The Alchemist Part 1 Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who is Santiago?

a shepherd boy

What is strange about Santiago's dream?

He had the same dream repeatedly of a young child bringing him to Egypt to show him treasure, but he wakes up before the dream ends.

Where is Santiago going?

to the merchant's shop to get his sheep sheared for their wool to earn money

What is the geological setting of this part of the story?

Andalusia: hilly region in Spain Signup and view all the answers

What did Santiago's parents plan for him, and how did he change it?

He went to a seminary to become a priest but then he worked up the courage to tell his parents that he would rather travel the world as a shepherd. Signup and view all the answers

What does Santiago plan to do in Tarifa?

get a haircut and shave, exchange his book for a new one, and fill his wine bottle Signup and view all the answers

What group is stereotyped and how is this group described?

Gypsies are seen as tricksters, slavers, and kidnappers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the price of Santiago's consultation with the old woman?

one tenth of his treasure when he finds it Signup and view all the answers

What is the world's greatest lie and how does it irritate Melchizedek?

That at certain parts of our lives we lose control of what's happening to us and our lives become controlled by fate, and that people are unable to control their own personal legends. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melchizedek want in payment for helping Santiago?

1/10 of his flock Signup and view all the answers

How does Melchizedek convince Santiago of his power?

by writing the names of Santiago's parents, seminary, and the girl he's in love with in the sand Signup and view all the answers

How does Melchizedek explain the concept of Personal Legend to Santiago?

"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish." Signup and view all the answers

How does the old man explain why few people attain their Personal Legend?

because they are concerned about what other people will think about them and distracted by the daily routine of life Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Melchizedek give for demanding payment for one tenth of Santiago's flock?

paying people with goods and sacrificing causes you to work harder to accomplish the goal Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental change would Santiago have to make if he decides to seek his Personal Legend?

He would have to quit his job of being a shepherd and give up the girl he loves. Signup and view all the answers

What does Melchizedek tell Santiago to follow?

the omens and his dreams Signup and view all the answers

Why does Melchizedek let Santiago see the golden breastplate and what does he give to him?

so that he would believe that he was a king and be convinced of his power. He gave him two stones (Urim, Thummim) the black signifying yes and the white signifying no to help him read the omens Signup and view all the answers

Where do we next see Santiago?

in a bar in Tangier Signup and view all the answers

What does Santiago learn about the local people, their customs, and their faith?

There are many Muslims; no alcohol is permitted. Many speak Arabic and Spanish. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Santiago follows his new friend to the marketplace and what story for this echoes?

his friend steals all of his money and leaves. This echoes the story of the boy with the oil. Signup and view all the answers

What is Santiago's reaction when he realizes he has been fooled and robbed?

he is devastated and thinks that his dream is over and he feels ashamed that he let it happen Signup and view all the answers

What helps Santiago change his outlook during his frustration?

he feels comfort as he feels as though Melchizedek is still with him guiding him along the journey and causes him to persevere (fall 7 times and get up 8) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Santiago's 'conversation' with the candy seller important?

he believes that if he can learn to understand the language without words, then he can learn to understand the world itself (language with everyone despite the language barrier) Signup and view all the answers

What was Santiago's first exchange with the crystal merchant and what did they learn from each other?

Santiago offers to clean the crystal in exchange for a meal. They both needed to cleanse their thoughts; good omen: offers job to him, Santiago never thought about the difficulty of the journey he was taking. Signup and view all the answers

What does Santiago say he needs money for and what does this tell the reader?

he says he needs money for various preparations, which indicates his desire to pursue his dreams. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Santiago's Background

Santiago is a shepherd boy from Andalusia, Spain, who dreams of adventure and treasure.
He has a recurring dream of a child leading him to treasure in Egypt but often wakes up before the end.

Journey and Aspirations

Planning to get his sheep sheared to earn money, Santiago visits the merchant's shop.
Initially, his parents intended for him to become a priest; Santiago, however, chose the path of a shepherd to explore the world.

Encounter with Melchizedek

Santiago meets Melchizedek, who introduces the concept of Personal Legend as one’s lifelong goal.
Santiago must give Melchizedek one-tenth of his treasure as payment for guidance.
Melchizedek demonstrates his power by accurately naming details from Santiago's life.

Personal Legend Insights

Many fail to achieve their Personal Legend due to fear, societal opinions, and distractions from daily life.
Following omens and dreams is crucial in the pursuit of one's Personal Legend.

Santiago's Transformation

Santiago contemplates the sacrifices needed to pursue his dreams, including his job and love.
Melchizedek gifts Santiago two stones, Urim and Thummim, to help interpret omens—black for yes and white for no.

Tangier Experience

In Tangier, Santiago observes local customs, including the dominance of Islam and the Arabic language.
He is robbed by a friend upon following him to the marketplace, reflecting the lesson of being naive.

Resilience and Learning

Santiago's initial despair leads to a renewed perspective as he recalls Melchizedek's guiding words.
He learns the importance of non-verbal communication through an interaction with a candy seller, realizing that understanding transcends language.

Crystal Merchant's Influence

Santiago offers to clean the crystal merchant's goods for a meal; both learn valuable lessons about ambition and self-reflection.
The experience emphasizes the need for clarity in thoughts and the importance of pursuing dreams amidst challenges.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the first part of 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. This quiz covers key characters, themes, and events, focusing on Santiago's journey and dreams. Perfect for students and fans of the book.