Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

Close Reading Organizer - Part Two Sample Answers

Directions: Read each summary entry and think about which themes listed in the Themes Key apply
to it, then color in those themes in the Theme Tracker. Next, write a few sentences of Analysis to
explain how the themes you chose apply to each summary section.

Note: There is not always a definitive set of “correct” answers for which themes should appear in the Theme Tracker.
Answers that differ from the ones we propose below should therefore not automatically be treated as incorrect, and in
fact can serve as great discussion starters.

Themes Key
1 The Pursuit of Your Personal Legend
2 Maktub and What is Meant to Be
3 The Interconnectedness of All Things
4 Alchemy and the Value of Simplicity
5 The Unimportance of Death and Fear

Summary Theme Tracker Your Analysis

Santiago has now been Santiago is not satisfied with

working for the crystal working for the crystal
merchant for almost a merchant and the slow pace of
month. It is not the kind of job income. He is naturally a
that makes him happy, but he curious and innovative person,
sticks with it because the as evidenced by his willingness
merchant treats him fairly. make a drastic life change and
Santiago calculates that if he his desire to travel and see new
continues to work for the things. The crystal merchant,
merchant, it will take a whole by contrast, maintains his
year to earn the money to buy 1 2 3 4 5 stubborn commitment to how
a flock of sheep. He then he has always done things—he
comes to the crystal merchant is clearly unsatisfied in terms of
with an idea. He proposes his Personal Legend.
building a display case for the
crystal that could be placed
outside to attract the attention
of people passing by. The
merchant worries that the
case will get bumped and the
crystal will get broken.

1
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

The crystal merchant tells The crystal merchant works as

Santiago that business has a character foil for Santiago,
improved, and soon Santiago showing the pitfalls of hanging
will be able to return to his onto the past and not moving
sheep. Why, he wonders, forward. Santiago is innovative
would Santiago ask any more and restless for change here,
from life? Santiago says that but he has also been
they must follow omens. The sidetracked from his own
merchant understands what Personal Legend. He is
the boy is saying, because unwilling to admit his interest in
Santiago's very presence in 1 2 3 4 5 the pyramids to the merchant,
the shop is an omen. The which shows that he is
crystal merchant asks Santiago unwilling to admit their
why he wants to get to the importance to himself.
pyramids. Santiago says only
that he wanted to visit
because he's heard so much
about them. He tells the
crystal merchant that he must
have never had dreams of
travel.

Two days later, the crystal 1 2 3 4 5 The crystal merchant doesn’t

merchant speaks to like change, and he knows that
Santiago about the display. Santiago’s ideas will change his
He says that he does not like business and disrupt what has
change. He asks Santiago why become the norm for him.
he thinks they should build the Santiago now starts quoting
display. Santiago says that he Melchizedek and passing on his
wants to get back to his sheep words to others (here
faster and that they should discussing the “principle of
take advantage of the favorability”). The crystal
situation, as luck is on their merchant is clearly a devout
side. He calls that the Muslim and passionate about
“principle of favorability,” or his faith, as he cries just talking
beginner’s luck. The crystal about the Prophet Muhammad.
merchant tells Santiago that,
in the Koran, God gave every
person just five obligations to
satisfy. They are: believing in
God, praying five times a day,
fasting during Ramadan, and
being charitable to the poor.
Tears come to the crystal
merchant’s eyes as he speaks

2
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

about the Prophet

(Muhammad, but unnamed
here).

Santiago asks what the fifth The fifth obligation of Islam

obligation is. The crystal presents a problem for the
merchant says that the fifth merchant, and we see why he
obligation is a pilgrimage to purposefully left it off his list.
Mecca. He says that when he The merchant now reveals what
was young, all he wanted was seems to be his own Personal
to make enough money so 1 2 3 4 5 Legend (traveling to Mecca),
that he could travel to Mecca. while also admitting that he
While he has been working in could pursue it, but hasn’t yet.
his shop, he has met travelers
on the way to Mecca, and
some are much poorer than
he.

