The Alchemist Essay

In works of literature and Magical Realism, the hero is often the main protagonist. In many novels, the protagonist is oblivious to the fact that they are a hero; they often believe that they are ordinary people in an ordinary world. In “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, Santiago is oblivious to the fact that he is a hero because he doesn’t fit the ‘Hero Criteria’, he isn’t idolize by the community or hasn’t made any drastic change in his life - he is a shepherd with no aspirations or dreams for…

The main symbol in Ben Johnson’s The Alchemist is the Philosopher’s Stone – the epitome of what alchemy stands for. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the Philosopher’s Stone as “a mythical solid substance, supposed to change any metal into gold or silver and (according to some) to cure all wounds and diseases and prolong life indefinitely” (“Philosoper's Stone”, deff. n. 1a). Johnson plays upon the use of the stone and the character’s inner desires, as a symbol of the greed and selfishness…

finish school and pursue my professional goals, which is continuing in advancement of Nursing Administration positions. I’ve realized that by reading this book you learn and grow through your life experiences trying to find your personal legend. The alchemist reveals this secret to Santiago. This relates to the personal legend because that is the means by which alchemy turns to gold. It must be cleansed from impurities and undergo much stress and hardship to get to the point of turning into…

Racism and Cultural Appropriation are two recurrent themes throughout The Alchemist. Discrimination and prejudice of the Romani population, Antiziganism (Antizigansim), can easily be found just by looking at Santiago’s thoughts while being around the Roma. Cultural Appropriation, defined by the Oxford encyclopedia, is when a major race adopts or uses ideas that were originally from minority culture (“Cultural Appropriation”). The problem with using parts of minorities’ culture is that they are…

The novel named “The Alchemist” written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, first published in 1988 and originally written in Portuguese. “The Alchemist” has become an international best seller; now as of 2016 it has been translated to 70 plus languages and sold around an estimate of 75 million copies. Publishing trend report that Paulo Coelho has become the most sold author in the world. Paulo Coelho’s writing style is substantially the reason this novel has attracted millions of readers. Paulo…

A recurring theme in Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist is of success, and of how it is dependent on one’s own decisions. Throughout the novel, Santiago is shown to frequently face obstacles when in pursuit of his Personal Legend. Such an example is when Santiago, after having been robbed of his money by some stranger, ruminates over what had happened, and soon “ realized that he had to choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief and as an adventurer in quest of his treasure” (…

One scene that involves conflict in The Alchemist is toward the beginning of the book when the protagonist, Santiago, discusses with his father his desire to travel. His father thinks it would be best for him to stay put. Santiago wants to travel. Santiago is conflicted, internally, with what decision to make. Once he makes the decision to move on, his father is supportive. Another conflict occurs when Santiago first travels to Africa. There, he's confronted by a stranger who seems helpful at…

Santiago's Teachers Throughout “The Alchemist” Throughout “The Alchemist”, the main character, Santiago, is given guidance and advice on how to achieve his personal destiny, and find his treasure. Some of his teachers are his sheep, the king, the alchemist, and the crystal merchant. Each teacher helps Santiago learn crucial lessons in preparing him to meet his personal legend. Santiago mentions many times on his journey that as a shepherd, his sheep taught him many things. Santiago notes to…

lives. These phases and traumas can happen due to certain people, but have the most impact on our very lives. In ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho, and ‘Life of Pi’ directed by Ang Lee, both protagonists became conscious of the things (beliefs and animals) that impact them and their own spiritual journeys that changed their views. As well as in Life of Pi, The Alchemists protagonist Santiago begins to understand the significance of his existence by trying to attaining his destiny. By…

The Alchemist is a story of one boy growth as he travels his life’s journey. He has to overcome many challenges, meets new people, and learns more about himself in the process. Santiago journey had three main part, the first one was he had to overcome challenges such as getting robbed several times. The next one was meeting new people including his one true love. And the third one was learning more about himself, such as his Personal Legend. A main part in Santiago's journey was over coming…