Paulo Freire

Marcel Duchamp, a revolutionary twentieth century artist, once said, “Alchemy is a kind of philosophy, a kind of thinking that leads to a way of understanding” (Duchamp). This quote is the simplest definition of alchemy. Alchemy is a concept that explains what is going on around us. More importantly, it provides an explanation for what we have always been told to believe. It dates back as far as the Renaissance period, and while similar to sciences, was not at first considered a science due to…

In The Alchemist, a book by Paulo Coleho, a boy named Santiago goes on a journey to find treasure. After a long journey filled with life lessons, he realizes that his personal legend was the treasure all along. Paulo Coleho uses the symbols of The Baker,The King of Salem, The Englishman, and Santiago to explore the theme that finding one’s personal legend is they key to happiness and contentment. In the first part of the book, two characters help to convey the theme. The Baker’s character is…

has become a lost art and yet, plays such an important role in this novel. By pursuing the bigger picture, all of the wonders of alchemy will be recognized. Alchemy is not only a science of the past, but a captivating personal transformation, which Paulo Coelho reveals through character, transformation and the lessons of alchemy. Alchemy is considered the medieval forerunner of chemistry, formed upon the conversion of matter. The word “khem” was used in reference to the fertility of the flood…

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,…

In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Santiago travels through the Sahara Desert to find a treasure hidden near the Egyptian Pyramids, and on the way he learns that the world is connected through the Language of the World! The Alchemist uses symbols to show the theme of how the world is connected through the Language of the World. One symbol in the Prologue is the lake. In the book it says, “The goddesses of the forest appeared and found the lake, which had been fresh water, transformed into a lake…

than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.” This quote is exactly why I chose the Alchemist as my novel. These are the lessons YOU need in your life. Good Morning Mrs Lamplough and class. Paulo Coelho the author of the incredible life changing novel, The Alchemist, a novel that is well-worthy for the Grade 12 Syllabus. This passionate story contrasts completely with the theme of death and sorrow in both my drama Hamlet by William…

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…

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 change.…

continue to learn throughout their entire life. Paulo Coelho reiterates this lesson in his novel The Alchemist by teaching lessons worthy of all ages. Through the travels of a young shepherd boy, Coelho teaches the reader about the importance of following one’s dreams. Coelho makes these themes evident through his simple style and solidifies the novel as a staple of world literature. Using his life experiences paired with a delightfully simple language, Paulo Coelho teaches readers life lessons…

really is. The Alchemist was written by Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian spiritual writer. In The Alchemist, a major part is to follow your dreams. The main character, Santiago, does this by searching for a treasure in Egypt that he saw in his dreams. Through The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho displays the importance of destiny, along with overcoming the doubts that go along with that, in a straightforward form to simplify the journey of following one’s dreams. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist follows an…