Santiago, a shepherd boy from a small Andalusian town, is the protagonist of The Alchemist. He is determined, headstrong, and curious to learn all he can about the world. As a result, he resisted his parent’s desires that he become a priest and chose instead to work as a shepherd so that he would have the opportunity to travel throughout the country. Despite his natural adventurousness, Santiago remains conservative and self-satisfied in many ways until he dreams of uncovering a treasure hidden near the pyramids in Egypt. Santiago hesitates to pursue his dream until he meets Melchizedek, a mysterious old man who claims to be the king of Salem. After Melchizedek reveals to him the magical powers of nature, Santiago becomes a willing spiritual seeker and sets off to fulfill his Personal Legend, the innate dream each person has of accomplishing their greatest desire. Show As the story progresses and Santiago comes closer to the treasure, he becomes more focused on his growing understanding of the mystical force that imbues everything, called the Soul of the World. The time he spends crossing the desert on his way to the pyramids teaches him to pay attention to the world around him and to see all of creation in his surroundings, even in a single grain of sand. The knowledge he gains from the desert allows him to recognize nature as a single, unified whole. His greatest spiritual advancement, however, comes after he meets the alchemist, who helps him to understand himself and to read the omens in his environment. Santiago ultimately learns to communicate with the wind and the sun and the Hand That Wrote All, a force evidently synonymous with God or Allah. In the book the Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho) Santiago learns many things along the way to achieving his personal legend. He gained skills and experience in things across the board, from how to clean crystals, to the 5 obligations of Muslims, to the basics of alchemy. Santiago learns from the wise, and educated, but also learns the meaning of a true friendship. Overall it is true that reaching one 's personal legend is life 's greatest treasure, but often the journey is just as
valuable. During his journey, Santiago receives knowledge that he treasures and uses on his behalf when he hopes to achieve his personal legend. During his time with the Crystal merchant Santiago learned the five sacred obligations of all Muslims, and he learned that the Pyramids were not nearly as close as he thought when he arrived in Africa. During his time with the Alchemist he learned how to find life in the desert, and how
to…show more content… Santiago’s Teachers Santiago’s journey in the alchemist is represented both literally and metaphorically. As he travels through the African desert, he learns lessons from the influences around him. They include people as well as forces of nature. He garners wisdom in alchemy and philosophy. By the conclusion of his story, when Santiago has fulfilled his Personal Legend, he has consequently transformed his thoughts and way of
life. Arguably, the old man he encounters in the market plaza is his most influential teacher. The old man, also being a king, spurs on his entire journey with his discussion of Personal Legends. When Santiago inquires why the old man is explaining this ideology to him, the old man tells him that "you are trying to realize your destiny. And you are at the point
where you're about to give it all up" (Coelho 13). His character is a catalyst in Santiago’s life and his trip to the place he dreamed of- the Pyramids of Egypt, which also containing his treasure. …show more content… What lessons did Santiago learn from The Alchemist?What he learns first is that people deceive themselves about the world and the way it works. More crucially, Santiago learns that he can continue to be a passive receiver of the events of his life, a victim — or he can embrace his experiences and move forward with purpose, thereby becoming an adventurer.
What does The Alchemist give to Santiago?The alchemist gives gold to the monk, to Santiago, and keeps some himself.
What impact did The Alchemist have on Santiago?His greatest spiritual advancement, however, comes after he meets the alchemist, who helps him to understand himself and to read the omens in his environment. Santiago ultimately learns to communicate with the wind and the sun and the Hand That Wrote All, a force evidently synonymous with God or Allah.
What is the alchemists final lesson to Santiago?This is another instance of The Alchemist's point of view that experience is the best teacher. The episode's final lesson, delivered to Santiago by the camel driver, is not inconsistent with this — that living in the present is the richest, most rewarding way of life.
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