Essay On The Alchemist
Independent Novel Book Report: The Alchemist
An alchemist, by definition, is one who practices the chemical science of transmuting base metals into gold. In “The Alchemist,” there is an alchemist who assists the main character, Santiago, in pursuing his Personal Legend and finding his treasure in life. The title of the book is referring to Santiago as an alchemist, not because he turns lead into gold, but because he turns his ordinary life into “gold.” In Part One of the book, Santiago, a shepherd, meets Melchizedek, the King of Salem. He tells Santiago that everyone has a Personal Legend, or a destiny in life and that by reaching one’s personal legend, the purity of the world is enhanced. According to Melchizedek, the Soul of the World is happy when the people living in the world are happy. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” (Paulo Coelho 40). He gives Santiago two stones, Urim and Thummin, that help him make tough decisions. Throughout the novel, the magical stones give Santiago hope and keep him focused on his goal of finding his treasure. Even though Melchizedek appears briefly in the book, he is an influential character. He motivates Santiago to pursue his …show more content…
The alchemist helps him in the final part of his journey. He teaches Santiago how to communicate with the world and not give into fear. On their journey, they were taken to a military camp where they were classified as spies. For the two of them to stay alive, Santiago had to give up his life savings to the Arab men. They granted Santiago and the alchemist 3 days to turn themselves into wind or they would be killed. Having no idea how to turn himself into wind, Santiago was frightened. The alchemist said to him, "Don't give into your fears... If you do, you won't be able to hear your heart" (141). Overall, the alchemist served as a wise mentor on Santiago’s
An alchemist, by definition, is one who practices the chemical science of transmuting base metals into gold. In “The Alchemist,” there is an alchemist who assists the main character, Santiago, in pursuing his Personal Legend and finding his treasure in life. The title of the book is referring to Santiago as an alchemist, not because he turns lead into gold, but because he turns his ordinary life into “gold.” In Part One of the book, Santiago, a shepherd, meets Melchizedek, the King of Salem. He tells Santiago that everyone has a Personal Legend, or a destiny in life and that by reaching one’s personal legend, the purity of the world is enhanced. According to Melchizedek, the Soul of the World is happy when the people living in the world are happy. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” (Paulo Coelho 40). He gives Santiago two stones, Urim and Thummin, that help him make tough decisions. Throughout the novel, the magical stones give Santiago hope and keep him focused on his goal of finding his treasure. Even though Melchizedek appears briefly in the book, he is an influential character. He motivates Santiago to pursue his …show more content…
The alchemist helps him in the final part of his journey. He teaches Santiago how to communicate with the world and not give into fear. On their journey, they were taken to a military camp where they were classified as spies. For the two of them to stay alive, Santiago had to give up his life savings to the Arab men. They granted Santiago and the alchemist 3 days to turn themselves into wind or they would be killed. Having no idea how to turn himself into wind, Santiago was frightened. The alchemist said to him, "Don't give into your fears... If you do, you won't be able to hear your heart" (141). Overall, the alchemist served as a wise mentor on Santiago’s