how does the alchemist change during the course of the novel

by Alberto Greenholt DDS 5 min read

Throughout The Alchemist there were many twists and turns as well as changes to the main character Santiago. He had to adapt to the different ways of life in each place he visited, and had the tenacity to never give up on his journey even when times became tough, i.e. when he was robbed.

Full Answer

What happens in the end of the alchemist?

The Alchemist is a novel where a young shepherd starts following his dreams. In the end he realizes that his treasure is with him from the beginning. But after following his dream his experiences made him worthy of having his treasure. And it's only his journey that presented him with many things that are more worthy than his treasure.

What is the alchemist about?

Everyone dreams of something - be it to become an entrepreneur, or a CEO, to meet the girl of your dream o The Alchemist is a book about listening to your heart and living your dreams by seeing the world with your own eyes and not someone else’s.

Is there an adaptation of the alchemist?

The Alchemist is an allegorical novel published in 1988 by Paulo Coelho. After an initial lukewarm reception, it became a worldwide bestseller, with more than 65 million copies sold. Notable Adaptations: An illustrated version with artwork provided by Moebius, a graphic novel produced in 2010.

Is the alchemist a fable or a personal story?

In turn, The Alchemist acts less as a personal story about the adventures of one character and more as an allegorical fable with universal implications. This change raises the question of why Santiago ever had a name in the first place.

How does the change in Santiago affect the reader?

What does the crystal merchant say about the crystal merchant?

What is the story of Santiago in Tangier?

What is the significance of Santiago's first experience in Tangier?

What does Santiago remember about the stones?

Why didn't Santiago clean his mind?

Why does Santiago dislike Tangier?

See more

About this website

What does Santiago learn at the end of The Alchemist?

In the novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, Santiago learns, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.

What is the transformation in The Alchemist?

But there's also a meta idea of transformation in The Alchemist: the idea that a big room, some fancy lighting, and some dudes dressed up in face paint can make you believe in an entire other world. Perhaps the most magical transformation of all is the transformative nature of the theater.

How does Santiago change over the course of the novel?

Throughout his journey, Santiago matures through all the lessons he's learned and people he's met. His experiences give him a new outlook in life, and help him to see more clearly and enjoy life. Santiago also changes emotionally and becomes an overall happier person at the end of his journey.

What happens to The Alchemist at the end?

The ending, with Santiago coming back home to Spain to find his treasure, kind of like Dorothy finding that she's had the ruby slippers, her way home, all along, wraps up the novel in a nice circular way.

What is the main message of The Alchemist?

The most prominent theme in The Alchemist is the idea that each person has a “Personal Legend”—a type of ideal fate or destiny—and that each person can chose whether or not to pursue that legend.

What is The Alchemist purpose in the story?

The alchemist mainly functions as a teacher to Santiago, though he often speaks in riddles and expects Santiago to learn more through experience than through verbal instruction.

Does Santiago undergo any type of change during the story?

The relationship between Santiago and Manolin does not undergo a change during the plot of the story itself, since this takes place over the course of only a few days. However, as we learn about their history, we can see that the roles have shifted.

What does Santiago's change of roles say about his development as a character?

What does Santiago's change of roles say about his development as a character? It tells us that he is learning to master the lessons he needs to achieve his Personal Legend. Santiago is changing into a new person.

How does the old alchemist explain to Santiago his process of becoming an alchemist?

Invoking the main symbol of the book, he explains that alchemy involves coaxing lead to live out its Personal Legend of evolving into gold. Finally, Santiago, in something like his notion of alchemy, transforms himself literally into the wind.

What is the resolution of the novel The Alchemist?

The resolution of the book the alchemist is when Santiago reaches Spain and finds the abandoned church. Buried under the sycamore tree was his treasure. He was going to pay the one-tenth to the gypsy and go back to Fatima, who was waiting for him.

What does Santiago realize about himself and his journey at the end of the story?

What does Santiago realize about himself and his journey at the end of the story? Santiago realizes that the journey and meeting those people shaped him to become a better person.

What was Santiago's purpose in life?

The narrator explains that Santiago has always known that his purpose in life was to travel despite attending a seminary until the age of sixteen. After Santiago finally finds the courage to confess his dream to his parents, who wish for him to become a priest, his father tries to talk him out of a nomadic life.

