Who Is Santiago Melchizedenek In The Alchemist

Daniella Karras English I, F Block The Alchemist: Journal #1 Out of 67 intriguing novels that were given as choices, The Alchemist was an easy pick. As I read the back cover of my last few book choices, I came across The Alchemist, and a quote that said: “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.” Although this quote didn’t do the book justice, it gave me a glimpse of the journey that awaited between my hands.

In comparison to Ishmael, Santiago also finds a drive to continue. When faced with the challenge of becoming wind, Santiago believes in himself. He “reached through to the Soul of the World, and saw

Melchizedek directs, "When you are unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always ask an objective question"(30). In the alchemist, omens offer Santiago guidance on his journey and reassure him that the Soul of the World have supported his journey. There are many references made to omens in the alchemist. Paulo Coelho made references to scarab bettles (Arabic), Urim and Thummin (Jewish), Hawks and even the presence of certain characters: Santiago, Melchizedek, the crystal merchant, Englishman, Fatima and the alchemist.

He is a stronger and smarter man because of what happened to him. Santiago hit a lot of adversity at the beginning of his journey and it prepared him for the worst of his journey. “Now he understood why the owner of the bar had been so upset: he was trying to tell him not to trust that man.” (Coelho 43). He lost it all and he was prepared for anything for the rest of his journey.

While at the Oasis of Al-Fayoum, the elder chieftain of the oasis tells Santiago the story of Joseph of Egypt. Joseph was enslaved for being a dreamer, but he persevered and managed to become an important counselor to the Pharaoh of Egypt. This Personal Legend could have suited Santiago because of his connection to the Soul of the World. The Soul of the World is a spiritual unity that binds all forms of nature together. Santiago knew he wanted to follow his dreams; it was helpful when he learned that “When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it” because he knew he was now destined to complete his goal, and not somebody else’s (Coelho 64).

Santiago’s willpower and understanding grows once he leaves with the Alchemist. The Abyss and Rebirth are the points in the Hero Cycle when it is the darkest hour and the hero pushes through it, becoming a new person in whole. In The Alchemist, Santiago’s darkest moment is when he has to turn himself into gold, and he regenerates into this person who is one with God. He “saw that the Soul of God was his own.

Santiago felt very pressured but he didn’t fear to die this time because he knew that the universe was going to help him. Santiago overcame the fear of dying and turned himself into the

Santiago realizes that he finally has a place and that he is supposed to be following his Personal

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.

Decision-making through the theory of Existentialism Existentialism is a philosophy which means finding self or finding meaning of life. It is theory which talks about freedom. Paulo Coelho in the novel The Alchemist talks about Santiago’s dilemmas and how he takes decision.

… The boy was shaking with fear, but the alchemist helped him out of the tent. … the alchemist continued, “usually the threat of death makes people a lot more aware of their lives.”” (Coelho 140 6 8, Coelho 142 2) Just like before Santiago is afraid and doesn't know what to do in a situation of adversity. But he does not give up he perseveres and developes

When the alchemist presented Santiago with the choice to stay at the oasis, or leave and achieve his personal legend, Santiago struggled to find the correct answer. The alchemist let Santiago know that if he stayed in the oasis, for the first year his marriage would be great and so would his marriage. Over time Santiago and Fatima would drift apart, and he would loose his job. But on the other hand, if he decided to voyage into the desert in seek of finding his personal legend he worried that he might loose Fatima. He thought, "...

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

From here he goes on to depict Santiago’s normal life before his death. The story is in no way chronological, as the later section of the novella is set after he has died, and during his autopsy. Although we have not witnessed his death yet, there is proof, if you will, of his impending death, in the description given by those conducting the autopsy. Similarly, the narrative structure of the novella introduces many ‘what if?’ scenarios. What if the door that Santiago tries to flee his assailants through wasn’t locked?