Santiago wonders why the The idea of Mecca has become

crystal merchant does not such a key force in the
go to Mecca now. The crystal merchant’s life that he is afraid
merchant explains that it's the of removing its influence by
thought of Mecca that keeps actually fulfilling his dream. This
him alive. He is afraid that if anxiety about fulfilling a dream
his dream is realized, he’ll and worrying that it won’t meet
have no reason to go on living. his expectations is preventing
He says that he just wants to 1 2 3 4 5 the merchant from realizing his
dream about Mecca, and not Personal Legend.
actually achieve his dream. He
is afraid it would be a
disappointment to reach the
holy city, and therefore prefers
to simply dream. But he gives
Santiago permission to build
the outdoor display.

Two more months pass and 1 2 3 4 5 The shop is more successful

the display brings many with Santiago’s innovation, but
people into the crystal shop. Santiago still focuses his
Santiago estimates that if he dreams for the future on buying
works for six more months he more sheep and returning
can return to Spain and by home. He also twists
sixty sheep. Now Egypt is just Melchizedek’s advice in his mind
a distant dream for him, and to support his new desires and
he has become happy in his justify his actions to himself.
work. He remembers that

3
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

Melchizedek said you must

always know what it is you
want, and Santiago feels that
he knows what he wants and
is working toward it. He's
proud of himself: he has
learned how to deal with
crystal, he has learned about a
language that transcends
words, and he has learned
about omens.

One day, Santiago overhears Although Santiago has strayed

a man in the street from his Personal Legend, he
complaining that it is has learned from Melchizedek
impossible to find a decent how to value omens. He
place to get something to realizes that speech or a person
drink after the steep climb up can present an omen—not just
the hill. The boy sees this as a dream or a physical sign.
an omen, and he tells the 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago’s intuition and
crystal merchant that they creativity continue to benefit
should also sell tea in their the crystal shop.
shop. They could sell the tea
in the crystal glasses so that
people would buy the tea, and
also be encouraged to buy the
glasses.

The crystal merchant tells 1 2 3 4 5 Again, Santiago meets

Santiago that he's had the resistance from the merchant
shop for so long that he knows when he tries to change the
what will happen if they start way the shop works. Santiago’s
to serve tea: the shop will role as both blessing and curse
expand and it will change the shows the problem with holding
crystal merchant’s way of life. onto the past and fearing
Santiago thinks this must be a change. The merchant was
good thing, but the crystal content in feeling like he had no
merchant disagrees, because control over his life, but when
he is used to the way things he is given clear proof that he
are. The crystal merchant tells does have control, and then he
Santiago that he has been a still refuses to change, he
real blessing to him, but now cannot return to that state of
he has also realized that every contentment again. The
blessing, when it is ignored, merchant sees his own
becomes a curse. In this way, potential reflected in Santiago,
Santiago has become a curse and thus sees only wasted

4
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

because he has presented the potential in himself.

crystal merchant with new
possibilities. Now the crystal
merchant knows the things he
should be able to accomplish,
even though he doesn't want
to do these things.

The crystal merchant The word “maktub” appears

completes their conversation throughout the novel, and
with the word “maktub.” acknowledges the theme of
Santiago asks him what this omens and divine intervention.
means. The crystal merchant It also brings up the idea of
translates it as "it is written.” fate and free will, which for
1 2 3 4 5
He tells the boy that they can Coelho are not contradictory
start selling tea in the crystal concepts. One’s fate might be
glasses. Sometimes there is no “written” by God, but each
way to stop change when it is person still has the freedom to
coming. either choose or reject that
fate.