The Crystal Merchant Character Analysis in The Alchemist | LitCharts

When Santiago first arrives in Morocco, he is robbed and at a loss for how to either continue his quest or to return to his homeland. He sees a crystal shop and asks the merchant for work. He then continues to work with the crystal merchant for several months, because the man is a fair employer.

The Alchemist: The Crystal Merchant | SparkNotes

The crystal merchant serves as an important friend to Santiago during Santiago’s time in Tangier, but he also functions as a cautionary case of someone who has become complacent and given up the pursuit of his Personal Legend.

In The Alchemist, when Santiago is robbed in Tangier, he has to take a ...

Get an answer for 'In The Alchemist, when Santiago is robbed in Tangier, he has to take a menial job with the crystal merchant. There, Santiago learns many lessons on everything from the art of ...

The Alchemist: The Crystal Merchant Quotes | SparkNotes

Readers learn a lot about the crystal merchant during this exchange with Santiago as the two sit and eat at a local café. The crystal merchant recognizes his own negativity and lack of motivation, but he appears willing to change his situation with the help of a stranger such as Santiago.

Fatima Character Analysis in The Alchemist | LitCharts

At that moment, it seemed to him that time stood still, and the Soul of the World surged within him. When he looked into her dark eyes, and saw that her lips were poised between a laugh and silence, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke—the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart.

What is the goal of Alchemy?

Alchemy. Alchemy’s goal was to transform base metals into gold and to create a universal elixir. In the novel, alchemy serves as a metaphor of people’s journeys in pursuit of their own Personal Legend.

How old is the Alchemist?

The Alchemist. The titular character of the novel, he is a scimitar-wielding, black-clad 200-year-old man who lives at the oasis. He believes in learning by doing something rather than reading it.

How long did it take for Coelho to write The Alchemist?

Fun Fact: Coelho wrote The Alchemist in two weeks, and, after one year, the publisher gave the rights back to Coelho, who felt that he had to heal from the setback, which led him to spend time in the Mojave desert.

What hinders the fulfillment of one's own personal legend?

Giving in to fear is what hinders the fulfillment of one’s own Personal Legend. As we see with the crystal merchant, who never heeded his calling to make a pilgrimage to Mecca out of fear, he ends up living in regret. Alchemy. Alchemy’s goal was to transform base metals into gold and to create a universal elixir.

What does the soul of the world represent in The Alchemist?

Pantheism. In The Alchemist, the Soul of the World represents the unity of nature. All living beings, are connected, and they have to undergo similar processes, as they share the same spiritual essence. Fear. Giving in to fear is what hinders the fulfillment of one’s own Personal Legend.

When was The Alchemist published?

The Alchemist is an allegorical novel published in 1988 by Paulo Coelho. After an initial lukewarm reception, it became a worldwide bestseller, with more than 65 million copies sold.

Who is the main character in the book Personal Legend?

Major Characters. Santiago. Santiago is a shepherd from Spain and the protagonist of the novel. While at first he is content with tending sheep, once he gets acquainted with the concept of Personal Legend, he sets out on an allegorical journey to pursue it.

How does the change in Santiago affect the reader?

First, it allows the reader to experience Santiago as a mysterious stranger, as the crystal merchant and other people who encounter Santiago see him. Second, it turns Santiago into a universal symbol rather than an individual character.

What does the crystal merchant say about the crystal merchant?

The crystal merchant says it was a good omen that customers entered while Santiago cleaned and offers Santiago a job . Santiago says he will clean all the merchant’s crystal overnight in exchange for money to get to Egypt.

What is the story of Santiago in Tangier?

He worries that he can’t speak Arabic, reassuring himself only with the money in his pouch. A man of similar age and appearance as Santiago addresses him in Spanish. Santiago tells him he needs to get to the Pyramids and offers to pay him to serve as a guide. The young man explains that the route across the Sahara desert is dangerous, and Santiago needs to show that he has enough money to make the trip. The bar owner speaks angrily to the young man in Arabic, and the young man drags Santiago outside, saying the bar owner is a thief. Santiago gives the young man his money to purchase camels.

What is the significance of Santiago's first experience in Tangier?

