come from and share the same soul—and work together for the greater good of the
universe.

The Alchemist | Discussion Questions 31 - 40

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Describe the role of nature in The Alchemist.

In The Alchemist, nature plays the role of teacher and guide to Santiago, who turns to his outdoor
environment time and again for insight and awareness. For example, just before he sees the hawk attack,
Santiago sits in the desert, soaking up his surroundings and contemplating his journey. The desert helps
him make sense of it all. It calms his mind so he can figure out and prepare himself for the next part of his
journey. This contemplative time also enables him to notice and read the omen of the hawks in the sky. Had
Santiago not spent time meditating in the desert, he might have missed the sign. Additionally, nature plays
the role of a partner in The Alchemist. The sand, wind, and sun, for instance, are personified and work
together to help Santiago transform himself into the wind. And it's the wind that warns the alchemist to be
on the lookout for the boy's arrival by caravan in Al-Fayoum. These examples reflect the theme of oneness
that runs throughout the story—the idea that all beings share and come from the same soul (the Soul of the
World).
 Santiago The Alchemist Oneness

In The Alchemist, if Santiago had chosen to stay with Fatima in Al-Fayoum, instead of
crossing the desert, how would his life have been different? Could he have been happy?
Just as the crystal merchant suffers the consequences of not following his dream, so, too, would Santiago
suffer by turning his back on his Personal Legend and the pyramids. Santiago is fully aware of his dream,
and he must pursue it to achieve optimal happiness and fulfillment. Before Santiago and the alchemist set
out on their journey across the Sahara, the alchemist paints a picture of what life will be like if the boy
stays with Fatima. "You'll marry Fatima, and you'll both be happy for a year," the alchemist says. He then
predicts, however, that Santiago will start to think of his treasure. He'll see omens but ignore them, and
tension will grow with Fatima. Thus, Santiago will spend the rest of his life unfulfilled, "knowing that [he]
didn't pursue [his] Personal Legend, and that now it's too late." Santiago realizes that abandoning his
Personal Legend could happen only if the love he has for Fatima is not true love. Because their love is true,
he is able to continue with his journey.

 Santiago The Alchemist Fatima Personal Legend

Why, in The Alchemist, does Santiago describe his heart as a traitor? How does he come to
trust his heart?
Santiago refers to his heart as a traitor not long after he and the alchemist set out across the desert. At this
point, he is feeling a great deal of fear—fear of the armed tribesmen they continue to pass along the way,
fear of not finding his treasure, and fear that leaving the woman he loves, Fatima, to pursue his dream is the
wrong decision. "My heart is a traitor," he says. "It doesn't want me to go on." The alchemist, in turn, helps
Santiago come to trust his heart, explaining that fear is a normal reaction to pursuing a dream and is the
reason most people never realize their Personal Legends. "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse
than the suffering itself," the alchemist says to Santiago. He continues, "No heart has ever suffered when it
goes in search of its dreams." Upon hearing this, Santiago realizes the truth in the statement and starts to
trust his heart.

 Santiago The Alchemist Personal Legend

Consider the effect of foreshadowing as used in The Alchemist.

Throughout The Alchemist, Coelho uses foreshadowing, a literary device in which the author hints at what
will happen. One of the clearest examples is during a conversation between the alchemist and Santiago as
they cross the Sahara. Here, the alchemist warns Santiago that each time a person starts a search, "[It]
begins with beginner's luck. And every search ends with the victor's [luck] being severely tested." Hearing
this, Santiago recalls an old proverb from home: "The darkest hour of the night came just before the dawn."
Coelho uses the two characters' dialogue to alert readers to trouble brewing for Santiago, who is nearing the
last leg of his journey and inching closer to his dream. Sure enough, the boy and the alchemist encounter
armed tribesmen the next day and are taken captive. It is during this time that Santiago faces his ultimate
test: transforming himself into the wind.
 Santiago The Alchemist

In what ways does the alchemist serve as a guide who provides occasional help and
encourages Santiago to learn independently? Why does he take this approach?

In the novel, the alchemist fills the archetypal role of mentor or scientist. To Santiago, the alchemist is a
guide who provides occasional help and encourages him to learn independently. This is seen, for instance,
when the alchemist tells Santiago that nearly everything he needs to know lies within. He encourages the
boy to immerse himself in the desert and listen to his heart, but he never explains the precise steps for doing
so. The alchemist takes this approach because, as he says, "There is only one way to learn. It's through
action." By being more of a guide than a lecturer with step-by-step instructions, the alchemist empowers
Santiago to figure out how to do things on his own. This guidance assists Santiago's character development;
in this way, the alchemist changes Santiago as surely as if he were turning lead into gold.

