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Analysis of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on October 8, 2022

The most popular novel of the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho (1947– ), The Alchemist combines philosophical ideas and words of wisdom about ambition, perseverance, and success. Since its publication in 1988, the novel has has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, won 115 international prizes and awards, has been translated into 80 languages, and is still on the New York Times bestseller list today.

The Alchemist narrates the story of a shepherd boy called Santiago who travels with his flock, looking for the best pastures for his sheep in the Andalusian countryside. The conflict arises early in the novel’s plot when Santiago chooses to seek an interpretation of a recent dream and is advised to travel to the pyramids in Egypt and look for a hidden treasure. The novel narrates the mystical experiences of Santiago as he travels from Spain, through the Egyptian desert and on to the great pyramids, seeking the fulfillment of his dream.

the alchemist literary analysis essay

Coelho’s novel is almost mythical in structure, with a linear plot and single story line recounted in simple language. The tightly written narrative is not embellished by elaborate characterization, explanations, or historical details, and any detail irrelevant to the main plot is conspicuously absent. The entire emphasis of the novel remains on eternally valid truths, which Coelho attempts to convey through the story. The symbolic elements in the narrative, the universal quality of the protagonist’s experiences, and the message the novel suggests to the reader account for much of T he Alchemist ’s popularity.

The Alchemist underlines an idea or wish that human beings strongly want to believe: If one sincerely desires something, the whole universe conspires to fulfill that dream. Coelho conveys, through the novel, that this sentiment is a lie and that at some point in life people lose the ability to control their lives and become the playthings of fate. He suggests that by listening to one’s heart and by heeding omens and signs, one can control destiny. The strong undercurrent of optimism, which runs through the narrative, is the novel’s greatest charm.

It is notable that in the tale Santiago’s chance encounters with people bring him closer to his aim and motivate him to continue his quest despite his complacence at times. His meeting with the Gypsy fortune- teller in the beginning is followed immediately by a meeting with the old king of Salem, Melchizedek, who is aware of Santiago’s past and future and urges the boy to pursue his vision. An unfortunate experience with a thief in Tangier disheartens the searcher for a time, but his memories of the words of the king guide him to the right course of action. The crystal merchant for whom Santiago works for almost a year prefers to dream of going on a pilgrimage instead of embarking on a journey to Mecca in real life. The crystal merchant’s fear of failure shakes Santiago into resolving to follow his dream.

Santiago later meets an Englishman who harbors the hope of meeting the mysterious alchemist, an Arab who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis and possesses exceptional powers. Santiago joins the caravan with the En glishman to travel to Egypt, and it is during this journey that the shepherd boy comes to know about the soul of the world, the language of the heart, and the intricacies of the science of alchemy. The shepherd boy’s budding love for an Arabian girl, Fatima, whom he meets during his voyage through the desert, tempts him into giving up his quest for the treasure, but aptly enough Fatima plays the role of a soul mate and coaxes Santiago to continue his difficult expedition. Toward the end of the novel, Santiago’s meeting with the alchemist in the desert helps the young seeker to discover his inner strengths and brings him closer to realizing his destiny.

Omens, signs, dreams, and visions pervade the narrative and act like refrains in this song of the desert. It is only by taking note of these subtle revelations of his subconscious mind that Santiago rises to the alchemist’s expectations and bravely faces all the trials that await him. In The Alchemist, Coelho suggests through Santiago’s tale that it is only by finding and following one’s “personal myth” that one can hope to achieve success, contentment, and happiness. Those who do not have the courage to pursue their deepest desires end up living an empty and doomed life plagued by dissatisfaction and frustration.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Arias, Juan. Paulo Coelho: The Confessions of a Pilgrim. London: HarperCollins, 1999. Coelho, Paulo. Like the Flowing River: Thoughts and Reflections. London: HarperCollins, 2006.

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The Alchemist Themes

A theme is an overarching idea that runs through a literary text in one or some parts. It makes up the major point the author wants to convey to the readers.  Themes in The Alchemist, a masterpiece of Paulo Coelho , are diverse and temporal.  The novel presents the human quest for knowledge and treasures as well as the world of dream, love, and fate in which they have to want to enter. Some of the major themes in The Alchemist have been discussed below.

