Section 2: Pages 51 - 90

Signposts:

  1. Aha Moment - Santiago's "aha moment" on page 58 is when he realizes what he has accomplished and is proud of himself for it. Even though we know that Santiago has a greater treasure to find, I think it is still important to recognize that he sees what he has accomplished so far as a treasure. He was proud that he learned about crystal, about the wordless language, and about omens, and believed his prize was to be in Africa, to have met the thief, and been able to double his flock without spending any money. As he is thinking about returning home, he even says that he is excited "about the day when he would disembark at Tarifa as a winner" (58). This is not only an "aha moment" for Santiago, but another lesson for the reader to be happy and proud of what we accomplish, even if we have not yet met our Personal Legend. 
  2. Words of the Wise - Throughout this section, there are many instances where Santiago learns something from another character. I think that the most important one is when he talks to the Englishman about alchemy and the Soul of the World. Santiago does not necessarily see the importance of the experiments of alchemy, but he sees the relationship between the studies and what he sees in the world around him. I also really liked what Santiago said was one of the main things he learned from his interaction with the Englishman, which was "'Everyone has his or her own way of learning things ... His way isn't the same as mine, nor mine as his. But we're both in search of our Personal Legends, and I respect him for that'" (86).

Reflection:

My favorite part of the book so far is the blending of cultures. Teachings from Christianity and Islam are included and intertwined along with the ideas of fate, coincidences, Personal Legends, and the Soul of the World from alchemy. There is also the descriptions of so many people from many different cultures, such as the Englishman, the Arab crystal merchant and camel drivers, and then Spanish Santiago. I love seeing how the different people, cultures, and beliefs can be intertwined and told in one story so seamlessly. It feels as though what the camel driver said is true, that "our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand" (79).

Discussion Questions:

  • Why did Coelho write The Alchemist less like a story, and more like a series of teachings a character experiences? 
  • Why did Coelho decide for Santiago to meet so many "mentor" characters throughout his journey, instead of being advised by one, like many other Hero's Journey stories?
  • At this point in the story, what is the main reason Santiago decides to continue to the pyramids?


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