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A Reflection on The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Categories: Book Review The Alchemist

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Published: Jan 12, 2022

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Works Cited

Coelho, P. (1988). The Alchemist. HarperOne.
Coelho, P. (1997). Interview with Paulo Coelho. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/1997/12/coelho/
Dorji, S. (2017). An overview of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 7(10), 632-634.
Galván, J. (2013). Revisiting The Alchemist: A pilgrimage in search of inspiration. Literacy Information and Computer Education Journal, 4(1), 241-244.
Lao, J. (2019). The Alchemist’s impact on life and leadership. The Business and Management Review, 10(4), 26-32.
Latham, J. R. (2018). The archetypal hero's journey in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. Humanities Bulletin, 1(1), 1-9.
Murthy, K. S. R. (2010). Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist: A metaphysical perspective. Indian Journal of Applied Research, 3(4), 24-25.
Panksepp, J. (2004). Affective neuroscience and The Alchemist: The centrality of emotional feeling to human nature. Neuro-Psychoanalysis, 6(2), 163-166.
Perricone, R. (2011). The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Oprah's Book Club. Retrieved from https://www.oprah.com/book/the-alchemist-by-paulo-coelho
Wan, Y. (2016). The spiritual journey in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 5(6), 94-101.

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Home › Literature › Analysis of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

Analysis of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on October 8, 2022

The most popular novel of the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho (1947– ), The Alchemist combines philosophical ideas and words of wisdom about ambition, perseverance, and success. Since its publication in 1988, the novel has has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, won 115 international prizes and awards, has been translated into 80 languages, and is still on the New York Times bestseller list today.

The Alchemist narrates the story of a shepherd boy called Santiago who travels with his flock, looking for the best pastures for his sheep in the Andalusian countryside. The conflict arises early in the novel’s plot when Santiago chooses to seek an interpretation of a recent dream and is advised to travel to the pyramids in Egypt and look for a hidden treasure. The novel narrates the mystical experiences of Santiago as he travels from Spain, through the Egyptian desert and on to the great pyramids, seeking the fulfillment of his dream.

Coelho’s novel is almost mythical in structure, with a linear plot and single story line recounted in simple language. The tightly written narrative is not embellished by elaborate characterization, explanations, or historical details, and any detail irrelevant to the main plot is conspicuously absent. The entire emphasis of the novel remains on eternally valid truths, which Coelho attempts to convey through the story. The symbolic elements in the narrative, the universal quality of the protagonist’s experiences, and the message the novel suggests to the reader account for much of T he Alchemist ’s popularity.

The Alchemist underlines an idea or wish that human beings strongly want to believe: If one sincerely desires something, the whole universe conspires to fulfill that dream. Coelho conveys, through the novel, that this sentiment is a lie and that at some point in life people lose the ability to control their lives and become the playthings of fate. He suggests that by listening to one’s heart and by heeding omens and signs, one can control destiny. The strong undercurrent of optimism, which runs through the narrative, is the novel’s greatest charm.

It is notable that in the tale Santiago’s chance encounters with people bring him closer to his aim and motivate him to continue his quest despite his complacence at times. His meeting with the Gypsy fortune- teller in the beginning is followed immediately by a meeting with the old king of Salem, Melchizedek, who is aware of Santiago’s past and future and urges the boy to pursue his vision. An unfortunate experience with a thief in Tangier disheartens the searcher for a time, but his memories of the words of the king guide him to the right course of action. The crystal merchant for whom Santiago works for almost a year prefers to dream of going on a pilgrimage instead of embarking on a journey to Mecca in real life. The crystal merchant’s fear of failure shakes Santiago into resolving to follow his dream.

