The Alchemist Key Characters and Concepts

Questions and Answers

What is the reason the Crystal Merchant does not go to Mecca?

He would have nothing else to live for.

What is the Englishman's Personal Legend?

To find the alchemist.

This man claimed to be over 5,000 years old.

Melchizedek/The King of Salem.

Who is Fatima named after?

The Prophet Muhammad's Daughter. Signup and view all the answers

The person that taught the boy about the 'language without words' is?

The Candy Seller. Signup and view all the answers

A group of people traveling through the desert on camels is a?

Caravan. Signup and view all the answers

What distracted Santiago in the market, leading him to being robbed?

A beautiful scimitar (sword). Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle that governs all things?

'The soul of the world'. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Santiago's treasure really hidden?

In Spain, under a sycamore tree in an abandoned church. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MASTERWORK?

The philosopher's stone and the elixir of life. Signup and view all the answers

What country is Santiago from?

Spain. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Santiago's treasure 'is'?

The Egyptian Pyramids. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Santiago meet the old woman and the King of Salem?

Tarifa, Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first city in Africa Santiago visits?

Tangier, Morocco. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Santiago meet the Alchemist and Fatima?

The al-Fayoum Oasis. Signup and view all the answers

What is Santiago's vision in the desert?

Two hawks fighting, representing an army invading the oasis. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Leader of the invaders killed?

Hanged from a dead palm tree. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the Alchemist and Santiago when they are traveling to the Pyramids?

They are captured by tribesmen and accused of being spies. Signup and view all the answers

How does Santiago want to improve the crystal shop?

Serve tea in crystal and build a display. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing Santiago says to Fatima?

I love you and want to marry you. Signup and view all the answers

What is your 'personal legend'?

Your destiny. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Maktub' mean?

'It is written'. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Alchemist tell the truth about having the MASTERWORK on him?

Because when you possess a great treasure within you and try telling others of them, they seldom believe you. Signup and view all the answers

What is the moral of 'the centurion' story?

Because everyone on earth is important and we all change history in some way or another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the moral of 'the emerald story'?

Don't ever give up, when you least expect something, is when you get it. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the chieftains believe Santiago about his dream?

They always observe the tradition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate outcome of fulfilling your personal legend?

Feeling content and satisfied. Have your life fulfilled. Signup and view all the answers

What is Santiago's personal legend?

Find treasure and travel. Signup and view all the answers

What is Melchizedek's personal legend?

Help others with their personal legends. Signup and view all the answers

What is the candy seller's personal legend?

To sell candy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Crystal Merchant's personal legend?

To go to Mecca. He did not complete his personal legend. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Camel Driver's personal legend?

Go to Mecca. Signup and view all the answers

What was Fatima's personal legend?

Find love. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Their Legends

Crystal Merchant is reluctant to go to Mecca because he would lose his sense of purpose.
Englishman seeks to find the alchemist as part of his personal legend.
Melchizedek, also known as The King of Salem, claims to be over 5,000 years old.
Fatima is named after the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Significant Concepts and Events

The "language without words" is taught to Santiago by the Candy Seller, emphasizing communication beyond speech.
A caravan refers to a group traveling through the desert on camels, indicating a sense of community on journeys.
Santiago is distracted by a beautiful scimitar in the market, leading to his being robbed.

Santiago's Journey and Locations

Santiago's treasure is ultimately hidden under a sycamore tree in an abandoned church in Spain, despite initial belief it lies in the Egyptian Pyramids.
Santiago meets the old woman and Melchizedek in Tarifa, Spain, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.
The first African city Santiago visits is Tangier, Morocco, where he experiences new cultures.
Santiago encounters the Alchemist and Fatima at the al-Fayoum Oasis.

Key Themes and Lessons

"The soul of the world" represents the principle governing all things, highlighting interconnectedness.
"Maktub" translates to "It is written," suggesting fate or destiny plays a significant role in life.
The moral of the centurion story conveys that every person is important and influences history.
The emerald story teaches persistence, emphasizing that rewards often come when least expected.

Santiago's Personal Growth

Santiago aims to improve the crystal shop by serving tea in crystal and building attractive displays, illustrating his ambition.
His personal legend is to find treasure and travel, showcasing his quest for fulfillment.
By fulfilling one's personal legend, an individual achieves contentment and life satisfaction.

Challenges and Conflicts

Santiago has a prophetic vision of two hawks fighting, symbolizing an impending invasion of the oasis.
The leader of the invaders is hanged from a dead palm tree, marking a brutal end to a conflict.
Santiago and the Alchemist are captured by tribesmen who mistake them for spies during their journey to the Pyramids.

Relationships and Affections

Santiago expresses his love for Fatima by saying, "I love you and want to marry you," signifying the importance of love in personal fulfillment.
Various personal legends of secondary characters emphasize diverse aspirations, such as the camel drivers and the Crystal Merchant who failed to fulfill his own legend of going to Mecca.

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Description

Explore the key characters and significant events from Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist'. This quiz delves into Santiago's journey, the legends of Crystal Merchant, Englishman, and Melchizedek, as well as important themes such as communication and the pursuit of personal legends. Test your understanding of these crucial elements in this enlightening tale.