In the novel ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Cohelo, magic is a recurring theme present throughout the story. The ability to practice magic is seen as something not accessible to everyone, as only certain individuals have the gift of acquiring the knowledge of its powers. The aim of this essay is to examine and analyse the presence of magic in the novel and what such magic predominantly symbolises. Magic plays an integral role in ‘The Alchemist’, symbolizing the supernatural forces working to help individuals realize their aspirations and fulfil their destinies. The concept of magic should not be taken literally; rather, it symbolizes the divine power that guides individuals toward their destination - as evidenced in Santiago's quest to find treasure …show more content…
The quote, "The alchemists spent years in their laboratories, watching the fire that purified metals" (Coelho, 83-84) emphasises the transformative power of magic. The alchemists' practice of purifying metals through fire serves as a metaphor for how the pursuit of magic leads to inner purification and enlightenment in the novel. Magic has an intimate connection with self-discovery throughout the narrative. Santiago begins his quest to fulfil his destiny, encountering various characters with magical abilities. These individuals serve as guides, helping Santiago connect to the spiritual realm and comprehend how everything is interconnected. Magic in the novel is not simply a plot device; it plays an integral role in developing the story's central themes. Furthermore, magic is not something bestowed upon certain individuals; rather, it requires years of dedication and self-discovery to master. Alchemists' prolonged gaze upon fire symbolizes the patience and discipline necessary to master magic. Santiago's journey toward understanding the language of the universe is not an easy one; rather, it requires him to look inward and confront his fears and
According to The Alchemist, the author states “His heart squeezed, as if his chest had suddenly compressed it. He was afraid to look around, because he knew what he would find. He continued to look at the beautiful sword for a bit longer, until he summoned the courage to look around”(). The quote depicts how the distraction of the sword has left Santiago filled with fear because he was afraid to be alone without his money. Santiago loses all his money but decides to drive back to the Stones and believes that he can get money again.
In the novel The Alchemist written by Paulo Cohelo is about Santiago and his quest to discover a treasure. This novel carries multiple strong themes of love. Santiago falls in love romantically with two characters: the merchant’s daughter, who remains unnamed, and Fatima. These characters follow the archetypes that enhance how the author, Paulo Cohelo, views love and its importance. In the Alchemist, Paulo Coelho explores the lover archetype to illustrate that love is something that is so strong it can change your perspective on life.
Dara Alanis Danielle Stindle English 10 block 1 March 6, 2023 Thesis: The alchemist was the person with the biggest influence in Santigo’s life during his personal legend. The Alchemist helped and added challenges to Santiago's journey so that he could improve himself. Santiago learned about alchemy during his whole path and applied it also. The Alchemist is also really important in the story because of his help.
In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho uses the story of Santiago to illustrate that adversity stands as a necessity in one’s growth and transformation. Coelho talks about how if an individual is persistent about reaching their “treasure”, they will not only
The metaphor of the Alchemist is also significant in the novel because it reflects the idea of pursuing one's Legend. Santiago's quest to find his Legend is a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery that every person must undertake to find their purpose in life. The Alchemist's teachings to Santiago serve as a guide to help him along the way and show him that the journey is just as important as the destination. Another impact of the alchemist metaphor in the novel is the message of interconnectedness. The Alchemist is not just a symbol of transformation but also of the interconnectedness of all things.
The Alchemist's teachings to Santiago and his journey of transformation guide readers on their journey of self-discovery and pursuit of their Legend. The metaphor of the Personal Legend is a powerful and pervasive theme throughout The Alchemist. It is a metaphor for the idea that each person has a unique purpose or destiny that they must pursue in order to achieve true fulfillment and happiness. The concept of Personal Legend profoundly impacts the novel's themes and character development.
Without the alchemist, Santiago would have never learned to listen to his heart and would have never spoke the language of the desert and the wind. Thus, Santiago has learned many valuable lessons and techniques of himself and the world; all while following his
The Importance of Perseverance At many times in people’s lives, they consider giving up. This is also true for Santiago, the protagonist in Paulo Coelho's fantasy novel The Alchemist. Santiago is on a journey to find a hidden treasure he saw in a dream. Along this journey he continues to contemplate whether he should just give up, or continue his adventure.
In the novel The Alchemist, Coelho argues the theme of how one should follow through with their ambitions to complete their Personal legend to become a purified state. And in the middle of the Alchemist, the Alchemist states “And for wise men, gold is the metal that evolved the furthest,” (pg 141). This diction shows the study of Alchemy, in which one transforms a base metal into a purified form of gold, and acts as a symbol, symbolizing Santiago’s journey to achieve his Personal legend. Alchemy describes a process by which one turns metal into gold by riding it of all impurities to achieve a higher evolutionary state as equivalent to one achieving their Personal Legend. Santiago in order to realize his Personal Legend and purify himself
Many people around the world interpret dreams and believe in omens as a part of their religion. In “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho, the author centers the novel on the “Soul of the World”, which deals with omens, dreams and the ability to connect with God. The main character, Santiago interprets what the “soul of the world” is telling him and goes in search of his treasure. Throughout the novel Coelho reveals what the “soul of the World” means to him through imagery, personification, simile and metaphors.
Santiago then tells the alchemist: “My heart is a traitor. It doesn’t want me to go on.” The alchemist replied with a smart answer and said “That makes sense. Naturally, it’s afraid that, in pursuing your dream, you might lose everything you’ve won.” A fear of uncertainty is what Santiago is feeling and he worries he’ll lose everything he’s accomplished so far.
This is illuminated when the Alchemist says, “‘There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure’” (141). This particular moment shows that even though Santiago has both the ability and the knowledge to achieve his dream, it is impossible to attain it if he fears even attempting to reach it. Consequently, this fear acts as his enemy and a barrier that stands in the way of the meaningful and happy life he is destined to accomplish. Furthermore, another one of his fears is the fear of losing what he believes he has already earned. ” He reminded himself that he had been a shepherd and that he could be a shepherd again.
During the whole story Santiago is trying to find his personal legend, he is trying to find his purpose in life. Therefore in the Alchemist, the most important thing is personal legend. Everything is based off Santiago’s personal legend, if he wouldn’t of became a shepherd the book wouldn’t be all about him following his personal legend and trying to figure out what his was. Santiago has to figure out a bunch of new things that lend his to his personal
It was another omen, so he began to dig in the spot (160-161). If it were not for God and his path he set for Santiago, Santiago would have never met, seen, or found the things he does. Through Muslim beliefs and the beliefs during Santiago's journey, the only God, Allah, has a great impact on the book. Although many religions have an impact on The Alchemist, Islam has the greatest effect.
After reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho my life was radically transformed. My frame of reference expanded and my desire to not only travel but to listen to myself blossomed. The Alchemist journals about the travel of Santiago, a humble shepherd who resides in Spain and journeys far to Egypt with much adversity. His adventure was so astounding to me due to its origin in a dream read by a gypsy. I divulged heavily into his odyssey seeing symbols during each turn.