A Summary of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist
In Thomas Foster's How to Read Literature like a ProfessorPaulo Coehlo illustrates the all of the true aspects of a quest through the main character, Santiago in his novel, The Alchemist. In Chapter one of Foster's book, he states that Every trip is a Quest (Except when its not). The definition of a journey is completely different of that of a quest. Most books are considered as journeys, but the Alchemist takes it a step further.
According to Foster, every quest has a quester or person who goes on the quest whether he knows it or not. In The Alchemist, Santiago's personal legend, which he finds through the King, leads him to go on the quest. Next, someone usually tells the quester what to do or where to go. After Santiago's departure to the Pyramids, he is thieved of all of his money and is forced to work for an unpopular crystal merchant.
While on the quest, the quester, in this case Santiago, experiences many challenges and trials. Throughout his quest, Santiago experiences all kind of obstacles, such as the theft of his money on his way to Tangier, his capture by the Arabs, etc. Foster also states that once the quester overcomes this adversity and completes the quest, he or she realizes the real reason for going on the journey. That is the most important aspect of the quest. Santiago realizes this when returning from the quest and finds the treasure under the tree that he had been sitting under his whole life. He realizes that the quest not only taught him a lesson, but also gave him the love of his life, Fatima. This realization brings a change upon the character.
Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist greatly portrays the importance of a personal legend by focusing on the value of persistence. Throughout the novel, Santiago encounters numerous obstacles in which his will and persistence is tested. He is continuously discouraged and when faced with difficult struggles, advised that he should give up on his dream and return home. Throughout his
According to Foster, every quest has a quester or person who goes on the quest whether he knows it or not. In The Alchemist, Santiago's personal legend, which he finds through the King, leads him to go on the quest. Next, someone usually tells the quester what to do or where to go. After Santiago's departure to the Pyramids, he is thieved of all of his money and is forced to work for an unpopular crystal merchant.
While on the quest, the quester, in this case Santiago, experiences many challenges and trials. Throughout his quest, Santiago experiences all kind of obstacles, such as the theft of his money on his way to Tangier, his capture by the Arabs, etc. Foster also states that once the quester overcomes this adversity and completes the quest, he or she realizes the real reason for going on the journey. That is the most important aspect of the quest. Santiago realizes this when returning from the quest and finds the treasure under the tree that he had been sitting under his whole life. He realizes that the quest not only taught him a lesson, but also gave him the love of his life, Fatima. This realization brings a change upon the character.
Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist greatly portrays the importance of a personal legend by focusing on the value of persistence. Throughout the novel, Santiago encounters numerous obstacles in which his will and persistence is tested. He is continuously discouraged and when faced with difficult struggles, advised that he should give up on his dream and return home. Throughout his