 Santiago The Alchemist

In The Alchemist, how is the practice of alchemy a metaphor for Santiago's journey?
In many ways, the practice of alchemy can be seen as a metaphor for Santiago's quest to realize his
Personal Legend and live out his dreams. The goal of an alchemist is to purify metals and turn base metals
into the most evolved (or most perfect) metal—gold—while also discovering the Elixir of Life, a liquid that
can cure all of life's ailments. Essentially, the practice of alchemy is a transformation of an imperfect to a
perfect form—or to the most evolved state. This is similar to Santiago's journey toward truth and
enlightenment, in which he strives to learn, grow, listen to his heart, and finally "be better than he was in
his former life," as he confides to the sun during a discussion about alchemy. In this sense, Santiago is
evolving as a human being, a process not unlike the evolution that occurs when an alchemist transforms
base metals to the more perfect metal, gold. Both journeys take time and practice and require a great deal of
growth and learning, along with an understanding "of nature and the world," the alchemist tells Santiago.
With perseverance and dedication, however, Santiago and some alchemists can achieve their goal.

 Santiago Personal Legend Alchemy

Consider Santiago's recurring dream in The Alchemist. Why is a child the one who tells
Santiago about his buried treasure?
In The Alchemist, both Melchizedek and the alchemist discuss the idea that children believe in and are
willing to pursue treasures and dreams. As children grow into adults, however, skepticism and fear set in,
turning treasures into the stuff of pipe dreams (fantasy). Grown-ups have responsibilities, and running off
to pursue a dream comes with risks that most adults just aren't willing to take. By having a child tell
Santiago about his buried treasure, Coelho taps into the idea that children are more likely than adults to
believe in buried treasures and dreams. He also puts the onus on Santiago to have the gumption to follow
the advice of a child—and not even a real child, but rather one in his dreams. Because the buried treasure
turns out to be real, the child is the one who ends up being right. In this way, Coelho suggests that children
are far more insightful and knowledgeable than they seem.
 Santiago Melchizedek The Alchemist

In The Alchemist, how does the theme of oneness play out in the desert scene as Santiago
attempts to turn himself into the wind?
As Santiago attempts to turn himself into the wind, he immerses himself in the desert and consults the sand,
wind, and sun—all elements of nature—for help. Together, the four engage in a dialogue about Personal
Legends, love, and the Soul of the World. This dialogue leads Santiago to success. With the help of the
natural elements around him, he brings about a massive sandstorm and eventually becomes the wind. A
great illustration of the theme of oneness that runs through The Alchemist, this scene exemplifies the idea
that all living and nonliving things come from and share the same soul and work together to move the
universe forward. It also illustrates the idea that when a person wants something, all the universe conspires
in helping that person to achieve it, as both the alchemist and Melchizedek tell Santiago at various points in
his journey.
 Santiago Melchizedek The Alchemist Oneness Personal Legend

In The Alchemist, who is "the hand that wrote all"?

Mentioned repeatedly in The Alchemist, "the hand that wrote all" refers to a higher power, the source of
creation, that is responsible for forming the soul shared by all things in the universe. This same "hand" is
also responsible for writing a Personal Legend for each living and nonliving entity. When Santiago asks the
sun to help transform him into the wind, the sun responds by telling him to "speak to the hand that wrote
all." Santiago speaks to the "hand" using the Language of the World, which consists not of words but of
universal sentiments (like love and gratitude), to convey his needs. In turn, "the hand that wrote all," which
understands the Language of the World and wants all individuals to succeed, complies with Santiago's
request by enabling him to become the wind.
 Santiago Oneness Universal Language