Themes in The Alchemist

Dreams and Aspirations

Dreams and materializing them is one of the major themes of  The Alchemist. The story starts with Santiago having a dream to pursue and find his destiny. He dreams about finding a treasure at the foot of the pyramids in Egypt while living in Andalusian town as a shepherd. He is rather amazed at this strange dream and asks the Old Woman of Tarifa about it, who guides her that it is true. She also urges him to go on this expedition to find his destiny.

Santiago remains uncertain until he meets Melchizedek, who claims to be the king of Salem. Melchizedek also interprets his dream in the same way. In fact, both of the dream interpreters implore Santiago that he must pursue his dream. The author wants to convey that dreams are a message from the universe. In fact, the different terms used by different fortunetellers, the alchemist and the Englishman to Santiago are aspirations that come from dreams. Hence, Santiago goes to Egypt to fulfill them.

According to the conversation of the crystal merchant, everything is pre-ordained or already written. For Santiago, he means that working to gain his Personal Legend , which will bring happiness for him if it is meant to be. Santiago shows this fate when traveling through the desert and learning about the Personal Legend. When he asks the wind to blow a storm, it happens because of his faith, fate, and his Personal Legend. That is why he tells the Englishman that alchemy is not as complicated as he has made. He needs to learn it through his day to day simple existence because he wants to get the treasure from the pyramids. He knows that when he wants to get that treasure, it means that it is his destiny. Santiago firmly believes that it is pre-ordained, but at the same time, he must strive for that.

Love is another major thematic strand of this novel that runs parallel to other themes. Santiago is highly conscious of the real objective of the Egyptian pyramid and the treasure. However, he also falls in love with Fatima while staying at the oasis of the Al-Fayoum. He resolves to come back to marry her. Hence, the introduction of love at this point further makes him firm in his resolve to visit the pyramids to find the treasure. Although he feels that he should stay, Fatima urges him to follow his Personal Legend and fulfill his dream. Santiago returns to his love, and he also fulfills his Personal Legend for love.

Unity of Spirit

The Alchemist demonstrates the concept of the Soul of the World to clarify that all the religions agree about this presence of the soul. That is why the alchemist tells material elements to possess a Personal Legend and that everybody should follow their own goal. If Santiago weren’t united with the Soul and his dreams, he would not have found the treasure. In other words, his soul is also part of the Soul of the World that is God.

Self-Discovery

At first, Santiago has a dream and then its interpretation from the old gypsy woman and Melchizedek. Later, he experiences his self-discovery and leaves home, despite his father’s desire to make him a priest. Santiago chooses to live an independent life. However, his father, gypsy woman, and Melchizedek inspire him in his self-discovery and his Personal Legend. Melchizedek’s words that when a person intends upon doing something, the whole world seems to conspire to stand by him stands true in his case. He discovers it when transforming the wind into a storm to fulfill his prediction.

Wisdom and Knowledge

According to the author, true wisdom is to know how to turn lead into gold. It is a metaphor for the transformation of a shepherd into a wise person who can bring a storm as per will. This wisdom lies in knowing the Soul of the World and aligning the Personal Legend with this Universal Soul. Although Santiago does not claim to be a wise person at first, he learns.

Selfishness

Selfishness is a minor theme of the novel. Narcissus’ and the lake’s selfishness were obvious. Later it reappears in the novel through different characters in the shape of Personal Legend. As every person has his own desire to fulfill even if he comes across another person. Hence, Santiago had to remain a little selfish on his self-discovery mission. However, he returns to claim his true love for Fatima.

Santiago dreams about the treasure in the church. He abandons his religious duties and starts following his dream to achieve his Personal Legend. Besides his religious upbringing and learning to read, he doesn’t believe the written knowledge is useful. This religious debate entails that religion is important, but the experience of the world is more important to lead a successful life.

Spirituality

The ideas of the Soul of the World, Personal Legends, and mysticism point to the thematic strand of spirituality that runs parallel to other themes in the novel. In fact, the entire adventurous quest of Santiago is a spiritual quest to discover his soul following his dreams. That is why he declares that “everything on the face of the earth had a soul”. Here, the Soul of the world could be God.

