Essay On The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

In “The Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho creates a fictional character from a small Andalusian town who is determined and curious to learn his purpose in the world. The author illustrates the significance of finding one’s personal legend. In the story, a shepherd boy named Santiago encounters many trials, tribulations, and difficulties, on his journey to finding his destiny. He overcomes and achieves them all with the guidance from many wise teachers. Early in the story, Santiago meets Melchizedek, an old man who is the king of Salem. He tells Santiago about personal legends and the soul of the world. He gives Santiago two magical stones, Urim and Thummim, which represent “yes” and “no”. The king motivates Santiago to pursue his personal legend and tells him to follow the omens in life. The king reveals to him the power of nature and the universe. He gives Santiago many life lessons. As he talks to him, he tells him "When you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."(Coelho). The king explains to Santiago that when you truly desire something and go after it the world will help you achieve that goal. I took from this lesson that …show more content…
He also says it portrays its characters as helpless against the struggles in life. The old man's message is that everyone can control their own lives and reach their goals, regardless of their circumstances. He tells Santiago that “At a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie."(Coelho) He explains to Santiago that no matter who you are and where you come from, your life depends on you. This taught me to always think positive. Never believe that you don’t have control of what’s happening in your life because that is not true. You have full control of how you want to live your life. It doesn’t matter what you were born