Podcast
Questions and Answers
Fatima's love does not prevent Santiago from pursuing his ______.
Fatima's love does not prevent Santiago from pursuing his ______.
Personal Legend
According to the shopkeeper, our paths are ______ or maktub.
According to the shopkeeper, our paths are ______ or maktub.
pre-ordained
Melchizedek gives Santiago two stones called ______ to guide him in his journey.
Melchizedek gives Santiago two stones called ______ to guide him in his journey.
Urim and Thummim
Santiago's dream of finding treasure at the base of the ______ sets him on his journey.
Santiago's dream of finding treasure at the base of the ______ sets him on his journey.
The goal of life is to live in harmony with what is ______ for one.
The goal of life is to live in harmony with what is ______ for one.
One of the main themes of The Alchemist is that true ______ never gets in the way of living one's life to the fullest.
One of the main themes of The Alchemist is that true ______ never gets in the way of living one's life to the fullest.
According to Melchizedek, dreams are the language of the ______.
According to Melchizedek, dreams are the language of the ______.
Santiago rejects the idea that the secret of alchemy is complex and believes he can learn everything he needs to know about alchemy through his ______ life.
Santiago rejects the idea that the secret of alchemy is complex and believes he can learn everything he needs to know about alchemy through his ______ life.
Santiago meets a girl at the ______ oasis who makes him question his quest.
Santiago meets a girl at the ______ oasis who makes him question his quest.
The theme of ______ is linked to the theme of fate in the story.
The theme of ______ is linked to the theme of fate in the story.
Melchizedek says, 'When you want something, all the universe is conspiring to help you achieve ______.'
Melchizedek says, 'When you want something, all the universe is conspiring to help you achieve ______.'
The problem is focusing one's energy on determining what it is that one really ______.
The problem is focusing one's energy on determining what it is that one really ______.
Santiago's love for Fatima is described as having a ______ element to it.
Santiago's love for Fatima is described as having a ______ element to it.
The main problem is that as humans and adults, we strive to make things more complex than they really ______.
The main problem is that as humans and adults, we strive to make things more complex than they really ______.
Santiago's ______ is what drives him to continue his quest.
Santiago's ______ is what drives him to continue his quest.
Santiago's initial attraction to the merchant's daughter lacks a ______ element.
Santiago's initial attraction to the merchant's daughter lacks a ______ element.
In The Alchemist, dreams represent not only an outlet into one’s inner desires, but also a form of communication with the _______________ of the World.
In The Alchemist, dreams represent not only an outlet into one’s inner desires, but also a form of communication with the _______________ of the World.
Santiago’s dream of a treasure in Egypt reveals to him his _______________ Legend and sets the entire plot of the Alchemist into motion.
Santiago’s dream of a treasure in Egypt reveals to him his _______________ Legend and sets the entire plot of the Alchemist into motion.
The importance of actual, sleeping dreams parallels the importance of personal, symbolic dreams as embodied by _______________ Legends.
The importance of actual, sleeping dreams parallels the importance of personal, symbolic dreams as embodied by _______________ Legends.
The repetition of _______________ reinforces the Biblical tone of The Alchemist.
The repetition of _______________ reinforces the Biblical tone of The Alchemist.
As Santiago learns, fate always cooperates with those in pursuit of their _______________ Legends, so as long as he remains focused on his goal.
As Santiago learns, fate always cooperates with those in pursuit of their _______________ Legends, so as long as he remains focused on his goal.
Many of the characters that Santiago meets during his journey use the word _______________, which means “it is written”.
Many of the characters that Santiago meets during his journey use the word _______________, which means “it is written”.
The word _______________ typically appears just as Santiago is about to turn to a new chapter in his quest, usually by taking a big risk or abandoning a comfortable situation.
The word _______________ typically appears just as Santiago is about to turn to a new chapter in his quest, usually by taking a big risk or abandoning a comfortable situation.
Santiago understands that his destiny has already been written in the history of the world, and that fate always cooperates with those in pursuit of their _______________ Legends.
Santiago understands that his destiny has already been written in the history of the world, and that fate always cooperates with those in pursuit of their _______________ Legends.
Study Notes
Themes of The Alchemist
- True love never gets in the way of living one's life to the fullest
- Fate, or Personal Legend, is pre-ordained and one's goal is to live in harmony with it
- Happiness depends on harmony with one's Personal Legend
Fatima and Santiago's Relationship
- Fatima's love does not prevent Santiago from pursuing his fate
- She is part of Santiago's fate and does not stand in the way of his Personal Legend
- This is an example of true love in the novel
The Concept of Fate
- Maktub, or "it is written," is a refrain used by characters to remind Santiago of his fate
- Fate always cooperates with those in pursuit of their Personal Legends
- One's goal is to live in harmony with fate and focus on determining what one really wants
Dreams
- Dreams are a way to communicate with the Soul of the World and understand one's Personal Legend
- Dreams represent not only one's inner desires but also a form of communication with the universe
- Believing in dreams creates a dividing line between "enlightened" and "unenlightened" characters in the novel
Motifs
- Dreams and Personal Legends are intertwined, with dreams revealing one's Personal Legend
- Santiago's dream of a treasure in Egypt sets the entire plot of the Alchemist into motion
Important Entities
- Melchizedek: gives Santiago Umim and Thummim, two stones to help him read omens
- Fatima: represents true love and is part of Santiago's fate
- The Englishman: travels with Santiago through the desert and discusses alchemy
- The Crystal Merchant: explains the concept of maktub and its significance
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the themes of true love, fate, and personal legend in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, including Santiago and Fatima's relationship.