Customers climb the hill and The move of selling tea in the
are tired when they reach the crystal shop is the perfect
top. They see a crystal shop marketing ploy, reflecting the
which offers fresh mint tea. importance of observing the
When they drink the tea from world around you and listening
the beautiful crystal glasses, to “omens.” This is one of the
1 2 3 4 5
they are impressed and buy lessons repeated throughout
some crystal. Before long the the book.
news spreads, and many
people climb the hill just to
visit the shop that sells both
crystal and tea.

The crystal merchant hires 1 2 3 4 5 Nothing is different about the

two other employees to keep day when Santiago chooses to
up with growing demand. The leave his job at the crystal
months pass. One day shop, but he feels it is the right
Santiago awakes before time. He has not lost his
dawn. It has been more than introspective nature or his
eleven months since he came closeness to the world around
to Africa. He dresses for the him. Santiago has more than
day in Arabian clothing. He enough money to return home
smokes and drinks his morning and buy sheep, and this fact
tea in silence, and when he is suggests that he has been
finished, he reaches into his putting off that journey as well

5
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

pocket and withdraws a —perhaps still unwilling to

bundle of money. It is enough abandon the pyramids.
money to buy one hundred
and twenty sheep, plus a
return ticket to his homeland
and a license to import African
products into his own country.

When the crystal merchant The crystal merchant sees the

wakes up and comes into the truth about Santiago before
shop, Santiago tells him that Santiago has acknowledged it
he is leaving that day. They to himself. Just as he knows his
both have enough money to own character and that he
fulfill their dreams. Santiago won’t go to Mecca, he knows
asks the crystal merchant for Santiago’s character and that
his blessing. The crystal the young man won’t give up
1 2 3 4 5
merchant says that he is proud on his original dream. The
of Santiago, but he says that merchant believes Santiago’s
he is not going to Mecca, just quest is the will of God.
as Santiago is not going to buy
back his sheep. Santiago is
startled, and wonders who told
the merchant this. “Maktub,”
the crystal merchant replies.

Santiago goes to his room It seems like an omen in itself

and packs his belongings, and that at this moment Santiago
as he's leaving he find his old finds the fortune-telling stones
shepherd’s pouch. As he Urim and Thummim—the
removes his jacket from the symbols of letting something
pouch, the stones Urim and other than oneself decide one’s
Thummim fall to the ground, fate. Melchizedek had said that
The stones make Santiago he appears when someone is
remember Melchizedek, and about to give up on his or her
he is startled by how long it Personal Legend, so the fact
has been since he has thought 1 2 3 4 5 that Santiago suddenly feels his
of the old king, and his presence means that Santiago
reminder to never stop is at a crossroads.
dreaming. Santiago picks up
the stones and has a strange
feeling, as if the old king is
nearby. He reflects that his
sheep taught him something
very important: that there was
a language in the world that
everyone understands.

6
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

Santiago remembers that Santiago has partly lost faith in

Melchizedek told him that his Personal Legend because of
when you want something, the the hardships he has endured
universe conspires to help you through losing his money, and
achieve it, but he hadn't said because not everything is as
anything about the hardships easy as Melchizedek had first
that Santiago would face. made it out to be. Santiago and
Santiago picks up his pouch the crystal merchant share
and puts it with his other more than the usual boss-
packed belongings. employee relationship. The fact
Downstairs, he finds the that Santiago leaves without
1 2 3 4 5
crystal merchant helping a saying goodbye suggests a
foreign couple. For the first mutual respect and shared
time, he reflects on the understanding more than a lack
similarities between the crystal of concern or emotion.
merchant and the old king. He
leaves without saying
goodbye, because he does not
want to cry in front of the
clients. He is going to miss the
shop and the things that he
learned there.