Santiago’s initial experience in Tangier illustrates the fact that moving on from a comfortable situation can present a challenge, even if the challenge arises in the pursuit of a Personal Legend. As soon as Santiago arrives in Tangier, he feels a suspicion of the “infidel” Muslims. Tangier seems uncomfortably foreign, largely because the people behave differently than in Spain, and Santiago dislikes the place. Santiago quickly pays for these prejudices when he decides to trust the familiar, Spanish-speaking young man instead of the Arabic-speaking bartender. When the young man robs Santiago, Santiago realizes that he must readjust his perspective on his surroundings. Notably, Santiago lost track of the young man while admiring a sword that he planned to buy upon his return. By focusing on a material possession instead of his Personal Legend, Santiago lost the only wealth he had. At nightfall, Santiago laments all of his lost material possessions. He only remembers his quest when he feels Urim and Thummim and appreciates them for their symbolic value rather than their material value. Remembering the stones and Melchizedek’s words immediately renews Santiago’s commitment to his quest.

What does Santiago remember about the stones?

He only remembers his quest when he feels Urim and Thummim and appreciates them for their symbolic value rather than their material value. Remembering the stones and Melchizedek’s words immediately renews Santiago’s commitment to his quest.

Why didn't Santiago clean his mind?

When Santiago finishes, the crystal merchant takes him to a café. He explains that Santiago didn’t need to clean, because the Koran orders him to feed the hungry. Santiago replies that they both needed to cleanse their minds of bad thoughts.

Why does Santiago dislike Tangier?

Tangier seems uncomfortably foreign, largely because the people behave differently than in Spain, and Santiago dislikes the place. Santiago quickly pays for these prejudices when he decides to trust the familiar, Spanish-speaking young man instead of the Arabic-speaking bartender.

What is the secret of alchemy?

For one, he learns that the secret of alchemy is written on a stone called the Emerald Tablet. The ultimate creation of alchemy is the Master Work, which consists of a solid called the Philosophers Stone that can turn lead to gold, and a liquid called the Elixir of Life that can cure all ills.

What is the Alchemist dream?

The Alchemist. A recurring dream troubles Santiago, a young and adventurous Andalusian shepherd. He has the dream every time he sleeps under a sycamore tree that grows out of the ruins of a church. During the dream, a child tells him to seek treasure at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids.

Why does the caravan stop in Al-Fayoum?

As it turns out, the caravan must make an extended stop in Al-Fayoum in order to avoid increasingly violent tribal wars taking place in the desert. There, Santiago falls in love with Fatima, who lives at the oasis.

What did Santiago learn from the merchant?

The conservative and kindly merchant teaches Santiago several lessons, and Santiago encourages the merchant to take risks with his business. The risks pay off, and Santiago becomes a rich man in just a year. Santiago decides to cash in his earnings and continue pursuing his Personal Legend: to find treasure at the pyramids.

Where did the Alchemist travel with Santiago?

The alchemist continues to travel with Santiago as far as a Coptic monastery several hours from the pyramids. There, he demonstrates to Santiago his ability to turn lead into gold using the Philosopher’s Stone. He gives Santiago gold and sends him off.

What did Santiago decide to do?

Santiago decides to cash in his earnings and continue pursuing his Personal Legend: to find treasure at the pyramids. He joins a caravan crossing the Sahara desert toward Egypt and meets an Englishman who is studying to become an alchemist. He learns a lot from the Englishman during the journey.

Why is the book "The Journey" so important?

The book is essentially a tale of the journey being equally important as the end goal, because of all the experiences and lessons one learns throughout their quest. Just like Santiago, the book encourages readers to find and pursue their life purpose, no matter how discouraged they may at times feel.

What does the book "The Journey" teach us?

It is one book that teaches us to follow our dreams. A tale of a simple shepherd who embarks on an unforgettable journey. The journey teaches him, all the ups and downs one can face in life. Perserverance: the journey was not easy, but the shepherd did not quit, he kept on following his dreams.

Where was the treasure in the story of the journey?

The treasure was with him in Spain, but he could not have found it without the journey. This is because the treasure was not just the gold but also, the journey where he found his love (Fatima) and where he learnt the art of alchemy. It's not just about the journey but also, about the work he put in.

What would have happened if he hadn't got there?

If he didn’t have got there his life treasure would have been always hidden . It was his journey to the treasure as planned by his destiny, if he didn’t reach there he might have never been told by the stranger about the hidden treasure that lie where he was living.

The Alchemist Research Paper

Why are omens so important in people’s life? In the book The Alchemist, the author Paulo Coelho answers this question by telling a story of a young boy, Santiago. Santiago was a shepherd, he is taught to follow his omens. Santiago did, and finds his treasures.

