Allegory In The Alchemist
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a story focused heavily on allegory and meaning. It tells the tale of Santiago, a shepherd, following the omens of the world to reach his own Personal Legend. A theme of The Alchemist is the whole word is working with people to achieve their Personal Legends.
As a shepherd, sheep were and are a large part of Santiago’s life. They represent Santiago before his journey begins and are an important point of his progression. For example, “He owned a jacket, a book that he could trade for another, and a flock of sheep. But, most important, he was able every day to live out his dream. If he were to tire of the Andalusian fields, he could sell his sheep and go to sea. By the time he had had enough of the sea, he would
already have known other cities, other women, and other chances to be happy.” The sheep, despite being described as wanting nothing more than food and water, are not portrayed negatively. Even after selling the sheep, he still learns from them and refers to them fondly. His sheep are another source of connection. They also speak the language of the world and help shape Santiago’s view of the world. As an example, “He had noticed that, as soon as he awoke, most of his animals also began to stir. It was as if some mysterious energy bound his life to that of the sheep, with whom he had spent the past two years, leading them through the countryside in search of food and water. "They are so used to me that they know my schedule," he muttered. Thinking about that for a moment, he realized that it could be the other way around: that it was he who had become accustomed to their schedule.”
The desert is one of Santiago’s greatest challenges, and it is symbolized in the text. It represents the difficulties one must overcome to reach their own Personal Legend.
For instance, “The Englishman asked if they were in danger. "Once you get into the desert, there's no going back," said the camel driver. "And, when you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward. The rest is up to Allah, including the danger."” Santiago understands that the desert is not to be fear, but respected, if dealt with caution. He acknowledges the importance of it and its power. To illustrate, “The boy understood intuitively what he meant, even without ever having set foot in the desert before. Whenever he saw the sea, or a fire, he fell silent, impressed by their elemental force. I've learned things from the sheep, and I've learned things from crystal, he thought. I can learn something from the desert, too. It seems old and wise.”
The desert may be hindering him in the short-term, but long-term it is critical to his goal as well as a part of the Soul of the World.
In conclusion, the symbols in the alchemist help to build the importance of one’s Personal Journey and the Soul of the World. No one element in the story builds the theme of connection and faith alone. They work together to form a cohesive allegory about how everything and everyone contributes to one’s own journey to their Personal Legend.
As a shepherd, sheep were and are a large part of Santiago’s life. They represent Santiago before his journey begins and are an important point of his progression. For example, “He owned a jacket, a book that he could trade for another, and a flock of sheep. But, most important, he was able every day to live out his dream. If he were to tire of the Andalusian fields, he could sell his sheep and go to sea. By the time he had had enough of the sea, he would
already have known other cities, other women, and other chances to be happy.” The sheep, despite being described as wanting nothing more than food and water, are not portrayed negatively. Even after selling the sheep, he still learns from them and refers to them fondly. His sheep are another source of connection. They also speak the language of the world and help shape Santiago’s view of the world. As an example, “He had noticed that, as soon as he awoke, most of his animals also began to stir. It was as if some mysterious energy bound his life to that of the sheep, with whom he had spent the past two years, leading them through the countryside in search of food and water. "They are so used to me that they know my schedule," he muttered. Thinking about that for a moment, he realized that it could be the other way around: that it was he who had become accustomed to their schedule.”
The desert is one of Santiago’s greatest challenges, and it is symbolized in the text. It represents the difficulties one must overcome to reach their own Personal Legend.
For instance, “The Englishman asked if they were in danger. "Once you get into the desert, there's no going back," said the camel driver. "And, when you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward. The rest is up to Allah, including the danger."” Santiago understands that the desert is not to be fear, but respected, if dealt with caution. He acknowledges the importance of it and its power. To illustrate, “The boy understood intuitively what he meant, even without ever having set foot in the desert before. Whenever he saw the sea, or a fire, he fell silent, impressed by their elemental force. I've learned things from the sheep, and I've learned things from crystal, he thought. I can learn something from the desert, too. It seems old and wise.”
The desert may be hindering him in the short-term, but long-term it is critical to his goal as well as a part of the Soul of the World.
In conclusion, the symbols in the alchemist help to build the importance of one’s Personal Journey and the Soul of the World. No one element in the story builds the theme of connection and faith alone. They work together to form a cohesive allegory about how everything and everyone contributes to one’s own journey to their Personal Legend.