The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho
ISBN # 0-06-250217-4 Presentation by Allyson Karaba

Characters
Santiago a Shepard in search of his destiny. Santiagos passion and ambition inspires him to see the world and follow his personal legend of discovering a treasure in Egypt. He gains wisdom throughout his travels and this wisdom allows him to understand the mysteries of the world. King Melchizedek an old wise man who inspires Santiago to sell his sheep and pursue the treasure. Throughout the story he is a symbol of truth and his wisdom surprises and shocks people. The Alchemist understands the language of the world and helps Santiago understand that all people are connected to the soul of the universe. He serves as a guide to Santiago. He has the ability to turn lead into gold.

The Alchemist: Theme

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

This book has a central theme that if you do not follow your dreams then you will be wasting your life afraid of taking a chance, when you could be encountering an emotional, spiritual, and life changing experience.

Explication
Lead will play its role until the world has no further need for lead; and then lead will have to turn itself into gold This passage symbolizes a persons journey toward their future. The books theme is revealed in this passage: the world has no use for a person who does not follow their dreams, so in order to turn into gold (be the person they were meant to be), they must find their purpose and live their dreams.

Discussion Questions
A recurring theme throughout The Alchemist is the occurrence of fatalism (The belief that "what will be will be) in everyday life. What are your thoughts on fatalism? In any way do you agree with this quote from the book To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation, the old man tells him. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires

in helping you to achieve it."

Are omens really out there and are they important? What are omens? Are they just illusions that we see to justify something we feel or want to do, or are they something more?

The Alchemist

I believe this is a valuable choice read because it inspires and influences people to follow their dreams. This book explores the pilgrimage that life should be (M. Scott Peck). Understanding that the world will help a person toward their destiny if they trust in their dreams is the main theme in this book and is illustrated with symbolism and imagery.