Santiago tells himself that he Santiago feels torn between his

is going to return to the fields two dreams, a return to the
he knows and to his flock, but past, or seeking a different
he is not happy with this future. He wonders if the
decision. He wonders if it is crystal merchant’s situation is
better to be like the crystal potentially more desirable than
merchant and never go to trying to follow your Personal
Mecca, or to go through life Legend and failing. Now fear of
trying to realize one’s dream, failure holds Santiago back, but
but failing. But Umin and he overcomes his fear and
Thummim have now reminded decides to focus instead on the
1 2 3 4 5
him of the old king, and positives—the progress he has
Santiago convinces himself made towards his goal.
that he should go to the
pyramids in Egypt, because he
may never have another
chance. Although he is only
two hours from home and a
desert away from the
pyramids, he decides to think
of this in terms of being two
hours closer to his treasure.

7
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

Santiago decides to pursue Santiago’s relief and happiness

his treasure, and suddenly at making this tough decision
feels tremendously happy. He shows that he has made the
reminds himself that he can right one. His Personal Legend
always go back to being a is, after all, something he
shepherd, or that he can desires and wants to achieve,
become a crystal salesman and supposedly something that
again. He seeks out a caravan 1 2 3 4 5 God wants him to achieve as
crossing the desert and he well. He made his decision
holds Urim and Thummim in without Urim and Thummim,
his hand as he does so. He but keeps them near him to
remembers the old king telling remember Melchizedek.
him that he is always nearby
whenever someone wants to
realize his Personal Legend.

Meanwhile, an Englishman is The Englishman’s introduction

sitting on a bench in a reveals his character and
warehouse. As he leafs priorities. He seems to be on a
through his chemical journal, similar quest to Santiago, or at
he tells himself that he least is learning about similar
thought he would never end ideas (like the universal
up in a place like this. He language). He is reading a
believes in omens, and he's chemical journal, reflecting his
working on finding the one new focus on alchemy. His
true language of the universe. 1 2 3 4 5 intensive studies show that he
First he studied Esperanto, believes in learning, but
then world religions, and most primarily in book learning. He
recently alchemy. He feels that doesn’t yet try to learn just by
although he has discovered observing the world around
important truths about him.
alchemy, he is not yet an
alchemist. He hopes to find an
alchemist to serve as his
mentor.

The Englishman has spent 1 2 3 4 5 The Englishman’s quest for the

much of his family's fortune alchemist reintroduces the key
seeking the Philosopher’s character and namesake of the
Stone, which is the Master novel. It is clear already that
Work of all alchemists. Santiago’s path will also cross
Through his research, he Al-Fayoum and the world of the
learned of a famous alchemist alchemist as he journeys to
who is said to have discovered Egypt. The principles of
the Philosopher’s Stone and alchemy, first introduced here,
the Elixir of Life. He learned will be important throughout

8
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

that this alchemist lives in the the novel.

desert, at the Al-Fayoum
oasis, so he decided to go in
search of the alchemist.

As the Englishman is waiting Here we again see Santiago

for the caravan, a young Arab through the eyes of another—
arrives. The Arab boy asks the he has lived in Morocco long
Englishman where he is enough that he looks like a
headed. The Englishman does typical Arab boy. Santiago can
not want to talk, so the boy recognize the Englishman’s
1 2 3 4 5
takes out a book and begins to introverted nature, and
read. The Englishman notices immediately proves himself a
that the boy’s book is written kindred spirit by taking out a
in Spanish, and he is relieved, book of his own instead of
because his Spanish is better pursuing a conversation.
than his Arabic.

Santiago is trying to read the Reading has not been at the

burial scene at the beginning top of Santiago’s list of
of his book. He realizes that he priorities recently, and he is still
has never been able to read reading the first pages of the
past the first few pages of this book he’d had when
book. Instead of reading, Melchizedek first interrupted
Santiago reflects that when he him. Coelho is oddly dismissive
had decided to seek out his of reading, especially as a
1 2 3 4 5
treasure, he actually ended up writer himself. He seems to
working in the crystal shop. value observation and personal
Now he has decided to join a experience above book
desert caravan, but the next learning. Santiago matures in
step of this journey is a accepting that the future will be
mystery to him. Nearby, the a mystery to him, and he will
Englishman is also reading. just have to accept it when it
comes.

