Character Analysis Of Santiago In Into The Wild, By Jon Krakauer

In this book, the main character's name was Santiago. As a young boy, his father had dreams for him, but Santiago had different ambitions for himself. Instead of becoming a priest, the boy told his father that he wanted to travel the world and become a shepherd. Sometimes, people have to stand up to their parents and tell them what they want to do with their life. Parents can help guide one’s life, but they cannot control his/her life. Likewise, in the book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Chris McCandless decides to ignore his father’s dreams for him and follow his own dreams. (105 words).
I thought it was extremely peculiar that Santiago had the same dream exactly one year apart. Not only did he have the same dream, but Santiago woke up at the same moment during both of the dreams. I think the author might be using the literary device of foreshadowing. Perhaps, there actually is a treasure hidden at the Egyptian pyramids, and the boy has to travel to find it. (69 words).
Throughout life, people will have to make decisions everyday whether it is important or inessential. In this book, Santiago is deciding whether he should follow his “Personal Legend” (what one has always wanted to accomplish), or
if he should continue to work as a simple shepherd. Likewise, in the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, a traveler comes to a fork in the road while meandering through a forest. This clearly symbolizes making a choice. In both pieces, the person has to make a crucial decision that will significantly change their life. (94 words)
Even though the thief stole most of Santiago’s belongings including his money, Santiago was not read to give up. He was extremely determined to find the treasure hidden at the Egyptian pyramids. Likewise, in the book Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, the main character Jim Hawkins is determined to reach treasure island and find the treasure. In both novels, the main characters have the will to finish something they have started. (72 words).
Many people in life often fear the unknown. In numerous occasions, people decide to run away from the unknown situation, and they sometimes lose out on life-changing opportunities. For instance, a person might not want to follow his/her dream because they do not want to leave their comfort zone and deal with the consequences if he/she fails. Similarly, in this book, Santiago is deciding whether he should face his fear of the unknown, or if he return to something he understands. (83 words)
Throughout the first part of the book, I have noticed that the author changes perspectives of the story. The main character Santiago is the primary narrator of the story. However, in this particular quote, the Englishman is the narrator. Changing perspectives helps gives the reader different outlooks on a event or person. On the other hand, switching perspectives might confuse the reader. The book Allegiant by Veronica Roth also changes perspectives between the two main characters, Tris and Tobias. (79 words)
We are often lost in thoughts of remembered past or an anticipated future.
Weather remembering/regretting what has happened, or planning/worrying about what might happen, the past and future steal away our attention from the present. We become mentally absent forgetting to experience what is happening right here and right now. I believe that this is related to the theme in this novel which is that people should live in the present. Life unfolds in the present. The present is where decisions are made and emotions are felt. People should give it the attention it deserves. The great philosopher Buddha once stated, “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn the past, worry about the future, but live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” (131
words).
Throughout the book so far, the author frequently repeats omens. Santiago believes that God placed these omens to help him along his path to the treasure. For example, one omen in this book is when Urim and Thummim drop out of Santiago’s bag. This helped Santiago know that King Melchizedek (supporter) was nearby, and that Santiago should not give up on his Personal Legend. Omens can also be connected to the theme of this book. One of the major themes in this book is that all people should follow their Personal Legend. Omens are the items that help one reach his/her Personal Legend. (104 words).
If Santiago was wrong about his vision that an army was coming to take over the oasis, Santiago would be killed the next day. This irrefutably shows the harshness of the tribal chieftain's rules. I do not think that this particular tribal chieftain rule is acceptable. Santiago had the courage to stand up to the tribal chieftain, and if he was wrong about what he saw in his vision, he would be killed and his whole Personal Legend would be forgotten. (81 words).
Throughout the book, Santiago changed immensely. In the beginning of the book, Santiago was very timid. For example, he was reluctant to follow his Personal Legend in the beginning of the book. Multiple people had to try to convince him to follow his Personal Legend. On the other hand, by the middle of the book, Santiago was extremely courageous. For instance, Santiago did not decide to run when the horseman put a sword to his chest. Santiago stood there courageously and reasoned with the horseman. I believe that the old Santiago would flee the situation. (95 words).
I think that this quote is a metaphor for life. In this quote, night is representing a poor situation and dawn represents hope. This quote means when people are at their lowest point, they should hold on to hope because life will only be better from that day on. For example, when Santiago was robbed in the beginning of the book, his life only was better from that day on. For instance, Santiago met his true love Fatima, and he made enough money to continue on his journey to the treasure. (91 words).
I think that this quote can be a metaphor for each person in the entire world. People do not have to try to be somebody they are not to impress or satisfy someone else. In addition, people should take off their “mask” and just be themselves around everyone including friends and family. u don’t have to be somebody you're not. In this book, the author uses many variations of figurative language including metaphors. Another example of a metaphor in this book is that “the darkest hour of the night came just before dawn.” The quote means that when people are at their lowest point, they should have hope because life just only can be better from that day on. (119 words).
During his arduous journey, Santiago was robbed not once but twice. I think that this quote can be another example of foreshadowing. For example, in the quote, “everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.” The alchemist believes that Santiago is going to be robbed once more. This is why he is giving Santiago some gold for the rest of his journey. Throughout the book, the author incorporates many literary devices including foreshadowing. (75 words).