It is not about the treasure – it never was. In Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, Santiago completes a journey of self-discovery in search of treasure buried at the Pyramids (Coelho, 3-167), but that does not mean his core wish is a materialistic objective. In any story, the want is the goal a protagonist is pursuing, and this goal “gives the plot direction” (Cowgill, 39). However, a character’s need, which is not necessarily the same as his want, is “an unconscious, inner force that compels a character to act without understanding the real reasons why” (Cowgill, 39). The boy's most basic, subconscious desire is transformation; at heart he wishes to have an adventure. Santiago's open mind and readiness to take risks stem directly from his need for change. As well, when the boy is juxtaposed beside the change-wary crystal merchant (Coelho, 44-65), it makes Santiago’s wish clear. And of course, the entire novel concentrates on Santiago's self-transformation.
Embracing exotic ideas, the boy thinks outside the box. When his life looks hopeless, he is able to turn his situation around with a fresh perspective. Alone in a foreign land, with no money, Santiago must “choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief and as an adventurer in quest of his treasure” (Coelho, 42), so he …show more content…
Coelho accepts modern technology, saying he tries to “build something that may reach people who normally don’t have money to buy books” (Chaudary). Since the author declares he is “always trying to discover new things” (Chaudary), it follows that Santiago, who is modeled after Coelho, shares this readiness to change. Because Santiago seeks out the fresh and unusual, he “sees the greatness of the world and meets all kinds of exciting people”
Embracing exotic ideas, the boy thinks outside the box. When his life looks hopeless, he is able to turn his situation around with a fresh perspective. Alone in a foreign land, with no money, Santiago must “choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief and as an adventurer in quest of his treasure” (Coelho, 42), so he …show more content…
Coelho accepts modern technology, saying he tries to “build something that may reach people who normally don’t have money to buy books” (Chaudary). Since the author declares he is “always trying to discover new things” (Chaudary), it follows that Santiago, who is modeled after Coelho, shares this readiness to change. Because Santiago seeks out the fresh and unusual, he “sees the greatness of the world and meets all kinds of exciting people”