Santiago puts away his book 1 2 3 4 5 Urim and Thummim bridge the
and takes out Urim and gap between Santiago and the
Thummim. The Englishman Englishman. Both have the
recognizes the stones, and stones, and understand their
Santiago immediately returns uses. Santiago’s initial desire to
them into his pocket. “They're protect his stones shows that
not for sale,” he tells the he learned his lesson with the
Englishman, who laughingly thief and is not inclined to
says that they're not worth flaunt his possessions. It’s
much, but that those who suggested that the Englishman
know about such things would has also encountered

9
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

immediately have recognized Melchizedek, in one form or

them. Santiago tells him that a another.
king gave the stones to him as
a present. The Englishman
takes a matching pair of
stones out of his pocket.

Santiago says that the It seems strange that Santiago

Englishman must not believe was raised in a Christian society
a king would talk to someone and once studied to become a
like him, a simple shepherd. priest, but he doesn’t know one
The Englishmen says that of the most basic and famous
shepherds were the first to stories of the Bible: the story of
recognize a king when the rest Jesus’s birth. This might be an
of the world did not, so it's not oversight on Coelho’s part, or
surprising that any king would 1 2 3 4 5 just another way of showing
talk to shepherds. He tells how vague and universal
Santiago that this story is in Santiago’s faith is—it’s not
the Bible, and that the Bible is attached to any particular
the same book that taught him doctrine.
about Urim and Thummim. In
the Bible, priests would carry
these stones embedded in
their golden breastplates.

The Englishman tells The idea of universal language

Santiago that there is a appears throughout this novel.
universal language already Santiago has already observed
understood by everybody. He the existence of this language,
1 2 3 4 5
says he is in search of that and witnessed its potential. He
language, and hopes to find and the Englishman are on
an alchemist in the desert similar quests.
who can teach him more.

The warehouse boss arrives, 1 2 3 4 5 The Englishman also speaks of

interrupting Santiago and omens, a sign that Santiago’s
the Englishman’s preparation for this quest—
conversation. He tells them receiving Urim and Thummim,
that there's a caravan leaving learning about omens—aligns
today for Al-Fayoum. The closely with the teachings of
Englishman says that this must alchemy. Santiago willingly tells
be a good luck omen. He feels the Englishman the truth about
it was no coincidence that he his quest, which shows that he
met Santiago, who also had believes in it once more.
Urim and Thummim with him.
Santiago tells the Englishman

10
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

that he is looking for a

treasure. The Englishman
responds that in a certain way,
he is doing the same. Santiago
admits to the Englishman that
he doesn't know what alchemy
is.

The leader of the caravan This scene again emphasizes

introduces himself to the the importance of religion in the
people who will be novel. Religion is often a
accompanying him across the divisive force in the world, but
desert. There are about two here Coelho suggests that it
hundred people and four can also serve to bring people
hundred animals. The leader together—particularly in a harsh
of the caravan says that there environment like the desert.
are a lot of different people The people in the caravan may
accompanying the caravan, follow different gods, but the
and they believe in many novel never focuses on any
1 2 3 4 5
different forms of God. He tells particular religion, instead
his followers that the only God portraying a vague God as the
he serves is Allah, and he “Hand That Wrote All” and/or
swears on Allah that he will do the “Soul of the World.”
everything possible to protect
the people in his caravan. But
he wants the people to swear
by their Gods that they will
follow his instructions, because
in the desert, disobedience
means death.

