Part I
Santiago’s recurring dream gives him the same destination: treasure near these landmarks.
What are the Pyramids of Egypt?
Santiago crosses this landscape with a caravan on his way toward Egypt.
What is the desert?
Santiago’s ordinary life before his journey is spent doing this work in Andalusia.
What is shepherding?
These two stones help Santiago make yes-or-no decisions when he is unsure how to interpret a situation.
What are Urim and Thummim?
“You came so that you could learn about your dreams,” said the old woman. “And dreams are the language of God. When he speaks in our language, I can interpret what he has said. But if he speaks in the language of the soul, it is only you who can understand. But, whichever it is, I’m going to charge you for the consultation.”
Who is the Gypsy?
Santiago chooses to become a shepherd because he wants this freedom his father’s life does not offer him.
What is the freedom to travel and see new places?
The Englishman travels with the caravan because he hopes to find this person.
Who is the alchemist?
Santiago’s recurring dream about treasure acts as this stage of the Hero’s Journey.
What is the call to adventure?
Before his journey, Santiago’s sheep represent the familiar life he must give up to pursue his dream. What do they symbolize?
What are comfort and the status quo?
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it...”
Who is King Melchizidek?
After being robbed in Tangier, Santiago earns money by working for this shopkeeper.
Who is the crystal merchant?
Santiago interprets the behavior of two of these birds as an omen that the oasis is about to be attacked.
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What are hawks?
BONUS(100PTS): What does Santiago promise Fatima before he leaves the oasis?
Melchizedek gives Santiago advice, Urim and Thummim, and encouragement. Which Hero’s Journey role does he fill?
What is the mentor?
Santiago learns to read this kind of sign in events and nature, which helps guide him along his journey.
What is an omen?
“That’s the principle that governs all things,” he said. “In alchemy, it’s called the Soul of the World. When you want something with all your heart, that’s when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It’s always a positive force.”
Who is the Englishman?
The crystal merchant avoids going to Mecca because he fears that achieving this dream will leave him with nothing more to hope for.
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What is his pilgrimage to Mecca?
BONUS(100PTS)How does the crystal merchant act as a foil to Santiago?
Fatima supports Santiago’s decision to continue his journey because she believes this about love.
What is that true love does not prevent someone from pursuing a Personal Legend?
Santiago leaves Spain for Tangier, beginning his journey in an unfamiliar world. Which stage does this represent?
What is crossing the threshold?
In the epilogue, what does the levanter carrying Fatima’s perfume and a distant kiss symbolize?
That Santiago and Fatima’s love endures across the distance, and that their reunion is coming.
“I didn’t know shepherds knew how to read...”
Who is the merchant's daughter?
By the end of Part I, Santiago has earned enough to return to Spain or continue toward Egypt. What choice does he make, and what does it show?
He joins the caravan to Egypt, showing that he is still committed to pursuing his Personal Legend.
At the Pyramids, Santiago is attacked by refugees. What does their leader reveal that points Santiago toward his actual treasure?
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The leader describes his own recurring dream about treasure beneath a sycamore tree in a ruined church in Spain. Bonus — 100 pts: Why is that revelation ironic?
Santiago returns to the ruined church where his journey began and finds the treasure. Which final stage does this represent?
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What is the return with the reward?
(BONUS 100): How does returning to the church create a circular structure?
A scarab appears near the Pyramids and prompts Santiago to dig there, but the treasure is elsewhere. What does this suggest about how omens work in the novel?
Omens can guide Santiago’s journey, but they do not always reveal the full answer immediately
“Mostly just the hearts of those who are trying to realize their Personal Legends. But they do help children, drunkards, and the elderly, too... It means only that the heart does what it can.."
Who is The Alchemist?