As mentioned in The Alchemist, what are two obstacles that can interfere with the fulfillment
of a Personal Legend? Why?
A number of things can block an individual's realization of his or her Personal Legend. Two obstacles
discussed throughout The Alchemist are fear and the belief that one is undeserving. As the Englishman
works on his hand-built furnace in Al-Fayoum, he acknowledges that for ten years, a fear of failure kept
him from trying his hand at the first phase of alchemy. Now that he has overcome the fear, he's "learning by
doing" and making progress in uncovering the secret of alchemy and in the pursuit of his Personal Legend.
Likewise, fear nearly leads Santiago to stay at the oasis of Al-Fayoum and to abandon his Personal Legend
and dream altogether. Several times in the story, a person's belief that he or she is undeserving of success
interferes with the fulfillment of a Personal Legend. Readers see this when the monk tries to refuse the
alchemist's gold, saying that the payment is worth more than his generosity. The alchemist responds, "Don't
say that again. Life might be listening, and give you less the next time." The alchemist's response suggests
that people must believe in their own self-worth so that good things will come their way.
 Santiago The Englishman The Alchemist Alchemy

Questions 21 - 30
The Alchemist | Discussion Questions 41 - 50
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In The Alchemist, when Santiago thinks about his life, what makes him most proud?
Santiago is proud of a number of things in his life, starting with his decision to follow his love of travel and
become a shepherd. This decision is not easy, given that his parents have worked hard to provide an
education for him and wanted him to become a priest. Likewise, he's proud of his choice to leave behind his
flock of sheep to pursue the long, difficult journey of realizing his Personal Legend. Along the way, he
learns a new language and picks up several other new skills. Although many obstacles crop up, he
perseveres, sticking with the goal and overcoming each impediment that arises.

 Santiago Personal Legend Sheep

In The Alchemist, how does Santiago's experience as a shepherd help him throughout his
journey to Egypt?
As a shepherd, Santiago learns to pay attention to and understand nature, a skill that he builds on
throughout his journey to the pyramids in pursuit of his Personal Legend. His success hinges on his ability
to tune in to his natural surroundings, and throughout the story, it is always in nature that Santiago gleans
insights that help him continue his quest. For instance, he notices the omen of the hawk attack in the sky,
and while crossing the desert with the alchemist, he reads the reactions of his horse to discover danger
lurking ahead. In these ways and others, Santiago uses and enhances the skills he gained as a shepherd boy
in Andalusia.

 Santiago Oneness Sheep

Consider the desert as a teacher. What does Santiago learn from the desert in The Alchemist?
Hot, dry, barren, and full of danger, the desert presents Santiago with various tests and teaches him lessons
that prepare him for the end of his journey. It is in the desert that Santiago learns to tune in to his natural
surroundings to such a degree that he is able to learn from something as small as a single grain of sand. He
also learns to tune in to his own thoughts and feelings and to come to terms with his fear. Likewise, the
desert teaches Santiago to recognize the Language of the World in all living things, providing him the
practice he needs in interpreting the movements and reactions of animals (such as the cobra and his horse)
and in seeing death in the eyes of the tribesmen and refugees he meets along the way.

 Santiago Oneness Universal Language

What is the significance of the alchemist's parting ways with Santiago just before the boy
reaches the pyramids?

The alchemist parts ways with Santiago right after he demonstrates how to turn lead to gold at the Coptic
monastery. In all likelihood, he does this so that Santiago can apply everything he's learned along the way
to this last leg of the journey. Also, the alchemist warns Santiago earlier in the story that the Soul of the
World will test him severely right before he achieves his dream, and by finishing this part of the journey on
his own, Santiago is put to yet another test. Furthermore, the alchemist believes that learning by action is
the only way to learn. When he says good-bye to Santiago, he gives him the invaluable experience of
traveling to the pyramids and overcoming obstacles on his own.

 Santiago The Alchemist Oneness

In The Alchemist, Santiago arrives at the pyramids only to discover his treasure is in
Andalusia, not Egypt. Why does Coelho make this plot choice?
Coelho likely places the treasure in Andalusia to make the point that pursuing one's dreams and Personal
Legend is more about the process than the end product (in this case, the buried treasure). This is in keeping
with the hero's journey, or quest motif, of the novel. Had the treasure been located at the pyramids, the
journey would have come to an end with Santiago's reaping the material rewards of the jewels and gold.
Instead, Santiago's journey continues to the place where it all started—the site of his dream, beneath the
huge sycamore tree at the abandoned church. He returns more aware and enlightened than when he was last
there. Regardless of everything he's learned, though, his evolution, and thus his journey, will continue.

 Santiago Personal Legend Alchemy

Consider the lessons Santiago learns from the alchemist. Which lesson saves his life at the
pyramids?