Santiago swears to Jesus, 1 2 3 4 5 The Englishman does not have

but the Englishman says faith in any god, yet he believes
nothing. Santiago and the in omens (and seemingly knows
Englishman have both bought the Bible better than the
camels to ride. The supposedly Christian Santiago).
Englishman continues his Santiago understands the
conversation with Santiago as Englishman’s feeling of being
the pair starts on their led on a path of connected
journey. The caravan begins events. This shows that the
to move, and it’s impossible to Englishman, like Santiago,
hear what the Englishman is knows what his Personal
saying. However, Santiago Legend is and has been seeking
knows what he is trying to it with conviction. Santiago
say, because he too has been observes the desert and the
led to the desert by a chain of caravan, and is able to learn

11
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

connected events. The closer from this form of study, just as

one gets to one’s Personal he used to learn by observing
Legend, the more the Personal his sheep.
Legend defines one’s reason
for being. The caravan travels
toward the east, and Santiago
spends his time silently
observing the progress of the
animals and people. In the
desert the only sound is the
wind and the movements of
the animals.

One night Santiago talks to a The camel driver will be

camel driver, who tells him another influential character on
that, despite how many times Santiago’s journey. Santiago
he has crossed the desert, the realizes that his sheep entirely
infinite size of the desert still live in the moment, and
makes him feel small. Santiago therefore are able to be happy
understands what he means, with each new place and new
although he has never visited turn of events. Everything on
the desert before. He reflects his journey seems to be
that he's learned things from working together to teach
his sheep and from working 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago new lessons.
with crystal, and he should be
able to learn something from
the desert, too. He thinks of
his sheep, but reminds himself
that they're not his sheep
anymore. He is glad that they
have probably forgotten him.
They are used to traveling,
and therefore know how to
move on.

Santiago also thinks about 1 2 3 4 5 The idea of a universal

the merchant’s daughter, language, related to the
and feels certain that she has interconnectedness of all
married someone else. He things, has repeatedly appeared
feels that his intuitive in Santiago’s life. It will
understanding of the camel continue to be an important
driver’s comment about the part of the book, especially as it
desert means that he might be is connected to the principles of
learning some of the universal alchemy.
language that connects all
people. His mother used to

12
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

refer to this as "hunches.” He

thinks of the crystal
merchant and says,
“maktub.”

Sometimes as it travels, the The caravan’s ability to head

caravan has to go around a toward a destination despite
boulder or rocky area, but any obstacles serves as a
whenever they make a major metaphor for Santiago’s
detour they still continue in journey. At times, he has been
generally the same direction. sidetracked or diverted, but he
The Englishman is unaware continues to move toward his
of this, because he is focused goal. The camel driver’s path to
on reading his books. his current profession seems to
Santiago also has his book, have been part choice and part
but he finds it more interesting fate, it seems. He lost
to observe the caravan in the everything from his previous life
desert. He becomes friends through no fault of his own—a
with the camel driver, and fact that seems to contradict
at night as they sit around the Coelho’s claim about the
fire together. Santiago tells 1 2 3 4 5 “greatest lie in the world.” The
him about being a shepherd, concepts of fate and free will
and the camel driver tells need not be contradictory,
Santiago about himself. He though. The camel driver had
had a happy life as a farmer, no control over his loss, but he
and had made at the was able to choose what to
pilgrimage to Mecca with his make of his new life after this
family. One day, there was an loss.
earthquake, and the Nile River
overflowed its banks. The
camel driver had never
imagined that this was
something that could happen
to him. The land was ruined,
and so he had to seek out
another form of income.

The camel driver says that 1 2 3 4 5 The camel driver learned from
disaster taught him to his experience that it is
understand that people need pointless to fear loss because
not fear the unknown if they're there is no real “loss”—
capable of achieving their everything has been written, so
needs and wants. He says that any “loss” is just another step
he sees how many people are on his journey, one written by
afraid of losing what they the God who made the world.
have, but this fear is no longer

13
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

relevant when they

understand that human lives
were written by the same
hand that created the world.

Occasionally, the caravan Gossip about the desert wars

encounters another group foreshadows the threat these
traveling in the desert. wars will pose later in the
Sometimes men appear and novel. The fear of attack
share information about connects the people, Santiago
thieves and warring tribes. sees, because it is
There is a sense of fear in the communicated from person to
1 2 3 4 5
air when there is discussion of person without words.
the tribal wars, even though
no one comments on it.
Santiago realizes that this
awareness of shared fear is
another aspect of the universal
language without words.

