Main idea of the alchemist. The Theme of “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho Essay 2022-10-11
Main idea of the alchemist Rating:
5,9/10
199
reviews
The Alchemist is a novel written by Paulo Coelho that tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of finding treasure and becoming rich. Along the way, he meets various people who help him on his journey, including an alchemist who teaches him about the importance of following his dreams and the power of personal legend.
One of the main ideas of the novel is the concept of personal legend, which is the idea that each person has a unique purpose in life that they are meant to fulfill. The alchemist tells Santiago that everyone has a personal legend, and it is the person's duty to pursue it and make it come true. He explains that this is what gives life meaning and helps people to find true happiness.
Another important idea in the novel is the concept of the universal language. The alchemist believes that there is a universal language that connects all living things, and that this language is the key to understanding the world and achieving one's personal legend. He teaches Santiago that this language is not something that can be learned through books or language classes, but rather it is something that must be discovered within oneself through the pursuit of one's dreams.
The idea of following one's dreams and pursuing one's personal legend is central to the novel and is something that Santiago grapples with throughout his journey. He faces many challenges and setbacks, but ultimately he learns that the only way to achieve true happiness and fulfillment is to follow his heart and pursue his dreams no matter what obstacles may stand in his way.
In conclusion, The Alchemist is a novel that explores the themes of personal legend and the universal language, and encourages readers to pursue their dreams and follow their hearts in order to find true happiness and fulfillment in life.
'The Alchemist' Summary
He found love with a woman in the desert, a treasure chest buried under an old tree in an old abandoned church where he first was, and a lesson learned about how the world and the people surrounding him have affected him in his life. This mysterious dream repeats in two consecutive passages a year apart, and it serves as an important piece of foreshadowing. He looks at the stones and feels relieved, because perhaps he could sell them and buy a return ticket to Spain. His instructional style mirrors that of the alchemist, as we will see later. We get the sense that Santiago relishes his freedom, but part of him also wants to settle down and build stronger connections with other people. Santiago takes out his money and shows it to the young man.
Santiago interprets this story to mean that his life as a shepherd is an important aspect of the success of his quest. There is a force that wants Santiago to realize his Personal Legend, and so it encourages him early on with the taste of success. Santiago asks Melchizedek why he is telling him all this. The fortune-teller says that she knows that Santiago came to learn about his dream. After a moment, he turns to his new friend to ask him to inquire about the price of the sword, but in that moment he realizes that the young man has vanished with his money. The main idea of the Alchemist seemed to ring true for both sets of readers, old and young, but in different ways.
He must choose between something he is familiar with and something unknown that he wants to have. Now, however, he is being more realistic about her, suggesting that the pull of his treasure is growing stronger. Santiago realizes that Melchizedek is indeed a king, and he wonders why a king would talk with him, a shepherd. This main theme is emphasized and made apparent to the reader throughout the novel. Melchizedek offers Santiago a white stone and a black stone from the breastplate.
Santiago tells Melchizedek about his promise to the fortune-teller. What Is the Atomic Theory Today? He notices that his sheep awake at the same time as he does. The old man points to people in the plaza and asks what they're doing. With this under consideration, many questions can be brought up. He reflects that the owner of the bar had been angry because he had been trying to tell him the young man was a thief. Coelho shows us that, for many people, the biggest obstacle to overcome is actually our own fear of failing in the pursuit of our dreams. But he remembers that he has several practical things to do, so he goes to the market for food and he trades his book in for a different one.
The Alchemist Part One, Section 1 Summary & Analysis
These traditions have a scientific foundation, though it would be more accurate to say that alchemists are practicing proto-science. He tells Santiago to meet him in the square at the same time the next day, with one-tenth of his flock, and then he will tell Santiago how to find his treasure. It's not until he goes on the journey to follow his personal legend that he truly develops as a character. Melchizedek gives Santiago two stones, called Urim and Thummin, which can be used for fortune telling. Paulo Coelho always dreamt of becoming a writer.
The only problem was at the time, a focus on science was an implied belief system of atheism. Soon after this vision, he meets a stranger wearing black garbs sitting atop a white horse who reveals himself to be the alchemist. The thieves scoff, and the leader remarks about a dream he once had about treasure under a tree at a ruined church. Retrieved November 17, 2021. Attacking an oasis is a violation of the rules of the desert, so he relates it to the chieftains, but they say that he will have to pay with his life if the oasis does not end up being attacked. Because the goal was to change items, the alchemists heavily studied fermentation, distillation, sublimation, and calcination. That same morning, a crystal merchant awakes feeling anxious.
Santiago runs into many Islamic traditions and people and these things help him along his way. Santiago wonders if could instead offer the old man one-tenth of his treasure. As the caravan travels to the desert oasis of Al-Fayoum, Santiago becomes friends with a camel driver who used to be a farmer before his land was flooded. Meanwhile, the old man asks if he might have a sip of Santiago's wine. Santiago does not consider the risk of relying on the stones as he relied on the thief. Santiago awakes early the next morning before dawn. The old man is now starting to be presented as a supernatural or mythical figure, as he has impossible knowledge but first appears in a humble and nondescript form.
The Main Ideas And Characters Portraits In The Book The Alchemist
He feels he could not have discovered God in the traditional place of the seminary, but he did because he followed his own dream. He lays his jacket down on the floor, and uses the book he's reading as a pillow to rest his head on. Santiago receives his reward: fifty pieces of gold. Symbols Alchemy Alchemy is the medieval forerunner of modern chemistry; its end goal was to transform base metals into gold and to create a universal elixir. Melchizedek says it is in Egypt near the pyramids, which Santiago already knows. She says Santiago must go to the pyramids in Egypt.
Urim and Thummim appear comforting in this moment, as symbols of certainty in a moment of uncertainty. Comparing Ambition In The Alchemist And Marita's Bargain 1201 Words 5 Pages Marita and Santiago, had to take steps that were hard but guided them to their goal after all. So it can be said that the character of the alchemist was not described apart from the King but in resemblance to the King. When the merchant finally appears, he asks Santiago for the wool of four sheep and tells him to return the next year. The novel here briefly moves from the more allegorical, spiritual realm to the practical errands Santiago needs to complete in town. He tells Santiago to use them to buy his flock and to take the opportunity to travel, and he gives the boy his blessing.
