The Alchemist Guided Study Questions

Questions and Answers

Who is Santiago and how is he introduced at the beginning of the story?

A shepherd boy. He is introduced looking for a place to sleep.

What is strange or unusual about Santiago's dream?

He had the same dream a week earlier.

What is the geographical setting at the beginning of the novel?

Andalusia, Spain.

What do Santiago's parents plan for him, and how does he change that plan?

His parents wanted him to become a priest; he instead becomes a traveling shepherd. Signup and view all the answers

What does Santiago plan to do in Tarifa?

Exchange his book for a thicker one to sleep on and read, fill his wine bottle, and get a haircut. Signup and view all the answers

What price does the old woman charge Santiago for consulting about his recurring dream?

1/10th of the treasure when he finds it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the old man Santiago meets in the village, and why might the author have included this name?

Melchizedek; it is a biblical name. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old man ask for in payment for helping Santiago?

1/10th of Santiago's flock of sheep. Signup and view all the answers

How does the old man convince Santiago of his power?

He writes the names of Santiago's parents, the seminary he had attended, the name of the merchant's daughter, and other information in the sand. Signup and view all the answers

How does the old man explain the concept of Personal Legends to Santiago?

Personal legends are what you have always wanted to accomplish; influence from mysterious forces can convince people they can't achieve their personal legend. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the old man tell Santiago to follow 'omens'?

Omens are sent by God to help you along the path he has chosen for you. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old man take from the breastplate as a gift to Santiago?

A white stone, Urim, and black stone, Thummim. Signup and view all the answers

According to the old man, what is the secret of happiness?

To see all the marvels of the world and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon. Signup and view all the answers

When Santiago decides to leave his home country of Spain, where does he go?

Africa. Signup and view all the answers

How are the two locations different in regards to food/drink, religion, customs, etc.?

Men smoked and passed giant pipes, women covered their faces, priests climbed to the tops of towers and chanted, they spoke Arabic, and did not drink wine because of the religion. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Santiago follows his new friend into the marketplace?

He is robbed. Signup and view all the answers

Although Santiago does not speak Arabic, he has a conversation with the candy seller. Why is this important?

He learns the importance of language. Signup and view all the answers

What comfort do the black and white stones provide to Santiago?

They remind him that the King of Salem is always with him. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the first interaction between Santiago and the crystal merchant.

Santiago enters and offers to clean the crystal in exchange for something to eat. The merchant does not respond, but Santiago cleans the crystal anyways. After Santiago finished, the merchant takes him to lunch and offers him a job to help him buy sheep and get back to Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What lessons does Santiago teach the crystal merchant?

Every blessing ignored becomes a curse. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Englishman and what do we learn about him?

He is an alchemist searching for the philosopher's stone. They both have Urim and Thummin, which the Englishman sees as an omen. Signup and view all the answers

On page 73, what metaphor does the leader of the caravan provide about the desert?

He compares the desert to a capricious lady who drives men crazy. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Englishman, what is the Soul of the World?

The principle of all things, when you want something with all your heart. All living things on earth are part of this soul. Signup and view all the answers

What is an alchemist?

Men who had dedicated their entire lives to the purification of metals in their laboratories; they believed that, if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the Soul of the World. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Elixir of Life, the Master Work, and the Philosopher's Stone.

Elixir of Life: the liquid part of the Master Work, cured all illnesses; it also kept the alchemist from growing old. Master Work: discovery of the Soul of the World which allowed them to understand anything on the face of the earth. Philosopher's Stone: the physical part of the Master Work, found through the purification of metals. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the alchemist watching people as they entered the oasis from the caravan?

He knew that in the caravan there was a man to whom he was to teach some of his secrets. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Oasis.

300 hundred wells, 50 thousand date trees, innumerable colored tents, men, women, children, and animals. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a woman in the Oasis is dressed in black?

It means that she is married. Signup and view all the answers

What is the language of the world and how does Santiago learn it?

Love; when he looks into the eyes of the unveiled woman at the oasis. Signup and view all the answers

What agreement do Fatima and Santiago come to?

That Santiago should pursue his personal legend and Fatima will wait for him. Signup and view all the answers

Santiago sees two hawks as an omen. What do they signify?

There will be an attack on the oasis. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Santiago visits the tribal chieftains to tell them about his vision?

They listen to him and conclude that they will break the agreement that says that no one at the oasis may carry arms, look for their enemies, and pay Santiago 1 piece of gold for every ten men killed. Signup and view all the answers

What test do the chieftains outline for Santiago?

He will be paid 1 piece of gold for each 10 men that are killed, but if they don't attack he will be killed. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Santiago's first interaction with the Alchemist.

He was struck by a great wind. When the dust settled he saw a giant horse and a man dressed in black with a falcon on his shoulder. The man draws a curved sword and draws blood on Santiago's forehead, but he is not afraid. The man applauds Santiago's courage and disappears. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the battle at the oasis.

The tribe attacked the empty tent after they hid their weapons under their garments. Oasis men killed all except the leader, who was questioned about why they attacked and then hung from a tree. Signup and view all the answers

What was Santiago's reward for saving the oasis?

Santiago received 50 pieces of gold and he was invited to become a counselor for the oasis. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'goodbyes' that are said between Fatima and Santiago as he is leaving.

Santiago tells Fatima to follow her heart and sell his camel and purchase a horse. He does not want to leave her but knows he must. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does the alchemist give about listening to one's heart?

"Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there." I partially agree. Our hearts can guide us to what we truly want, but do not always lead us to what we need. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that Santiago awaits more trouble on his quest?

He sees two men on horseback pass them. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Arabs find when they searched the alchemist, and why did they allow him to keep the treasure?

They found the small crystal flask filled with a liquid and a yellow glass egg (the philosopher's stone and elixir of life). They allowed them to keep the treasure because they did not believe it was valuable. Signup and view all the answers

Interpret the quote: 'When you possess great treasures within you, and you try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.' How can you relate this to your own life?

No matter how much you explain, no one will ever see the world from the exact same perspective as you. Only you can see the world from your eyes. I find that when I try to explain my interests or ideas, others do not view them with the same excitement. Sometimes they discredit my ideas completely. This does not make my ideas any less valuable. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the alchemist and Santiago are both taken into the military camp?

They are able to buy three days by claiming Santiago can turn himself into wind. If he cannot, both he and the alchemist will surrender to the troops. Signup and view all the answers

Why would the alchemist set up such a 'test' for Santiago?

He wanted Santiago to realize his true capabilities and train him as a disciple. Signup and view all the answers

Who is at risk of death here, and why?

Santiago is at risk of death if he tries to escape and cross the desert without his horse. He is also at risk of death if he is not able to turn himself into the wind. Signup and view all the answers

As Santiago is attempting to turn himself into wind, who does he hold conversations with?

The desert, wind, and sun. Signup and view all the answers

What three aspects of the natural world are personified in Santiago's efforts to turn himself into the wind?

The desert, wind, and sun. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the two people smiling after Santiago turned himself into the wind, and why was each smiling?

The alchemist smiled because he had found the perfect disciple and the Chief because that disciple had understood the glory of God. Signup and view all the answers

What did the alchemist do at the Coptic monastery?

He made gold. Signup and view all the answers

How did the alchemist distribute the gold, and why did he think Santiago might need it later?

He gave two portions to a monk, kept some for himself, and gave some to Santiago. Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of the alchemist's story about the sons of the Roman emperor Tiberius?

"No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it." Signup and view all the answers

What advice did the boy's heart give him as he approached the Pyramids, and what did he do when he saw the Pyramids?

Santiago's heart reminded him of all that it took to get him to the pyramids: "Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears. That's where I am, and that's where your treasure is." Signup and view all the answers

Who approaches Santiago as he digs in the sand, and what did they do?

Refugees from the tribal war searching for money. They forced him to keep digging and then nearly beat him to death. Signup and view all the answers

What story does one attacker tell Santiago?

He tells the exact story we see at the opening of the book. Signup and view all the answers

After the attackers leave, why does Santiago begin to laugh?

Santiago laughs because he realizes his true treasure was home all along. He traveled for years only to find out his treasure was right in front of him. Signup and view all the answers

What ONE lesson do you think was the most important for Santiago to learn? Why?

I think the most important lesson for Santiago to learn was the one taught by Melchizedek: to see all the marvels of the world and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon. Santiago traveled so far only to find that his true goal was his starting point. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Santiago's Backstory

Santiago is a shepherd boy introduced while he seeks a place to sleep.
He has recurring dreams, which sets the plot in motion.

Setting and Plans

The story begins in Andalusia, Spain.
Santiago's parents wish for him to become a priest, but he chooses the life of a traveling shepherd.

Dreams and Omens

Santiago consults an old woman in Tarifa about his recurring dream and must pay her 1/10th of the treasure he seeks.
Encounters Melchizedek, a biblical figure, who instills the concept of pursuing Personal Legends and encourages him to follow omens.

Personal Legends and Learning

Personal Legends are stated as individual goals everyone wishes to achieve; few attain them due to various influences.
The old man emphasizes that omens are divine guidance along one's path.

Gifts and Wisdom

Santiago receives Urim and Thummim, stones symbolizing guidance.
A lesson on happiness involves appreciating life’s wonders while being mindful of one's responsibilities.

Journey to Africa

Santiago travels to Africa, experiencing cultural differences with unique customs and languages.
He is robbed shortly after arriving, emphasizing vulnerability in a foreign land.

Encounters and Growth

His first interaction with the crystal merchant highlights the theme of taking risks and pursuing dreams.
He teaches the merchant that ignoring opportunities leads to regret.

The Alchemist and Transformation

The Englishman seeks the Philosopher's Stone and shares knowledge about the Soul of the World, connecting all living things.
The Alchemist observes Santiago's potential and provides tests to harness his abilities, including transforming into wind.

Events in the Oasis

The oasis is depicted as a vibrant place, crucial for Santiago's learning and growth.
Santiago learns the language of the world through love, represented in his relationship with Fatima.

Trials and Tests

Predicted events, such as an attack on the oasis, showcase Santiago's role as a visionary.
The Alchemist sets a test for Santiago, emphasizing self-discovery and the realization of his potential.

Santiago's Reflection and Homecoming

The phrase "true treasure is home" summarizes Santiago's ultimate revelation.
Santiago endures hardship but emerges with wisdom about his journey and personal desires.

Important Lessons

The narrative emphasizes the significance of listening to one's heart, the idea that everyone plays a vital role in the universe, and the value of understanding the sublime alongside personal goals.
The conclusion reaffirms the transformative nature of Santiago’s journey, underscoring that the journey itself enriches one's understanding and perspective on life.

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Description

This quiz features guided study questions designed to enhance your understanding of 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. Each flashcard prompts you to think critically about the characters, setting, and themes introduced throughout the story. Perfect for studying or revising key elements of the text.