Although omens play an important role in our lives, in the novel, they have a specific role. They are central to their actions. When Melchizedek gives Santiago two precious stones, he is actually handing him the power to see good or bad omens and act accordingly. That is why Santiago can understand them and interpret the fight of hawks in the desert as a bad omen. After that, he witnesses the attack of an opposing tribe, which proves true.

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Analysis of "The Alchemist" Through the Moral-Philosophical Approach

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A Metaphor for Life: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho Essay (Book Review)

Analysis of the main character, new culture as a significant challenge, coelho’s attitude to the main theme, works cited.

The book The Alchemist can be described as a metaphor for life. It is funny how dreams can mold a person’s life. It is a paradox such that people consider other lifestyles as better than theirs, thereby striving to get that life that belongs to different cultures, through that lives are transformed. The essay on The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho shall analyze the traits of the main characters and critical themes in the novel.

Dreams can be seen as the driving forces behind an individual’s life as they bring about desires that mold an individual’s destiny because through them, then fate ceases to be the determinant of happenings in an individual’s lifetime. Santiago, a young shepherd, the main character in the story The Alchemist, is portrayed by Paulo Coelho as a go-getter to some extent.

As is clear from the summary, he repeatedly gets a dream that haunts him and pushes him to follow it, and thus his expedition in the story; he wants to achieve that dream (Coelho 34). Santiago gets the simple lessons of life of believing in the signs that one gets in life, even if it is just through dreams and following them till he achieves them. The crossing of cultures leads him to following his goals, which he finally achieves.

The boy, Santiago, is driven to search for the hidden treasure in Egypt. The desire makes him cross many countries and even the vast Sahara desert, whereby he meets different characters, both deceitful and truthful, who shape his life. This is similar to the way the young Chinese man and other international students cross the borders to get to Melbourne to study, their treasure in this context, education.

When the young man shows up in the author’s office with scratchy English (Coelho 45), it is evident that there is a bit of transformation from his past self to his present self.

The young Chinese appreciated the author’s message that she had given him the first day he visited her office because she says so. In the same spirit of appreciation, the boy Santiago appreciated the advice given to him in the story, which leads him to acquire the treasure that he set out to look for.

For instance, he gives the older man a share of his sheep, that is, a tenth of his flock and promises to give a tenth of his treasure to the older woman. The Chinese student, on the other hand, brings the tutor a painting of a well embroidered Chinese woman (Coelho 61). This, therefore, gives the importance of appreciating those who help us in our endeavors to acquire our different treasures in life.

Through the harsh experiences that he faces, the boy learns the value of being strong, patient, and persistent, and being a hard-working person. Regardless of the setbacks that he encounters along the way, he does not give up. Just like in Rachael, no potential was seen in her as a nurse. She was discouraged by her tutors that she could not make it as a children’s nurse, but her so many visits to the Occupational Health Department, which convinced the tutors that she was capable of becoming a nurse, saw her through (Coelho 25).

It took a year to convince them and about fifteen visits, and in the long run, she was allowed to take up the career path that she had dreamt of and desired to do. Her desire and persistence to follow her dream made her accomplish her heart desires. Following a dream can sometimes seem too hard and expensive, but the determination in it tells all about the conviction that one has.

The Alchemist book review essay shows that the boy in the story is portrayed by Coelho as humble and a brave character. The king tells him that when he wants something, the world will always conspire to help him achieve it, and now that he wants to get the treasure, then he is going to get it as long as he is ready to face the challenges (Coelho 24).

The challenges he faces in foreign lands can be likened to the challenges faced by those living in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. We are told that the further one lives away from the city, the more harsh life is for them because life there is a bit depressing and that there are little or even no amenities at all. The public transport system is also weak. The kinds of houses that are there are in a sorry state, just like street lights are not in proper functioning conditions.

Fitting into a new culture can be demoralizing more especially after relocation to a new place, but regardless of this, accepting the prevailing conditions in order to achieve one’s heart desires is reason enough to go on, the international students face problems of housing but with perseverance they the can achieve their ultimate goals and desires.

The boy Santiago takes up every opportunity that comes his way, and he swallows through so many problems that he encounters along his path of getting to the treasure. He worked hard towards his destiny because no problem was too big for him to deal with.