Santiago later meets an Englishman who harbors the hope of meeting the mysterious alchemist, an Arab who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis and possesses exceptional powers. Santiago joins the caravan with the En glishman to travel to Egypt, and it is during this journey that the shepherd boy comes to know about the soul of the world, the language of the heart, and the intricacies of the science of alchemy. The shepherd boy’s budding love for an Arabian girl, Fatima, whom he meets during his voyage through the desert, tempts him into giving up his quest for the treasure, but aptly enough Fatima plays the role of a soul mate and coaxes Santiago to continue his difficult expedition. Toward the end of the novel, Santiago’s meeting with the alchemist in the desert helps the young seeker to discover his inner strengths and brings him closer to realizing his destiny.

Omens, signs, dreams, and visions pervade the narrative and act like refrains in this song of the desert. It is only by taking note of these subtle revelations of his subconscious mind that Santiago rises to the alchemist’s expectations and bravely faces all the trials that await him. In The Alchemist, Coelho suggests through Santiago’s tale that it is only by finding and following one’s “personal myth” that one can hope to achieve success, contentment, and happiness. Those who do not have the courage to pursue their deepest desires end up living an empty and doomed life plagued by dissatisfaction and frustration.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Arias, Juan. Paulo Coelho: The Confessions of a Pilgrim. London: HarperCollins, 1999. Coelho, Paulo. Like the Flowing River: Thoughts and Reflections. London: HarperCollins, 2006.

The Alchemist

Paulo coelho, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

In the Prologue, the alchemist reads a story about Narcissus —a youth so fascinated by his own beautiful reflection that he falls into a lake and drowns. In this version of the story, the goddess of the forest encounters the lake in which Narcissus drowned. The lake is weeping, and the goddess assumes that the lake misses Narcissus’s beauty. However, the lake reveals that, actually, it’s weeping because it misses being able to admire its own beautiful reflection in Narcissus’s eyes. “What a lovely story,” the alchemist thinks.

In Part One of the novel, Santiago passes the night with his flock of sheep in an abandoned church . That night, he has a recurring dream. When he wakes, he looks forward to the village he will reach in four days where, the year before, he met a girl, the daughter of a merchant . Meeting her made him wish, for the first time in his life, that he could remain in one place. Santiago loves to travel, and became a shepherd, rather than a priest as his family had wanted, because his father told him that, among poor folk, only shepherds had the opportunity to travel.

A few days before reaching the merchant’s daughter’s village, Santiago encounters a fortune-teller , whom he hopes will be able to interpret his recurring dream. In the dream, a child transports Santiago to the Pyramids of Egypt and promises he will find hidden treasure there, but Santiago always wakes up just as the child is about to reveal it. After making Santiago promise to give her one-tenth of the treasure as payment, the fortuneteller interprets the dream to mean that if Santiago journeys to the pyramids, he’ll find hidden treasure.

Annoyed that he could have come to this interpretation on his own, Santiago leaves, and soon sits down in the plaza to read his book. An old man sits down next to him and says that it’s an important book, but that it contains the world’s greatest lie: that we do not control what happens to us. The old man introduces himself as Melchizedek , the King of Salem, and adds that if Santiago gives him one-tenth of this sheep, he will tell Santiago how to find his treasure. Santiago wonders if the old man and the fortune-teller are working together to rob him, but gives up his suspicions when Melchizedek demonstrates knowledge of things about Santiago’s life he couldn’t possibly know. Melchizedek explains that Santiago has discovered his Personal Legend – the thing a person has always wanted to accomplish. Each person knows what it is when he is young, but loses track of it as he ages. Melchizedek says that he appears to people in moments when they are about to give up on their Personal Legends.

The next day, Santiago meets Melchizedek and gives him six sheep. He sells his other sheep to a friend who dreamed of becoming a shepherd. Melchizedek says that to find his treasure, Santiago will have to follow the omens God reveals to him. Melchizedek gives Santiago two stones, called Urim and Thummin , which can be used for fortune telling. But he cautions Santiago also to rely on his own decisions.

