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.
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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.
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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.
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According to Melchizedek, dreams are the language of the ______.
According to Melchizedek, dreams are the language of the ______.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 ______.'
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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 ______.
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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.
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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 ______.
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Santiago's ______ is what drives him to continue his quest.
Santiago's ______ is what drives him to continue his quest.
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Santiago's initial attraction to the merchant's daughter lacks a ______ element.
Santiago's initial attraction to the merchant's daughter lacks a ______ element.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The repetition of _______________ reinforces the Biblical tone of The Alchemist.
The repetition of _______________ reinforces the Biblical tone of The Alchemist.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Description
Explore the themes of true love, fate, and personal legend in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, including Santiago and Fatima's relationship.