We find that dreaming is one thing, and following that dream is another. Rachael had a dream of becoming a nurse, and she felt that she needed to give back to the community and serve the people who had made a significant difference in her life. That is why she really wanted to be a children’s nurse, she was laughed at told on several occasions that it was never going to happen because a nursing course was not suitable for her and that she was fit to a desk job (Coelho 25).

Nevertheless, as is evident from the assessment, her desire to follow her dream was the driving force that led her to achieving it in the long run. Had she given up along the way due to the words of discouragement from even her tutors, she could not have become a voice to reckon to the parents of the sick children that she attended to at the Children’s Out-patient Department (Coelho 25).

In the story, we are also brought to a level ground where freedom to choose what one wants to do should be embraced and given room to drive us. Freedom is the ability for one to do what he or she likes and that entails following one’s heart.

Through this, one is capable of exploiting his or her own potentialities and doing something that is self-fulfilling, if one is made to do something that dictates his or her destiny in a forceful way, then the end results will always be bitter. The boy chooses to travel the world because this is his inner calling other than studying theology and becoming a priest.

He enjoys the life of adventure and traveling to new places. On her part, Rachael could have been forced to do a desk job because of her health, something that she could have done regretfully, thereby ending up a slave in a career path that on the contrary, should have brought her inner peace and happiness. The boy was allowed to follow his heart, which led him later on to acquire his life experiences that are worthwhile, even more than he could have achieved material treasures.Thus, with the help of vast imagery, symbolism, and paradoxes in The Alchemist , the author shows us the full circle of the story.

The challenges faced by adapting to a new culture can sometimes be too much to bear, but how ready is a person to bear with the challenges that come with it? At the same time, it can be hard to make a dream a reality, but how persistent that can one be to catch up with that dream (Coelho 89)? Both parties, therefore, should equip themselves with the communication gear, which most definitely is the vehicle that will enable one to get to his or her destiny.

The individual will get room to express him/herself, thereby appreciating each other as well as compromising with each other’s feelings where possible, that way the joy of learning will have come into play. Once a dream has been hatched, then the determination and persistence that will be employed in making it a reality is what will determine whether it is going to be the destiny of an individual, and that is what brings in the difference between destiny and fate.

Though not sure of his destiny, he strives to get it no matter the challenges, and his life experiences show that everyone needs to work hard to achieve success, one needs to strive for the good things in life. This simply inspires people to put effort in order to achieve our goals, for one to make his or her dreams become a reality, he or she is not just going to sit there and wait for dreams to fall into place, one needs to risk the good things in life in order to achieve better ones (Coelho 100).

As is clear from the essay on The Alchemist, Coelho simply intends to bring to our attention that if one dreams and wishes for something then one should be persistent about it and be patient for long enough, one might lose an opportunity by getting tired at the last minute and give up so quickly, and see the fruits after somebody else has achieved the fruits of our long-suffering. Just like Santiago, one’s wishes can come in both material objects and life experiences, as for the case of Santiago, his journey to the Pyramids in Egypt, is his treasure.

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. New York. Harpertorch. 1993. pp. 1 – 163.

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The Alchemist Literary Analysis Essay

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the alchemist literary analysis essay

The Alchemist

Paulo coelho, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The Pursuit of Your Personal Legend Theme Icon

The Alchemist Analysis Essay

Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, defines a personal legend as “… what you have always wanted to accomplish.” He elaborates, stating, “Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible.”

He continues to explain that the desire to accomplish this personal legend decreases, as people begin to oppose the person’s inclination to succeed. Santiago, the main protagonist, is led through many emotional and physical trials to fulfill his personal legend. Through these physical, mental, and emotional challenges, Santiago proves his adaptability towards unexpected circumstances.

As the story begins, Santiago is introduced as a shepherd from Andalusia, who begins to experience a recurring dream while leading his sheep through the southern towns of Spain: to travel to the Egyptian Pyramids, where he will find a hidden treasure. His adaptability is first defined as he travels to Tarifa., when he meets a woman that reads dreams: requesting one tenth of the treasure he finds in Egypt, a king speaking of the soul of the universe and personal legends: demanding one tenth of Santiago’s flock, and a crystal merchant: whom Santiago teaches to sell tea in his crystal glasses, earning Santiago enough pay to travel to the Pyramids.

