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Questions and Answers
The Alchemist Part
- In the Prologue, which mythic figure is the alchemist reading about?
a. Pandora
b. Leda
c. Narcissus
d. Echo
- In the story in the Prologue, the lake been transformed into
a. A dry bed
b. Salty tears
c. Flames
d. Narcissus' image
- In the abandoned church, a giant sycamore tree grows in the spot where what stood?
a. The nave
b. The altar
c. The sacristy
d. The apse
- When Santiago wakes, he talks to the sheep about
a. Melchizedek
b. The wool merchant's daughter
c. Fatima
d. His Personal Legend
- How does Santiago feel when the dream interpreter takes his hands and begins chanting?
a. Inspired
b. Angry
c. Nervous
d. Calm 6. What gives Santiago solace from his fears?
a. The Gypsy prayer
b. An image of Jesus
c. Memories of his dream
d. An image of Mary
- After listening to the dream, the dream interpreter asks for what percentage of Santiago's treasure when he finds it?
a. 15
b. 25
c. 50
d. 10
- What is Santiago doing in Tarifa when an old man approaches him?
a. Watching his flock
b. Sleeping
c. Reading
d. Eating
- In section one of The Alchemist, how did Santiago learn to read?
a. He spent his childhood years in the seminary
b. He used to travel with someone who taught him
c. The 'girl' taught him to read the previous year
d. He grew up in a rich family where he was tutored his entire life
Discuss with your Partners the answers for these questions and write your notes.
-
What is the geographical setting at the beginning of the novel?
-
What do Santiago's parents plan for him, and how does he change that plan?
-
Recall a dream you have had. What makes this dream especially
memorable? Do you think Dreams have deeper "meaning"?
- What is the symbolic meaning of Santiago's sheep?
Study Notes
The Alchemist Part 1
Prologue and Introduction
- The alchemist is reading about Narcissus, a mythic figure, in the Prologue.
- The lake in the story is transformed into Narcissus' image.
Santiago's Journey Begins
- Santiago talks to his sheep about his Personal Legend after waking up in the abandoned church.
- A giant sycamore tree grows in the spot where the sacristy stood in the abandoned church.
- Santiago feels nervous when the dream interpreter takes his hands and begins chanting.
The Dream Interpreter
- The dream interpreter asks for 10% of Santiago's treasure when he finds it.
- Santiago meets an old man, Melchizedek, while watching his flock in Tarifa.
Santiago's Background
- Santiago learned to read because a 'girl' taught him the previous year.
- Santiago's parents plan for him to become a priest, but he changes that plan by becoming a shepherd.
Symbolism and Dreams
- Santiago's sheep symbolize his ordinary life and responsibilities.
- The dream Santiago had is especially memorable because it is a recurring dream that has been haunting him.
- The dream may have deeper "meaning" and could be a sign of his Personal Legend.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first part of Paulo Coelho's novel, The Alchemist. Answer questions about the Prologue, Santiago's journey, and his encounters with various characters. Reflect on the themes and symbolism in the story.