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist: Synthesis Essay

think about it throughout every day. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist shows that those who wallow in fear will never achieve their personal legend, and those who conquer fear will achieve anything they strive for. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a commonly analyzed and criticized piece of literature.

Applyiing How to Read Literature to the Alchemist

Kiley Dempsey Ms. Jones Honors Tenth Grade Literature Composition 04 September 2012 Santiago's Journey How to Read Literature like a Professor, by Thomas C.

Analysis Of Paulo Coelho's Journey In The Alchemist

your destination.” These journeys can be hard, and in The Alchemist Santiago learns that his journey taught him a lot of the values that shape his personality.

True Values InThe Alchemist, By Paulo Coelho

treasure isn’t possible if you don’t follow your heart. This was true, of course for the main character, Santiago, from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. With the enlightenment and strength perceived from other figures in the book, Santiago learns that with a heart full and determination, he could also find the treasure of a Personal Legend.

The Personal Hero In The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the protagonist, Santiago, becomes greatly influenced through a plethora of people throughout the process of achieving his Personal Legend. His ideas and mentality, the purpose of life itself, and how the Earth functions, develops his character entirely.

Literary Devices In The Alchemist

The book, The Alchemist, written by Paulo Coelho, conveys many messages relating to life and society. The book outlines the story of a boy named Santiago who goes on a journey to the pyramids of Egypt, to find treasure. Along his way he learns about the concept of predetermined destiny, and the soul of the universe.

How does the change in Santiago affect the reader?

First, it allows the reader to experience Santiago as a mysterious stranger, as the crystal merchant and other people who encounter Santiago see him. Second, it turns Santiago into a universal symbol rather than an individual character.

What does the crystal merchant say about the crystal merchant?

The crystal merchant says it was a good omen that customers entered while Santiago cleaned and offers Santiago a job . Santiago says he will clean all the merchant’s crystal overnight in exchange for money to get to Egypt.

What is the story of Santiago in Tangier?

He worries that he can’t speak Arabic, reassuring himself only with the money in his pouch. A man of similar age and appearance as Santiago addresses him in Spanish. Santiago tells him he needs to get to the Pyramids and offers to pay him to serve as a guide. The young man explains that the route across the Sahara desert is dangerous, and Santiago needs to show that he has enough money to make the trip. The bar owner speaks angrily to the young man in Arabic, and the young man drags Santiago outside, saying the bar owner is a thief. Santiago gives the young man his money to purchase camels.

What is the significance of Santiago's first experience in Tangier?

Santiago’s initial experience in Tangier illustrates the fact that moving on from a comfortable situation can present a challenge, even if the challenge arises in the pursuit of a Personal Legend. As soon as Santiago arrives in Tangier, he feels a suspicion of the “infidel” Muslims. Tangier seems uncomfortably foreign, largely because the people behave differently than in Spain, and Santiago dislikes the place. Santiago quickly pays for these prejudices when he decides to trust the familiar, Spanish-speaking young man instead of the Arabic-speaking bartender. When the young man robs Santiago, Santiago realizes that he must readjust his perspective on his surroundings. Notably, Santiago lost track of the young man while admiring a sword that he planned to buy upon his return. By focusing on a material possession instead of his Personal Legend, Santiago lost the only wealth he had. At nightfall, Santiago laments all of his lost material possessions. He only remembers his quest when he feels Urim and Thummim and appreciates them for their symbolic value rather than their material value. Remembering the stones and Melchizedek’s words immediately renews Santiago’s commitment to his quest.

What does Santiago remember about the stones?

He only remembers his quest when he feels Urim and Thummim and appreciates them for their symbolic value rather than their material value. Remembering the stones and Melchizedek’s words immediately renews Santiago’s commitment to his quest.

Why didn't Santiago clean his mind?

When Santiago finishes, the crystal merchant takes him to a café. He explains that Santiago didn’t need to clean, because the Koran orders him to feed the hungry. Santiago replies that they both needed to cleanse their minds of bad thoughts.

Why does Santiago dislike Tangier?

Tangier seems uncomfortably foreign, largely because the people behave differently than in Spain, and Santiago dislikes the place. Santiago quickly pays for these prejudices when he decides to trust the familiar, Spanish-speaking young man instead of the Arabic-speaking bartender.

image