Author: Paulo Coelho
Published in 1988
Fiction
Islamic culture (includes Spanish and Arabic)
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/0/9/130978838/published/678058503.jpg?1669821328)
Summary:
A young shepherd boy named Santiago is introduced in Andalusia, Spain when he is awoken by a dream. In this dream he is told that there is a treasure to be found among the Egyptian pyramids. After conversing with a Gyspy woman and a King, he is convinced that he must take part in a journey to find the treasure. He believes this to be his Personal Legend and reason for existence. Making his way to Egypt is discouraging and challenging. Santiago almost returns home on several occasions but decides to prevail. On the way he meets an English man heading in the same direction to find The Alchemist, a man who can turn lead into gold. The Englishman and Santiago become good friends as they find The Alchemist. With The Alchemist's accompaniment and his new connection to the Soul of the World (which The Alchemists helps him see along the way), Santiago arrives at the pyramids. He dig mercilessly for the treasure but finds nothing. At first he is shattered but it takes only a few moments for him to smile in realization... the treasure was within his heart.
A young shepherd boy named Santiago is introduced in Andalusia, Spain when he is awoken by a dream. In this dream he is told that there is a treasure to be found among the Egyptian pyramids. After conversing with a Gyspy woman and a King, he is convinced that he must take part in a journey to find the treasure. He believes this to be his Personal Legend and reason for existence. Making his way to Egypt is discouraging and challenging. Santiago almost returns home on several occasions but decides to prevail. On the way he meets an English man heading in the same direction to find The Alchemist, a man who can turn lead into gold. The Englishman and Santiago become good friends as they find The Alchemist. With The Alchemist's accompaniment and his new connection to the Soul of the World (which The Alchemists helps him see along the way), Santiago arrives at the pyramids. He dig mercilessly for the treasure but finds nothing. At first he is shattered but it takes only a few moments for him to smile in realization... the treasure was within his heart.
1.) This is a book filled with travel; therefore, the action takes place in many locations. However, the book describes Islamic culture and it indicates gender roles, societal structure, religion, and basic lifestyle of many locations. For instance it talks about how people spoke Arabic, worshiped Allah, and traveled to Mecca. It also discussed how in Egypt, married women wore all black and how their husbands were often off traveling and exploring. Women were referred to as "women of the desert" and they knew not to be surprised if their husbands didn't return from their journeys. Finally, the book talks about the hierarchy that is implemented, and the healer of the area is the most respected citizen (specific to Egypt).
2.) There were few parallels I found between their culture and my culture; however, one may say that the worshiping of a god is similar. Although each religion worships different Gods, they all look up to a superior being and find a holy place to do so. I may not be religious, but I am surrounded by Christianity in my everyday life through my friends.
3.) This book does not have very many characters, but I would relate most to Santiago himself. His reason for becoming a shepherd was because of his love for travel. Travel shapes most of my long-term goals, for I have always wanted to explore the world. As a bilingual/bicultural person, I see the value in travel and view it as the best way to become accepting and aware. Santiago and I share the love for exploration, which is also why I am working towards the Global Education Achievement Certificate.
4.) The overall conflict of the book could be seen as man vs. himself. Santiagos most difficult obstacle was his mind. He began to doubt himself, his capabilities, and his purpose. All of these conflicts resolve every time Santiago learns a new life lesson. He was taught about listening to one's heart and trusting one's intuitions. The life lessons were often presented plainly and obviously by another character who was depicted as wise. These internal conflicts were caused by hiccups in Santiagos journey. When his travels were challenged by poverty or war, these conflicts emerged. The conflicts within oneself are universal, for it does not matter which nation someone is born in or which languages they speak, everyone can feel hopeless but, similarly, everyone can overcome this.
5.) This experience changed my world view in a couple of ways. The most simple was by giving me some basic knowledge on a culture that I knew very little about to begin with. The second was by showing that everyone can help each other (like the shepherd and the Englishman who traded knowledge) despite their differences. These two factors combined taught me that everyone is more similar than we like to believe. We like to assume that we are the best or that our way is right, but this book emphasized that greatness comes from cooperation and leaving one's comfort zone to learn the ways of others.
2.) There were few parallels I found between their culture and my culture; however, one may say that the worshiping of a god is similar. Although each religion worships different Gods, they all look up to a superior being and find a holy place to do so. I may not be religious, but I am surrounded by Christianity in my everyday life through my friends.
3.) This book does not have very many characters, but I would relate most to Santiago himself. His reason for becoming a shepherd was because of his love for travel. Travel shapes most of my long-term goals, for I have always wanted to explore the world. As a bilingual/bicultural person, I see the value in travel and view it as the best way to become accepting and aware. Santiago and I share the love for exploration, which is also why I am working towards the Global Education Achievement Certificate.
4.) The overall conflict of the book could be seen as man vs. himself. Santiagos most difficult obstacle was his mind. He began to doubt himself, his capabilities, and his purpose. All of these conflicts resolve every time Santiago learns a new life lesson. He was taught about listening to one's heart and trusting one's intuitions. The life lessons were often presented plainly and obviously by another character who was depicted as wise. These internal conflicts were caused by hiccups in Santiagos journey. When his travels were challenged by poverty or war, these conflicts emerged. The conflicts within oneself are universal, for it does not matter which nation someone is born in or which languages they speak, everyone can feel hopeless but, similarly, everyone can overcome this.
5.) This experience changed my world view in a couple of ways. The most simple was by giving me some basic knowledge on a culture that I knew very little about to begin with. The second was by showing that everyone can help each other (like the shepherd and the Englishman who traded knowledge) despite their differences. These two factors combined taught me that everyone is more similar than we like to believe. We like to assume that we are the best or that our way is right, but this book emphasized that greatness comes from cooperation and leaving one's comfort zone to learn the ways of others.
The central theme of The Alchemist is that everyone should be in pursuit of their dreams (Personal Legend) and should use the journey to this goal for self-realization and trust in one's heart. This is seen at the end of the book when Santiago smiles when he realizes there is not a treasure. This goes to show that the material riches (his dream) were far less important than the lessons he learned in the way. His grin proves that he understands this. This message is relevant to all cultures because it doesn't matter where you're from, who you worship, what you speak, how you dress, etc., becoming a better and self-aware person is always important.