The Alchemist

“The Alchemist” Formal Paragraph In the story The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, the author uses the theme, “individuals should always follow their dreams,” to teach the reader lessons about life. When Santiago is with the crystal merchant, the crystal merchant reveals his unfulfilled dream to go on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca. People of different classes and cultures all traveled to Mecca to fulfill their dreams. “All who went there were happy at having done so.”(55) All these people followed their dreams which led to happiness. They didn’t let anything, like being poor, stop them. If they allowed something to stop them, they could have ended up like the crystal merchant who has not accomplished his dream, and doesn’t have anything to look back on and be happy about. Santiago followed his dream and became truly happy with his life. When individuals follow their dreams, finally fulfilling it isn’t the only important part; the journey along the way can be just as valuable. While Santiago searched for his treasure, he learned many lessons of significance.
“’When I have been truly searching for my treasure, I’ve discovered things along the way that I never would have seen had I not had the courage to try things that seemed impossible for a shepherd to achieve.’”(130) People should always follow their dreams because, like Santiago, they will learn and discover things that they otherwise never would have. The journey can teach valuable lessons like working hard and not giving up will lead to success. These lessons of life and also becoming truly happy would never happen if people didn’t follow their dreams, therefor it is important to always do