Santiago arrives in Morocco, but quickly gets robbed and winds up sleeping in a marketplace. Eventually, Santiago wanders into a crystal shop and asks the crystal merchant for a job in exchange for something to eat. After Santiago cleans crystal all day, the merchant gives him dinner. Santiago is crushed when he learns that he would have to work for years to earn enough money to travel to the Pyramids, but he decides to work for the merchant in order to earn money to buy some sheep.

As Part Two of the novel opens, Santiago is working for the crystal merchant. He wants to build a display case to draw more attention to the store, but the merchant resists. The merchant doesn’t like change, and explains that he has always been an observant Muslim, but has never made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Though he could now, finally, afford the trip, he still puts it off because he fears not having something to look forward to in his future. He doesn’t want to realize his dream; he just wants to dream. But he does give Santiago permission to build the display case.

Business at the shop increases. Santiago is pleased that he is working toward his goal of acquiring an even larger flock of sheep. He has also earned to recognize omens: when he sees a man out of breath after climbing the hill to the shop, he realizes they should sell tea in the crystal they are selling. The merchant knows that this will change the nature of the business, but he feels he cannot resist the inevitable, or as he says “maktub,” meaning “it is written.” He sees Santiago’s appearance in his life as both a blessing and a curse. Santiago saved his business, but also showed him what his business was capable of, meaning he can never again be content with the simple business he had.

Soon Santiago has enough money to buy a large herd of sheep, but before doing so he happens upon Urim and Thummin in his old shepherd’s bag and decides instead to pursue his treasure. He suddenly feels tremendously happy, and finds a caravan crossing the desert. As he waits for the caravan to leave, Santiago meets an Englishman who tells him that there is a universal language understood by everybody. He says he is in search of that language, and hopes to find an alchemist in the desert who can teach him more.

As the caravan travels to the desert oasis of Al-Fayoum, Santiago becomes friends with a camel driver who used to be a farmer before his land was flooded. The camel driver says that disaster taught him to understand that many people are afraid of losing what they have, but this fear is no longer relevant when you understand that human lives were written by the same hand that created the world. He also advises Santiago that if you can concentrate on the present, you'll be happy. Meanwhile, the Englishman tells Santiago of a common principle that connects all things – the Soul of the World – and lends Santiago some books about the Master Work of alchemy: an Emerald Tablet, on which was written the secret to creating the Philosopher’s Stone, which could turn lead into gold, and the Elixir of Life, which granted mortality.

The caravan arrives safely at the oasis, which is the size of a large city. The oasis is neutral in the constant wars of the surrounding tribes, and no one can carry weapons there. Santiago helps the Englishman search for the alchemist, but with little luck. At one point, Santiago approaches a young woman to ask about the alchemist and suddenly he feels the Soul of the World. Immediately he realizes that the universal language is love. He meets with the woman, Fatima , day after day, and tells her of his quest for his treasure and how it has brought him to her. Eventually, Fatima tells Santiago that she has learned about omens from his stories, and that because of this learning she wants Santiago to continue toward his goal and pursue his dream. Fatima says "maktub," and tells Santiago that if they are really meant to be together, then he'll return to her one day.

One day as he walks in the desert, Santiago sees a hawk attack another and has a vision of an army attacking the oasis. Santiago goes to the tribal chieftains of the oasis to warn them. The chieftains respond that the next day the men of the oasis will break the agreement of the oasis and carry arms — if Santiago’s warning proves true he will be rewarded; but if it does not, he will lose his life.

Santiago leaves the chieftains’ tent upset, when suddenly a strange man on horseback confronts him. Santiago embraces the possibility of his own death and is not afraid. The stranger then reveals this was a test of Santiago's courage, which is essential when one wants to understand the Language of the World. Santiago has met the alchemist.

The next day, Santiago’s prophecy is fulfilled and the oasis is attacked, but the inhabitants of the oasis are ready to defend themselves. Santiago receives his reward: fifty pieces of gold. Soon after, the alchemist takes Santiago out into the desert to test whether he can find life in the desert. Santiago allows his horse to lead them, and the find a snake –the alchemist agrees to guide Santiago across the desert. Santiago wants to stay at the oasis because of Fatima, but the alchemist explains that if he stays, he will be haunted by the loss of his opportunity to find his treasure.

