Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Santiago?
Who is Santiago?
a shepherd boy
What is strange about Santiago's dream?
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?
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?
What is the geological setting of this part of the story?
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What did Santiago's parents plan for him, and how did he change it?
What did Santiago's parents plan for him, and how did he change it?
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What does Santiago plan to do in Tarifa?
What does Santiago plan to do in Tarifa?
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What group is stereotyped and how is this group described?
What group is stereotyped and how is this group described?
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What is the price of Santiago's consultation with the old woman?
What is the price of Santiago's consultation with the old woman?
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What is the world's greatest lie and how does it irritate Melchizedek?
What is the world's greatest lie and how does it irritate Melchizedek?
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What does Melchizedek want in payment for helping Santiago?
What does Melchizedek want in payment for helping Santiago?
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How does Melchizedek convince Santiago of his power?
How does Melchizedek convince Santiago of his power?
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How does Melchizedek explain the concept of Personal Legend to Santiago?
How does Melchizedek explain the concept of Personal Legend to Santiago?
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How does the old man explain why few people attain their Personal Legend?
How does the old man explain why few people attain their Personal Legend?
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What reason does Melchizedek give for demanding payment for one tenth of Santiago's flock?
What reason does Melchizedek give for demanding payment for one tenth of Santiago's flock?
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What fundamental change would Santiago have to make if he decides to seek his Personal Legend?
What fundamental change would Santiago have to make if he decides to seek his Personal Legend?
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What does Melchizedek tell Santiago to follow?
What does Melchizedek tell Santiago to follow?
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Why does Melchizedek let Santiago see the golden breastplate and what does he give to him?
Why does Melchizedek let Santiago see the golden breastplate and what does he give to him?
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Where do we next see Santiago?
Where do we next see Santiago?
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What does Santiago learn about the local people, their customs, and their faith?
What does Santiago learn about the local people, their customs, and their faith?
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What happens when Santiago follows his new friend to the marketplace and what story for this echoes?
What happens when Santiago follows his new friend to the marketplace and what story for this echoes?
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What is Santiago's reaction when he realizes he has been fooled and robbed?
What is Santiago's reaction when he realizes he has been fooled and robbed?
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What helps Santiago change his outlook during his frustration?
What helps Santiago change his outlook during his frustration?
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Why is Santiago's 'conversation' with the candy seller important?
Why is Santiago's 'conversation' with the candy seller important?
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What was Santiago's first exchange with the crystal merchant and what did they learn from each other?
What was Santiago's first exchange with the crystal merchant and what did they learn from each other?
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What does Santiago say he needs money for and what does this tell the reader?
What does Santiago say he needs money for and what does this tell the reader?
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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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.