The dream interpreter tells Santiago to go to the Pyramids, and the king Melchizedek tells him why – it is his Personal Legend, his destiny, if he lets the universe and its signs guide him. The crystal merchant, however, teaches Santiago to be wary of his trust towards strangers, and gives him the insight and courage to begin his travels towards Egypt. Santiago is forced to adapt to these situations, proving his adaptability, as he is placed in a new environment and surrounded by people who may or may not be looking out for his best interest.

Waiting for the caravan to Al-Fayoum, Santiago meets an Englishman in search of the Alchemist. The Englishman tells Santiago what he’s read: there is an individual language that every living thing speaks, although it is spoken without words, a language of action propelled by emotion: the same lesson Santiago learned from his sheep, and his experiences in Tarifa. Although Santiago does not understand who the Alchemist is, he does understand desire, and he understands that the Englishman is expressing it in his knowledge of alchemy and the universe.

At the caravan site, the Englishman begins to explain to Santiago the importance of knowing that nothing is a coincidence. However, Santiago already knows the lessons the Englishman is attempting to teach him.“The boy knew what he was going to describe, though: the mysterious chain that links one thing to another, the same chain that caused him to become a shepherd, that had caused his recurring dream, that had brought him to a city near Africa, to find a king, and to be robbed in order to meet a crystal merchant.”

The caravan trip shows Santiago more of the universal language. Each person following the caravan is headed towards the same compass point, the same destination, joined by hunger, fear, and yearning: be it for travel, for refuge, or for those they love and miss. If Santiago was not able to adapt to the harsh conditions in the desert, of the caravan trip itself, he would not have reached Al-Fayoum: he would not have reached his treasure. Reaching Al-Fayoum, Santiago meets a woman named Fatima, as well as the Alchemist. His first encounter with the Alchemist shows him that he has been correct to follow the path of his Personal Legend.

Although the information taught to him over his travels is confusing to Santiago, he believes it, and changes his thinking understand more of the world. With his understanding of the universal language, of the signs and signals, Santiago evades death. The Alchemist begins meeting with Santiago, teaching him more about the Soul of the World, saying, “The wise men understood that this natural world is only an image and a copy of paradise. The existence of this world is simply a guarantee that there exists a world that is perfect. God created the world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of his wisdom.”

Santiago uses his knowledge to accomplish many feats of physical and mental exertion: leading himself to the Egyptian Pyramids. Upon reaching his long strived-for goal, he discovers another sign, another path, pushing him towards the true destination of his treasure. He fights through each conflict, his passion to accomplish his Personal Legend stronger than his fear of failing. If Santiago hadn’t had an adaptable attitude towards each new situation, he would not have followed the right path to his treasure. His adaptability is the reigning factor in Santiago’s journey, leading him through each stressful and confusing new encounter.

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  1. Analysis of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist

    Analysis of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on October 8, 2022. The most popular novel of the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho (1947- ), The Alchemist combines philosophical ideas and words of wisdom about ambition, perseverance, and success. Since its publication in 1988, the novel has has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, won 115 international prizes and awards, has ...

  2. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Literature Analysis Essay

    The Alchemist tells the boy that such decision will lead to the unhappiness of both Santiago and Fatima as he will regret refusing from a dream, and Fatima will feel the guilt for forcing him to do it. In such way, Coelho teaches the reader that refusing from a dream for the sake of love is the severely wrongful act.

  3. The Alchemist Study Guide

    The basic story line of The Alchemist is not of Coelho's invention, and has its roots in much older literature. A parable of two dreamers who both dream of the other's treasure appears in a traditional Jewish story. 13th century Persian poet and scholar Rumi also created a story featuring two dreamers titled "In Baghdad, Dreaming of Cairo: In Cairo, Dreaming of Baghdad."

  4. The Alchemist Part One Summary & Analysis

    Summary. Analysis. Santiago is a young shepherd boy in the Andalusian region of Spain. At dusk one day, he arrives at an abandoned church. The roof has caved in, and a sycamore tree grows up through the open space. Santiago spends the night in the church with his flock of sheep.