The Englishman asks the The camel driver has the same
camel driver if they're in perspective on the tribal wars
danger from the tribal wars. as he did on the loss of his
The camel driver says that in previous life. He believes that
the desert there's no going whatever happens is meant to
back, and so they must move be. Santiago and the
forward through danger. 1 2 3 4 5 Englishman can each learn from
“Maktub,” he says. Santiago the other’s learning style,
tells the Englishman that he balancing reading with
should pay more attention to observation.
the caravan. In turn, the
Englishman tells Santiago that
he should read more.

The caravan begins to travel 1 2 3 4 5 The Englishman and Santiago

faster, and the days and maintain their friendship
nights are passed in silence. despite their different
One night the Englishman is understandings of ways of
unable to sleep, and he and learning. The Englishman
Santiago go for a walk. explains some ideas of
Santiago tells the Englishman alchemy, and it’s clear that
about his life, and the Santiago has already
Englishman is fascinated with encountered these very
the progress Santiago was concepts in his quest. The Soul
able to make with his of World shows that everything
innovative ideas in the crystal is connected, which Santiago

14
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

shop. He tells Santiago that has already sensed through the

there's a common principle idea of the universal language.
that connects all things, which The Englishman possesses the
he refers to as the Soul of the terminology of alchemy, but the
World. Desiring something ideas are not unfamiliar to
with all your heart brings you Santiago.
close to the Soul of the World.
The Englishman says that
everything, including animals,
plants, and objects, has a soul.
Therefore, in the crystal shop,
even the glass may have been
helping Santiago succeed.

Santiago says that he has Santiago sees the desert and

observed the caravan the caravan as two entities
carefully, and that the caravan communicating and speaking
and the desert speak the same the same language—and able
language. It is this unity that to work together. Both Santiago
will allow them to reach the and the Englishman know about
oasis. He recognizes that if the Universal Language, but the
either of them had joined the Englishman has not been
caravan without an awareness paying attention to its use in
of the universal language, the the desert. He realizes that
journey would have been Santiago is right and that he is
1 2 3 4 5
much more difficult for them. not using his understanding of
The boy says he has seen how alchemy to its fullest potential.
the guides read the signs of In turn, Santiago wants to read
the desert, and how the desert more about alchemy.
and the caravan speak to each
other. The Englishman
admits that he should pay
more attention to the caravan,
and Santiago says that he
would like to read the
Englishman's books.

The Englishman's books 1 2 3 4 5 Through reading the

teach many strange ideas. In Englishman’s books, Santiago
one book, Santiago learns learns about the Emerald
that the most important item Tablet, one of the key symbols
in alchemy is the Emerald in the novel. The Emerald
Tablet. Santiago wonders why, Tablet symbolizes the value of
if this single text explains simplicity, which is an important
everything about the study of theme in the book. All the
alchemy, do alchemists need secrets of alchemy were simple

15
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

so many books about their enough to be contained on a

subject? The Englishman says single tablet, but men like the
that all the other books help Englishman prize complexity
them to understand the few and do not see the value of
lines that are inscribed on the this. Santiago, on the other
Emerald Tablet. Santiago hand, immediately questions
enjoys reading the stories of the need for so much other
the most famous alchemists. reading about the topic.
They worked on purifying
metals in their laboratories,
and tried to discover the
Master Work, which required
them to understand the
universal language.