As they travel in the desert, the alchemist explains that the Emerald Tablet is a direct link to the Soul of the World. In the early times, everything about the Master Work could be written on the Emerald Tablet. But men rejected simple things. The alchemist directs Santiago back toward this simplicity, and says that Santiago should listen to his heart , because it came from the Soul of the World. Santiago practices listening to his heart, and comes to understand his heart’s changes and contradictions, and that people are afraid to pursue their most important dreams because they know they will suffer if they don’t succeed.

Not long after, Santiago and the alchemist are taken prisoner by one of the warring tribes. Soon they are brought before the enemy chieftain , who thinks that they’re spies. The alchemist responds that Santiago is an alchemist who can turn himself into the wind, and says that if Santiago has not turned himself into the wind in three days time, the chieftain can kill them. The chieftain agrees.

Once they’re alone, Santiago protests that he has no idea how to turn himself into the wind, but the alchemist responds that when a person is living out his Personal Legend, he has all the tools he needs—the only thing that could hold him back is the fear of failure. He adds that if Santiago does not succeed, then at least he’ll die while trying to realize his Personal Legend.

On the first and second days, Santiago is at a loss. On the third day, the enemy chieftain has Santiago go up to a cliff above the enemy camp. Santiago appeals to the desert, the wind, and the sun to help him, but none of them are able. The sun recommends that Santiago speak directly to the “hand that wrote all,” though, and Santiago reaches through the Soul of the World and discovers the Soul of God. He sees the oneness between his own soul and the Soul of God and, because of this oneness, realizes that he has the ability to perform miracles. Santiago turns himself into the wind, creating a terrible windstorm. The tribesmen are terrified, but the alchemist is happy to have found such an ideal student, and the enemy chieftain is pleased to have witnessed the glory of Allah. The next day, Santiago and the alchemist leave the camp with an honor guard.

Eventually they reach a Coptic monastery, where a monk welcomes them inside to rest. While there, the alchemist uses the Philosopher’s Stone to change lead into gold. He gives a quarter of the gold to the monk for his hospitality, a quarter to Santiago to repay him for the amount taken by the enemy chieftain, and quarter for himself. The final quarter he gives to the monk, saying that it is for Santiago if he ever needs it. The alchemist tells Santiago everyone on earth plays an important role, even if he doesn't know it. Then the alchemist bids Santiago farewell.

Santiago rides alone through the desert, listening to his heart, which tells him that he will find his treasure at the place where he is brought to tears. At the top of a dune, Santiago sees the Egyptian pyramids before him. He falls to his knees and cries out in thanks to God for making him follow his Personal Legend. Remembering the words of his heart, Santiago digs in the place he fell to his knees crying.

As he digs, several people approach Santiago. They are desperate refugees from the tribal wars, and they beat Santiago and take the gold given to him by the alchemist. When Santiago tells them he is looking for treasure at that place, the leader of the refugees says he’s being stupid. The leader adds that two years earlier he himself had a recurring dream in which he saw an abandoned church that sheltered shepherds and sheep. The dream told him that if he dug at the roots of the tree growing through the center of the church, he would find a hidden treasure. But he never went in search of the treasure, because it was just a dream. After the refugees have left, Santiago laughs aloud, because now he knows the location of his treasure.

In the Epilogue, Santiago reaches the abandoned church where his story began. He thinks of the strangeness of the path that God has led him on, but is grateful for the people he has met along the way. He soon uncovers a chest of gold and jewels. The wind begins to blow, and it brings with it a familiar scent of perfume. Santiago smiles and says, “I’m coming, Fatima.”

Reflections from The Alchemist

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

As a business blogger, I don’t often read fiction. However, I couldn’t resist picking up Paulo Coelho’s mega-bestseller The Alchemist after hearing so much about it from friends.