The alchemist helps Santiago discover a number of important insights, but one in particular saves his life at
the pyramids. As the refugees beat him, Santiago remembers the alchemist saying that most people don't
believe in things like treasures and dreams. Specifically, the alchemist said, "When you possess great
treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed," Santiago remembers this
advice and tells his attackers about his dream of a buried treasure at the pyramids. This, in turn, convinces
the refugees to leave him alone, as they find the dream ludicrous and conclude that the treasure doesn't
actually exist.

 Santiago The Alchemist

The Alchemist ends with Santiago saying, "I'm coming, Fatima." Discuss the significance of
this line.
Readers learn that Fatima and Santiago are now sending messages to each other in the universal language.
Santiago's line is a response to a wordless message from Fatima—a trace of her perfume and a warm kiss
that float in on the wind from Africa. When Santiago replies, "I'm coming, Fatima," he reveals that his
quest to fulfill his dreams has not yet come to an end. Although he now has his treasure, he will not simply
live happily as a rich man in Andalusia. Instead, he plans to return to Al-Fayoum to be with Fatima. From
there, he will continue his pursuit of learning, growth, and enlightenment, wherever it happens to lead him.

 Santiago Fatima Personal Legend Universal Language

How does the epilogue to The Alchemist provide a sense of closure?

The epilogue provides a sense of closure by reinforcing story elements and tying up loose ends. Readers
learn that Santiago, after a long, hard journey, at last finds his buried treasure. The honor of his character is
reinforced when the narrator reveals that Santiago will keep the promise he made to the gypsy woman. He
will pay her one-tenth of his treasure in exchange for her earlier interpretation of his dream. Closure is also
provided through Santiago's recollections of some of the influential, inspiring people he met during his
journey, especially Melchizedek and the alchemist. Readers learn that Santiago and the alchemist
communicate with each other through the wind, which implies that their relationship will continue.
Santiago also communicates via the wind with Fatima, who uses it to blow "a kiss that came from far away,
slowly, slowly, until it rested on his lips." The story ends with Santiago responding, "I'm coming, Fatima."
Although this line suggests that Santiago's adventures and journey will continue, it also reveals that
Santiago and Fatima will end up together. Thus, the epilogue concludes by reinforcing Melchizedek's
lesson that "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

 Santiago Fatima Gypsy Woman

What do Santiago's actions in The Alchemist reveal about his character?

Throughout The Alchemist, Santiago comes across as an honest, adventurous, passionate, and highly
thoughtful young man in search of his Personal Legend. He challenges himself, taking a number of risks
and never choosing the easy way out. Time and again, he refuses to return to his life as a shepherd in
Andalusia. Santiago has a strong sense of perseverance, a quality that comes across when he decides to stay
on and work for the crystal merchant in a foreign country, even though he has enough money to return
home. He makes a similar choice when he opts not to stay with Fatima at the oasis of Al-Fayoum. Instead,
he ventures into the dangerous desert to pursue his dream. All of these actions provide insight into
Santiago's character as the protagonist or hero and paint a picture of a courageous, reflective young man
intent on finding the meaning of life—and living his own life to the fullest.
 Santiago Crystal Merchant Fatima Personal Legend Alchemy

Consider how The Alchemist is like a self-help book.

Many readers and critics of The Alchemist consider it a type of self-help book. For instance, Spencer
Johnson, coauthor of The One Minute Manager (1982), describes the book as a "tale of universal wisdom
we can apply to the business of our own lives." Here, Johnson taps into the idea that Santiago's journey
toward self-fulfillment reflects the search for truth, enlightenment, and a meaningful life that many people
engage in. In this sense, many people can relate to and learn from Santiago's experiences throughout his
journey and then apply what they learn to their own lives.
 Santiago Personal Legend

Questions 31 - 40Questions 51 - 51
The Alchemist | Discussion Questions 51 - 51
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Explain the universal appeal of The Alchemist and why it is read worldwide.

Translated into numerous languages, The Alchemist appeals to people worldwide because of the universal
lessons about life and happiness that run through the story. The idea that each life is a work in progress and
that each person has a purpose is an uplifting message that many embrace. Readers, for instance, relate to
Santiago's search for a meaningful, enlightened life and his experiences in overcoming obstacles and taking
risks along the way. Likewise, the allegorical nature of the story gives it a broad appeal. Though set in parts
of Spain and Africa, the novel is less about a particular place and time than it is about a spiritual journey to
truth and enlightenment.
 Santiago Personal Legend