  5. The Alchemist Analysis

    The Alchemist Analysis. Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is an example of magical realism, a genre of literature that weaves fantastical elements into otherwise realistic stories. Santiago's journey ...

  6. The Alchemist Themes

    The most prominent theme in The Alchemist is the idea that each person has a "Personal Legend"—a type of ideal fate or destiny—and that each person can chose whether or not to pursue that legend. At the beginning of the novel, the protagonist Santiago is launched on a quest for his treasure—his Personal Legend—through his encounter ...

  7. Themes in The Alchemist with Examples and Analysis

    Theme #1. Dreams and Aspirations. Dreams and materializing them is one of the major themes of The Alchemist. The story starts with Santiago having a dream to pursue and find his destiny. He dreams about finding a treasure at the foot of the pyramids in Egypt while living in Andalusian town as a shepherd. He is rather amazed at this strange ...

  8. The Alchemist Literature Guide

    Discover the Overview of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho with bartleby's free Literature Guides. Our cover-to-cover analysis of many popular classic and contemporary titles examines critical components of your text including: notes on authors, background, themes, quotes, characters, and discussion questions to help you study.

  9. Analysis of "The Alchemist" Through the Moral ...

    This essay provides an insightful and comprehensive analysis of Paulo Coelho's novel "The Alchemist" through a moral-philosophical lens. The writer effectively explores key themes such as interconnectedness, faith, living in the present, pursuing dreams, and true love, showcasing a deep understanding of the novel's philosophical teachings.

  10. A Metaphor for Life: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Essay (Book Review)

    The book The Alchemist can be described as a metaphor for life. It is funny how dreams can mold a person's life. It is a paradox such that people consider other lifestyles as better than theirs, thereby striving to get that life that belongs to different cultures, through that lives are transformed. The essay on The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ...

  11. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Plot Summary

    The Alchemist Summary. In the Prologue, the alchemist reads a story about Narcissus —a youth so fascinated by his own beautiful reflection that he falls into a lake and drowns. In this version of the story, the goddess of the forest encounters the lake in which Narcissus drowned. The lake is weeping, and the goddess assumes that the lake ...

  12. 6.08 The Alchemist Literary Analysis Essay

    Literary Analysis of 'The Alchemist' 6.08 literary analysis essay the alchemist young shepherd named santiago travels from spain to egypt in search of his. ... 6.08 The Alchemist Literary Analysis Essay. Literary Analysis of 'The Alchemist' School California Virtual Academy @ San Diego - Simi Valley-CA. Degree Standard. Grade Freshman. Course.

  13. The Alchemist Writing A Literary Analysis Thesis Statement

    Writing A Literary Analysis Essay. Step 1: Parts of the Thesis Statement. The thesis statement is the MOST important sentence of your entire essay! It serves as the blueprint, or road map, for your essay, so it is crucial that your thesis statement is clear and logical before beginning the body of the essay.

  14. The Alchemist Literary Analysis Essay

    The Alchemist Literary Analysis Essay - EXTRA CREDIT Directions: Choose the theme from The Alchemist that is most evident or powerful. You will include quotes from the story as your concrete detail and comment on how those details support your thesis. Choose ONE (1) of the BOLDED themes: The theme of one's own Personal Legend recurs many ...

  15. The Alchemist Analysis

    This term can also refer to types of literature such as mystery, science fiction, comedy, or romance. The Alchemist is a comedy. This term refers to the pattern of events. Generally plots should ...

  16. The Alchemist Part Two Summary & Analysis

    Fatima says that he does not need to explain his love for her, because no reason is needed for love. Santiago explains that he had a dream, met a king, worked for a crystal merchant, crossed the desert, and sought an alchemist at a well—and all these things led him to meet Fatima. The two embrace for the first time.

  17. Literary Analysis Essay The Alchemist First Draft Checklist ...

    The Alchemist Literary Analysis Essay First Draft Checklist Assignment. Part I. Instructions: Use this checklist to make sure you have followed the assignment expectations for your first draft that you will take to the writing tutor. Your essay needs to be a minimum of four full pages and a maximum of five full pages (double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font).

  18. The Alchemist Analysis Essay

    The Alchemist Analysis Essay. Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, defines a personal legend as "… what you have always wanted to accomplish.". He elaborates, stating, "Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible.".