In the story, Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago journeyed from Spain to Egypt to realise his dream of unearthing untold treasures. Footloose and fancy free as a young shepherd boy would be, our traveler’s search for meaning was both serendipitous and pre-destined. Infused with metaphysical elements, it traverses both the spiritual and supernatural.

Along the way, Santiago meets characters like Melchizedek the mystical king of Salem, a gypsy fortune teller, a kindly crystal merchant, a scholarly Englishman, a lovely Arab girl named Fatima, and a 200-year-old alchemist. Each played an instrumental role in shaping his knowledge, wisdom and emotions in the pursuit of his personal “holy grail”.

Our hero’s journey takes him from the verdant pastures of Andalusia to the Spanish town of Tarifa and across the Gibraltar Straits to the buzzing African port city of Tangier. This is followed by a long trek across the Sahara Desert to the sprawling oasis of Al-Fayoum and the great pyramids of Egypt.

Besieged by crooks, bandits and warring tribesmen, our protagonist’s adventures (and misadventures) refined his character while distilling the true essence of his heart’s desire.

Part fantasy, part parable and part self-help novel, The Alchemist has its share of fans and foes. Personally, I found the novel richly illustrative of our life’s journey, with themes and memes that resonate deeply with my heart.

Allow me now to share some of these thoughts with you.

Evolving Purpose and Dream

Labelled as his “Personal Legend”, the pursuit of love and meaning by Santiago is one that many of us can identify with. Buffeted by trials, tribulations and temptations, our hero switched course several times during his journey, modifying his mission along the way.

I believe this is similar to many of us. Think back 10 or 20 years ago. What did you set out to do then and where are you now? What circumstances have led you to veer from your path? More importantly, does your original dream still matter?

People Shape Your Path

To achieve his goal, Santiago drew heavily from various folks who contributed towards his eventual success. While some had ignoble intentions and caused him considerable harm, others helped him out of somewhat sticky situations.

I am a consummate believer in the idea that the road one takes in life is heavily molded by the people whom one meets. Our encounters with people – both good and bad – have a strong impact on what we feel, how we think and what we do.

Everything is Pre-Ordained

The Arabic word Maktub meaning “It is written” defines how everything is pre-destined and determined by God. In the novel, this term was repeatedly used as a reminder to Santiago that he shouldn’t resist the natural order of things.

While I’m not one who subscribes to a fatalistic irreversible view of life, I believe that there will be times when we have to surrender to divine forces rather than to struggle against them.

Things happen for a reason and we do have to embrace these encounters even if they appear to be unfavourable. What’s important, however, is to learn from these experiences and move on – just like Santiago did.

Unified Nature of Things

The “Soul of the World” in the novel depicts a universal and spiritual force which defines all things. It shows the inter-connectedness between all things, and describes how the world functions in a Zen-like principle of balance and harmony.

By communing with nature – the sun, wind, sands and animals – Santiago was able to discern more deeply.

In our contemporary context, this universal flow is seen in the various laws of nature and culture. We have to understand the rules that define how we live, what works, and what doesn’t.

Occasionally, it also makes sense for us to spend some quiet time alone with nature and God, diving deep within to search for the true answers to life.

Transformative Experiences

As Santiago ventured from place to place, he was robbed, attacked, loved, mentored, and challenged. Each encounter stretched him mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, transforming him from a wanderlust-driven shepherd boy to a man with a mission (albeit a loosely defined one).

Isn’t this also true with our lives? Every day, we stumble across myriad large and small encounters at work, at home, and at play. Each experience molds the way we think and feel, and changes our original beliefs and intentions.

The Journey IS the Destination

The most significant theme is the notion that one’s “treasure” may eventually be less significant than the process one takes to achieve that goal. In fact, the twist at the end of the book made it clear that what we’re looking for may be closer to home than what we perceive (ie 远在天边，近在眼前 in Chinese).

