Plot and Events
What is the name of the protagonist?
Santiago.
Who is Melchizedek?
The King of Salem who helps Santiago start his journey.
What is the main theme of The Alchemist?
Pursuing one’s Personal Legend.
What does the desert symbolize?
The challenges and trials in life.
Who says, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”?
Melchizedek.
Why does Santiago leave the seminary?
He dreams of becoming a shepherd to see the world.
What role does the crystal merchant play?
He teaches Santiago lessons about following dreams and fear of change.
Define the concept of a "Personal Legend."
It is one’s true purpose or destiny in life.
What does the treasure chest symbolize?
The rewards of pursuing one’s Personal Legend.
What does the Alchemist mean by, "Listen to your heart"?
He encourages Santiago to trust his inner feelings and intuition.
What is the treasure Santiago seeks?
A treasure buried near the Egyptian pyramids.
What advice does the alchemist give Santiago?
“Listen to your heart and follow your Personal Legend.”
How is fear portrayed in the novel?
Fear is shown as the greatest obstacle to achieving dreams.
What does the hawk symbolize during the oasis scene?
The ability to see the bigger picture and predict danger.
What lesson is conveyed in the line, "The secret of life is to fall seven times and get up eight times"?
Perseverance is key to achieving success.
What vision does Santiago see at the oasis?
An army attacking the oasis.
How does Fatima influence Santiago’s journey?
She encourages him to continue his journey, trusting they will be reunited.
Discuss the theme of unity with nature.
Santiago learns to understand and communicate with nature, seeing it as interconnected with his journey.
What is the significance of the alchemy metaphor?
it symbolizes transformation and self-discovery
Explain the significance of the quote: "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
Fear paralyzes people, preventing them from taking necessary risks to fulfill their dreams.
Explain how Santiago's journey ends.
He learns the treasure was buried under the sycamore tree at the church where his journey began.
What is the role of the tribal chieftain at the oasis?
He values Santiago’s vision and helps him, illustrating the power of trust and wisdom
How does The Alchemist reflect existential philosophy?
It emphasizes creating one’s own meaning and fulfilling one’s destiny despite challenges.
What does the Philosopher’s Stone mean?
It represents ultimate wisdom and the ability to achieve one’s goals through understanding and persistence
Interpret: “And, when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.”
It means that one must focus on the present and future instead of dwelling on the past.