The Alchemist Vocabulary Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Tone' refer to in The Alchemist?

A suspenseful narrative style

An ancient myth or fable that is simple, direct, and overtly didactic (correct)

A modern poetic approach

A complex philosophical argument

Who is the narrator of The Alchemist?

An anonymous omniscient observer

What is the Point of View used in The Alchemist?

Third person omniscient

What is the Tense of The Alchemist?

Past tense Signup and view all the answers

The setting of The Alchemist includes ________.

Spanish pastures, the Spanish town of Tarifa, the city of Tangier in North Africa, and the Sahara desert Signup and view all the answers

Who is the protagonist of The Alchemist?

Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd Signup and view all the answers

What is the Major Conflict in The Alchemist?

Santiago's personal tension between completing his Personal Legend and settling for lesser treasures Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rising Action in The Alchemist involve?

Material sacrifices to pursue his Personal Legend to reach the pyramids of Egypt Signup and view all the answers

What is the Climax of The Alchemist?

Santiago struggles to turn himself into the wind while being held by warring tribesmen in the Sahara Desert Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the Falling Action of The Alchemist?

Santiago arrives at the pyramids and learns that his treasure was buried in an abandoned church in Spain Signup and view all the answers

What are the main Themes in The Alchemist?

The Centrality of Personal Legends; The Unity of Nature; The Danger of Fear Signup and view all the answers

What Motifs are present in The Alchemist?

Dreams; Maktub; Omens Signup and view all the answers

What are some Symbols found in The Alchemist?

Santiago's Sheep; Alchemy; The Desert Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Foreshadowing in The Alchemist?

Santiago's initial dream of the pyramids under the sycamore tree foreshadows finding treasure there. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Terminology and Definitions

Tone: Resembles an ancient myth or fable; characterized by simplicity, directness, and a didactic approach.
Narrator: An anonymous, omniscient observer with a simple tone, knowledgeable about the thoughts and emotions of each character.
Point of View: Utilizes third person omniscient perspective, mostly centered on the protagonist Santiago's experiences.
Tense: The narrative is presented in the past tense.
Setting: Set in an indistinct past, indicative of a pre-modern era, spanning locations like Spanish pastures, Tarifa, Tangier, and the Sahara Desert.

Characters

Protagonist: Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd, embodies the quest for his Personal Legend.

Plot Elements

Major Conflict: Santiago faces a personal struggle to fulfill his Personal Legend by traveling to Egypt for treasure, while tempted to settle for the smaller rewards gained along the journey.
Rising Action: Involves material sacrifices made by Santiago as he dedicates himself to pursuing his Personal Legend towards the pyramids.
Climax: Santiago's pivotal moment occurs when he attempts to transform himself into the wind while captured by warring tribesmen in the Sahara Desert.
Falling Action: Santiago reaches the pyramids but discovers he must return to Spain to unearth the treasure hidden beneath the sycamore tree where his journey began.

Themes and Motifs

Themes:
- Centrality of Personal Legends: The importance of pursuing one's dreams and ambitions.
- Unity of Nature: Interconnectedness of life and the natural world.
- Danger of Fear: Insights on how fear can hinder the pursuit of one's goals.
Motifs:
- Dreams serve as a guiding force.
- Concept of "Maktub" emphasizes fate or destiny.
- Omens provide signs that guide characters on their journeys.

Symbols and Foreshadowing

Symbols:
- Santiago's Sheep represent innocence and the pastoral life he leaves behind.
- Alchemy symbolizes personal transformation and the pursuit of one’s goals.
- The Desert represents the trials and challenges faced during personal quests.
Foreshadowing:
- Santiago's dream of pyramids beneath the sycamore foreshadows the treasure’s location.
- Melchizedek's reference to "beginner's luck" hints at Santiago’s forthcoming success.
- Encounters with various tribes in the desert foreshadow conflicts that will arise.
- Santiago's envy of the wind prefigures his climactic transformation attempt during the climax.

Description

Explore key vocabulary from 'The Alchemist' with these flashcards. This quiz covers important literary terms such as tone, narrator, and point of view. Test your understanding and enhance your comprehension of this classic novel.