In life we often spend a huge amount of time planning for the future, dreaming of a lofty goal at the end of the road. While doing so, we woefully neglect the present, especially the people whom we love and who loves us.

Perhaps we should simply pause and savour what we have, relishing each day, hour, and person whom we choose to spend our lives with.

Staring Fear Squarely in the Face

Time and again, Santiago faced numerous obstacles and challenges. Overcoming cheats, robbers, and warring tribesmen was our hero’s order of the day. What’s more, he had to battle internal insecurities and anxieties related to his inadequacies as a shepherd boy.

This universal lesson is one that should be etched into our hearts and minds. The only way to accomplish anything great is to be bold enough to face up to one’s fear.

Quieten the naysayers and the voices of doubt that assail you, and rope in family and friends to embolden your heart for the challenges ahead.

Gaining By Losing

Finally, it was clear that Santiago’s eventual success did not come easily. Losing his sheep, money, gold, and even health, Santiago had to “restart” all over again in strange places with strange people. What’s more, our protagonist had to battle the pain of separation from his loved ones, sometimes with the possibility of never seeing them again.

As the saying goes, the only way to gain something is to lose something. In our lives, there may be times when hard decisions which could result in a loss of career, money, or relationships need to be made.

If we are prepared to lose everything and start afresh, however, we may stumble across wondrous new opportunities that can enrich us immensely, often beyond what money can buy.

Quotable Quotes from The Alchemist

Before I end, let me quote some of the memorable “verses” from The Alchemist for your reading and reflection. Would also be great if you can share your thoughts on this magical book. “This is what we call love. When you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there’s no need at all to understand what’s happening, because everything happens within you.” “We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.” “I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now.” “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Thank you for your post. It was very insightful, and helped me to glean more understanding from what I read. I believe that I am beginning to perceive more from The Alchemist now having read through your thoughts. Happy reading!

Thanks for your support! I love the book and wanted to capture my memories of it more fully, hence the blog post.

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The Alchemist

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1. Santiago’s journey begins with a dream.

What role do dreams and/or omens play in Santiago’s journey? ( topic sentence )
Provide 3 examples from the text in which Santiago mentions or encounters a dream or omen.
In your concluding sentence or sentences, link your examples back to Santiago’s development as a character and the theme of Dreams and Omens.

2. Santiago begins as a shepherd and ultimately returns home as a very different person.

What do sheep symbolize in this novel? ( topic sentence )
Using at least 3 examples from the text, think about what role sheep play in Santiago’s journey.
In your conclusion, connect your argument back to Santiago’s transformation over the course of the novel.

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Symbolism in Philosophical Novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Can you spot any of these common symbols in your novel? What might they symbolize? In The Alchemist, sheep are one of the main symbols throughout the book. Santiago’s sheep symbolize the characters in the novel who are blind to their personal legends. Santiago loves...

Hope and Destiny in Philosophical Book The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a novel which was written by Paulo Coelho and he is from Brazil. It was first published in 1988 in Portugal language. It became bestseller book internationally. Again it was republished in 1993 in English language. His parents want to make him...

Analysis of "The Alchemist" Through the Moral-Philosophical Approach

Literature is a powerful tool that serves as moral guidance and fosters ethics and virtues. For centuries, philosophers have said that the largest function of literature is to teach morality and to reveal important philosophical issues. Roman poet Horace for instance, says that literature should...

Best topics on The Alchemist

1. “The Alchemist”: The Imagery Used In Coelho’s Book

2. Following Dreams: With Special Reference To Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

3. Having A Goal In Life: The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

4. The Theme of Personal Legend in Fiction: A Walk to Remember and The Alchemist

5. The Soncept of a Personal Legend in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

6. Symbolism in Philosophical Novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

7. Hope and Destiny in Philosophical Book The Alchemist

8. Analysis of “The Alchemist” Through the Moral-Philosophical Approach

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Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Books / The Alchemist

The Alchemist Essay Examples

Conflict between love and personal dreamsof in "the alchemist".

