ALCHEMIST - Personal Legends & Themes
He wrote The Alchemist
Paul Coelho
This shepherd boy is the protagonist of the novel.
Who is Santiago?
This extreme exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect.
What is hyperbole?
Holden’s wish to catch children before they fall off a cliff symbolizes this larger desire.
What is preserving innocence?
Holden’s red hunting hat symbolizes this blend of traits in him.
What are his uniqueness and desire for protection?
Santiago learns that the fear of this is worse than the thing itself.
What is suffering
This mysterious king teaches Santiago about Personal Legends and gives him sacred stones for guidance.
Who is Melchizedek?
This device hints at events that will happen later in the story.
What is foreshadowing?
Holden frequently struggles with this condition, which fuels his need to isolate himself.
What is depression/loneliness?
“Little Shirley Beans” represents Holden’s desire to protect this.
What is childhood innocence?
This concept describes how the world communicates through signs that guide individuals toward their purpose.
What are omens?
This character believes in tradition, is afraid of change, and represents spiritual stagnation.
Who is the crystal merchant?
A humorous imitation meant to criticize or poke fun using exaggeration.
What is a parody?
Holden's frequent use of the word “phony” reflects his frustration with this aspect of adulthood.
What is hypocrisy or inauthenticity?
Holden repeatedly asks about these ducks, symbolizing his yearning for stability and direction.
What are the ducks in the Central Park lagoon?
This major theme is reinforced when Santiago realizes his treasure was always close to home.
What is the journey matters more than the destination?
This desert woman teaches Santiago about true, unselfish love.
Who is Fatima?
A reference to something or someone well-known from history, culture, literature, or politics.
What is an allusion?
Holden’s difficulty accepting the passage of time is represented by his reaction to this museum.
What is the Museum of Natural History?
The carousel scene symbolizes Holden’s acceptance of this universal process.
What is growing up?
The idea that every person has a true purpose, and fulfilling it requires listening to one’s heart, defines this key novel-wide concept.
What is Personal Legend?
This powerful mentor guides Santiago through the desert and explains the Soul of the World.
Who is the Alchemist?
When the opposite of what is expected happens, this type of irony occurs.
What is situational irony?
Holden's deep fear of change or growing up is embodied most clearly by his inability to process this character’s death.
Who is Allie?
Holden misinterprets the meaning of this poem, believing it’s about protecting children rather than allowing them to experience life.
What is “Comin’ Thro’ the Rye”?