Alchemy In The Alchemist

Alchemy in All Forms The Alchemist novel is full of imagination and complex themes. Alchemy has become a lost art and yet, plays such an important role in this novel. By pursuing the bigger picture, all of the wonders of alchemy will be recognized. Alchemy is not only a science of the past, but a captivating personal transformation, which Paulo Coelho reveals through character, transformation and the lessons of alchemy. Alchemy is considered the medieval forerunner of chemistry, formed upon the conversion of matter. The word “khem” was used in reference to the fertility of the flood plains around the Nile River, which is where the word “alchemy” originated (McLean 1). This one of a kind process is to convert base metals into gold, silver …show more content…
Alchemy is first acknowledged when Santiago, the protagonist, comes across the Englishman who was reading about it. “The boy learned that the liquid part of the Master Work was called the elixir of life, and that it cured all illnesses, it also kept the alchemist from growing old (Coelho).” He told Santiago that the secret to alchemy is found on the Emerald tablet. Being very intrigued, this crucial part of the novel is when Santiago realized the magic alchemy withholds. Later on, Santiago comes across a true alchemist and begins to wish he too could become a magician of metals. The chemistry behind the act is not the only reference to alchemy, but also the personal transformation. The practicing alchemist in the novel states, “If one finds is made of pure matter, it will never spoil and one can always come back. If what you had found was only a moment of light, like the explosion of a star, you would find nothing on your return (Coelho).” Santiago knows that the scientist is not just speaking on scientific terms, but referring to a way of …show more content…
Santiago’s journey is not based on the scientific end of alchemy, but the spiritual because in this world, the universe can only attain perfection and will decide if a person can undergo his or her own personal legend. The beginning of the novel revealed Santiago as a shepherd, urging to explore what else the world has to offer. A vision leads the protagonist to trust that treasure resides in the Egyptian Pyramids, which starts his travel. The novel leads Santiago to many obstacles; he overcomes being robbed and countless failed caravans to his treasure. When he reaches the practicing alchemist, this event is when things change for Santiago. In that moment he realizes that his personal legend was not to find a box of treasure, but to live and learn. Santiago’s journey was his own practice of alchemy. The wisdom and experience he obtained by this adventure was a priceless treasure. He realized that the happiness he found at home, as a shepherd was true and his personal legend. The journey changed his malcontent life into a prosperous and appreciative one, as alchemists change dull materials into