The Alchemist Themes Analysis: Fear By: Sally, Leon, Lindy and Vivian
1. Fear of defeat
• "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure"
The fear of defeat or failure is highlighted throughout the novel when Santiago tried to turn himself into the wind, the story of the minor and how he overcomes his fears. The boy was shaking with fear, but the alchemist helped him out of the tent.
• "Don 't let them see that you 're afraid," the alchemist said. "They are brave men, and they despise cowards."
This is an example of how Santiago feared defeat because he felt that he was not strong enough and was focusing on the worst possible outcome, which was failure, …show more content…
From the introduction of the novel, the fear of realising one’s dream is one of the obstacles that the main character faces in order to achieve his dream or goal (‘The fear of realising the dream for which we fought all our lives…’), and sometimes this is influenced by the idea that everything is impossible. Santiago and the crystal merchant both experience fear of realising their dream, however each of these characters embraced different paths for their future.
• “…as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realise their personal legend.” – The Old Man
==> What the old man (Melchizedek) said refers back to the first obstacle discussed in the introduction. He is presenting the idea that something influences and convinces people to believe that it is impossible to realise their dream.
• “…he realised that he had to choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief and as an adventurer in quest for his treasure.” – Santiago
• “I’m an adventurer, looking for treasure.” – Santiago
This occurred a little bit after the scene where Santiago was robbed. This robbing scene demonstrated the fear he felt about trying to realise his dream before he started his journey. He feared that something like this would happen, but with the guidance of the old man’s word, he decided to think positively about …show more content…
Otherwise, they are forced to continue their lives with the burden of an unfulfilled life.
Unlike his father and the Crystal Merchant, Santiago was willing to take risks in his journey. Although hesitant at first, he was able to move forward and leave the people and things that he cared about such as his sheep and Fatima.
3. Fear of the unknown/change
• “Don’t give in to your fears,” said the alchemist, in a strangely gentle voice. “If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.” pg. 141 (yellow book)
The fear of the unknown is one of the hinted fears that prevent humans from achieving their Personal Legends. This fear of change causes them to fear what would occur if they were to finish an action. The fear, in effect, halts people from making progress.
However,
• “People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want.” - Camel Driver
What this means is when a person has the ability to achieve their dreams and desires, the fear of the unknown and change will become obsolete and they will surpass this
1. Fear of defeat
• "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure"
The fear of defeat or failure is highlighted throughout the novel when Santiago tried to turn himself into the wind, the story of the minor and how he overcomes his fears. The boy was shaking with fear, but the alchemist helped him out of the tent.
• "Don 't let them see that you 're afraid," the alchemist said. "They are brave men, and they despise cowards."
This is an example of how Santiago feared defeat because he felt that he was not strong enough and was focusing on the worst possible outcome, which was failure, …show more content…
From the introduction of the novel, the fear of realising one’s dream is one of the obstacles that the main character faces in order to achieve his dream or goal (‘The fear of realising the dream for which we fought all our lives…’), and sometimes this is influenced by the idea that everything is impossible. Santiago and the crystal merchant both experience fear of realising their dream, however each of these characters embraced different paths for their future.
• “…as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realise their personal legend.” – The Old Man
==> What the old man (Melchizedek) said refers back to the first obstacle discussed in the introduction. He is presenting the idea that something influences and convinces people to believe that it is impossible to realise their dream.
• “…he realised that he had to choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief and as an adventurer in quest for his treasure.” – Santiago
• “I’m an adventurer, looking for treasure.” – Santiago
This occurred a little bit after the scene where Santiago was robbed. This robbing scene demonstrated the fear he felt about trying to realise his dream before he started his journey. He feared that something like this would happen, but with the guidance of the old man’s word, he decided to think positively about …show more content…
Otherwise, they are forced to continue their lives with the burden of an unfulfilled life.
Unlike his father and the Crystal Merchant, Santiago was willing to take risks in his journey. Although hesitant at first, he was able to move forward and leave the people and things that he cared about such as his sheep and Fatima.
3. Fear of the unknown/change
• “Don’t give in to your fears,” said the alchemist, in a strangely gentle voice. “If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.” pg. 141 (yellow book)
The fear of the unknown is one of the hinted fears that prevent humans from achieving their Personal Legends. This fear of change causes them to fear what would occur if they were to finish an action. The fear, in effect, halts people from making progress.
However,
• “People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want.” - Camel Driver
What this means is when a person has the ability to achieve their dreams and desires, the fear of the unknown and change will become obsolete and they will surpass this