The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho is an inspirational story of Santiago, a youthful Spanish shepherd in the rolling hills of Andalusia. The boy has deep attachment with his flock but realizing that they are devoid of aesthetic sense and appreciation for nature which he beholds,...

Following Dreams: with Special Reference to Paulo Coelho’s the Alchemist

Dreams are aspirations which reflect a human’s wants and desires in life. Living one’s dreams add more meaning to life. It helps to achieve the impossible and helps to know that failure is a part of success. Dedication and hard work are the two things...

Reading Reflection on the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a novel written by an anonymous third person omniscient, we know this as the narrator always refers to the characters as she, he or they, “they come in search of new things”. Throughout the novel the narrator focuses mainly on Santiago, but...

Plot Summary of the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This story is based on a young sheepherder named Santiago, who feels very restless having a recurring dream. He has a dream every time he sleeps under a sycamore tree that grows in the ruins of a church. During the dream, a child tells him...

A Theme of Fulfilling One’s Dream in the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

In life some things come and go, whether it be people or even emotions, not everything is permanent. In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the main character Santiago, who is portrayed as a courageous boy sets out from his home country to the Egyptian deserts...

The Twins of Legend in the Alchemist by Michael Scott

The Alchemist is the first part in the fantasy series “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel” written by the Irish author Michael Scott. Scott started off his writing career by dealing rare and antique books across Ireland and has since written over 100 books....

The Role of Desert in the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Torrid heat, cutting wind, freezing cold nights, gritty sand, are all characteristics of the desert and when you experience all of these there is only one thing that comes to mind to describe it, misery. Deserts are amongst one of the most popular settings in...

Personal Legend in the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Originally published in 1988, The Alchemist was written by the world renowned and best-selling author Paulo Coelho. Being an allegorical novel, the author writes a story about a young shepherd from Andalusia who is on a journey to the pyramids in Egypt. His goal is...

A Comparative Examination of Tropes Between the Princess Bride and the Alchemist

The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho, and The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner, both epitomize the function of crossing the threshold and the interference of supernatural intervention in aiding the hero to resiliently continue through their journey in order to have a fulfilled life....

Destiny is Inescapable and Unchangeable: Analysis of the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The world is Spiritual. Most people believe to some extent of an external power or force, whether that be God, a ghost or even destiny. For example, Muslims believe in Allah, Christians believe in Jesus, Jewish people believe in God. If you boil it all...

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About The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho

Quest, adventure, fantasy

The Alchemist is a classic novel in which a boy named Santiago embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having a recurring dream about it and on the way meets mentors, falls in love, and most importantly, learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself.

In the novel, even alchemy, the central symbol of the book, entails coaxing metal to achieve its own Personal Legend to turn into gold. As a result, the idea that all individuals should live in the singular pursuit of their individual dreams emerges as the primary theme of The Alchemist.

Santiago, The Alchemist, Melchizedek, the Crystal Merchant, Fatima.

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A Reflection on The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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Essay Samples on The Alchemist

Following Dreams: With Special Reference To Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

Having A Goal In Life: The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

The Theme of Personal Legend in Fiction: A Walk to Remember and The Alchemist

The Soncept of a Personal Legend in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Symbolism in Philosophical Novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Hope and Destiny in Philosophical Book The Alchemist

Analysis of "The Alchemist" Through the Moral-Philosophical Approach

The Alchemist Essay Examples

Following Dreams: with Special Reference to Paulo Coelho’s the Alchemist

Reading Reflection on the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Plot Summary of the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A Theme of Fulfilling One’s Dream in the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Twins of Legend in the Alchemist by Michael Scott

The Role of Desert in the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Personal Legend in the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A Comparative Examination of Tropes Between the Princess Bride and the Alchemist

Destiny is Inescapable and Unchangeable: Analysis of the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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About The Alchemist