Plot Basics
Santiago falls in love with this woman at the desert oasis.
Who is Fatima?
this character, met early in the novel, convinces Santiago to sell his sheep and pursue his dream by talking about the concept of a "Personal Legend.
Who is Melchizedek, the King of Salem?
This recurring literary device is used to signal important events or guide Santiago on his journey.
What are omens?
The act of turning lead into gold is symbolic of this broader theme in the novel.
What is spiritual transformation?
Santiago’s realization that he can communicate with the wind and the sun reflects this philosophical concept that appears throughout the novel.
What is the unity of all creation (or the Soul of the World)?
Santiago initially works in this profession before beginning his journey to find treasure.
What is a shepherd?
this character warns Santiago about the challenges of following a Personal Legend and shares a story about how fear prevents people from pursuing their dreams.
Who is the crystal merchant?
Santiago’s dream about treasure at the pyramids is an example of this type of literary device, which foreshadows the story's resolution.
What is foreshadowing?
What is the Emerald Tablet?
This image, described as “the Soul of the World,” represents the unity of all creation and serves as a central symbol in Santiago’s journey.
The novel’s use of simple language and archetypal characters helps it align with this literary tradition, known for universal messages.
What is allegory or parable?
Santiago sells these objects from the crystal merchant’s shop to help improve the business.
What are crystal glasses (or crystal ware)?
The gypsy woman in the novel provides this type of guidance to Santiago regarding his recurring dream.
What is an interpretation or prophecy?
Santiago’s discovery that the treasure was back in Spain all along reinforces this theme about life’s journey.
What is the importance of self-discovery (or the journey being more important than the destination)?
This symbol represents the balance between achieving one’s dreams and remaining grounded in life’s small pleasures.
What is the spoon with oil (from Melchizedek’s story)?
When Santiago learns that the treasure was back in Spain, it supports this idea about the value of the journey over the destination.
What is the theme of self-discovery or the cyclical nature of life?
his Englishman is obsessed with alchemy and serves as one of Santiago's traveling companions.
Who is the Englishman?
Santiago learns the concept of the “Language of the World” from this wise desert inhabitant.
Who is the Alchemist?
What is the theme of trusting the universe or following your Personal Legend?
In The Alchemist, the motif of omens, such as the flight of birds and Urim and Thummim, serves to illustrate this theme about following one’s destiny.
the desert's vastness symbolizes this central idea of the novel, reflecting both external challenges and inner possibilities.
What is the vast potential of the soul or the unknown?
What is the interconnectedness of the Soul of the World?
Santiago learns that achieving his Personal Legend also benefits the world because of this idea, which states that individual success contributes to the harmony of existence.
At the end of the novel, Santiago discovers the treasure is buried in this location.
What is the church in Spain where he had his original dream?
Santiago often relies on these two stones, gifts from Melchizedek, to make decisions.
What are Urim and Thummim?
The desert is often used symbolically in the novel to represent this aspect of Santiago's spiritual growth.
What is hardship or the testing of one’s resolve?
The oasis is described as a neutral zone in the desert and symbolizes this universal concept.
What is peace or sanctuary?
Santiago’s internal conflict about whether to pursue his Personal Legend or stay in the comfort of familiarity is an example of this type of conflict
What is man vs. self?