Fate is used in the Alchemist to foreshadow events further in the book, and to add contrast to the perspective of others. The way that the old crystal merchant refers to "Maktub", an Arabic word meaning fate, foreshadows to the Englishman talking about how he believes "There's no such thing as coincidence," (72). The Englishman says he heard from an Arab man about coincidence, and the crystal merchant that told Santiago about "Maktub" was an Arab man. Fate adds contrast to the thoughts of others in the way that while you are thinking about fate, the old King is quoted saying "Never stop dreaming," (62). This makes the reader think about how they interpret dreams and fate. It causes them to think a little deeper about the book, and the events