Santiago asks the Santiago’s focus on simplicity

Englishman if observing the and on learning from pure
world is sufficient for learning observation of the world is lost
to understand the universal on the Englishman, who values
language. The Englishman the complexity and element of
responds that Santiago is study in his subject. The
obsessed with simplifying processes of alchemy allow a
everything. He feels that the person to change himself, and
many steps of alchemy are this takes time and many steps.
important. The two parts of As soon as we are introduced to
the Master Work are the the details of alchemy, it is
1 2 3 4 5
creation of the Elixir of Life, already being used as an
and the creation of the extended metaphor for life and
Philosopher’s Stone. The Elixir one’s spiritual journey.
of Life keeps the maker from
growing old, and the
Philosopher’s Stone can turn
other metals into gold. The
Englishmen says that in the
process of purifying metals,
the alchemists purified
themselves.

Santiago realizes that the 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago applies the

crystal merchant had a Englishman’s argument for the
similar understanding of his value of the process of alchemy
work, because he said it was a to the process of cleaning
good thing to clean crystal in crystal. Santiago likes to make
order to free oneself from connections and draw wisdom
negative thoughts. Santiago from everything he has seen or
begins to believe that one can experienced, and each new

16
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

learn alchemy in everyday life. connection emphasizes the

Santiago is particularly theme of interconnectedness
interested in the Philosopher’s and the universal language.
Stone, but whenever he tries
to learn how to achieve the
Master Work, he becomes
completely overwhelmed by
the obscure texts.

Santiago asks the The Englishman sees

Englishman why the complexity as a necessary
alchemists of the past have gatekeeper to the secrets of
made the processes of alchemy. The responsibility of
alchemy so complicated. The studying weeds out those who
Englishman replies that the are too irresponsible or
complexity allows only those otherwise somehow unworthy
with enough responsibility to of alchemical knowledge. The
understand, as not just Englishman’s inability to learn
anyone should be able to from the caravan shows his
1 2 3 4 5
transform lead into gold. Only fixation on the idea of
those who are willing to study knowledge as something
deeply achieve the Master complex and exclusive, rather
Work. The Englishman doesn't than intuitive and universal.
respond to all of Santiago’s
questions, but instead shares
that he has been observing
the caravan, and has only
noticed the increasing talk of
war.

Santiago returns the alchemy Santiago has already learned

books to the Englishman. more about simplicity and
The Englishman asks him what interconnectedness, two
he has earned. Santiago says themes of the novel, through
that he learned about the Soul this brief study of alchemy. The
of the World, and that many Englishman, however, has
alchemists realize their learned nearly the opposite
Personal Legends by 1 2 3 4 5 lesson from studying the exact
discovering the Soul of the same texts, showing the
World. Most importantly, importance of character and
however, he learned that all perspective in learning.
these things were so simple
they could be inscribed in a
few lines on the surface of the
Emerald Tablet.

17
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

The Englishman is The Englishman does not value

disappointed, because none of Santiago’s interpretation of
the complexity and years of alchemy because it is different
research involved in alchemy from his own, and perhaps he
have made an impression on also feels that Santiago hasn’t
Santiago. He tells Santiago to proven his “worthiness” by
go back to watching the studying for years. Santiago
caravan, saying that that feels that there are different
1 2 3 4 5
activity did didn't teach him ways of learning, and respects
anything either. Santiago the Englishman’s approach. He
returns to his contemplation, sees that they are both
reflecting that everyone has following their Personal
his own way of learning Legends, despite their
things, and he respects the differences.
Englishman for pursuing his
Personal Legend.

The caravan travels day and More wisdom from the camel
night, and the animals are driver helps calm Santiago’s
exhausted from being pushed concern about the threat of the
at a faster pace. Only the war, and teaches him to do
camel driver seems each thing in its own time. The
unconcerned by the threat of camel driver achieves peace of
war. He tells Santiago that he mind by living in the moment
focuses on the activity that he (like Santiago’s sheep) and
is doing in the moment, and focusing only on the present.
on the fact that he is alive. He 1 2 3 4 5 This concept also brings other
doesn't live in his past or his world religions into the novel,
future. He says that if you can although only vaguely. In
concentrate on the present, Hinduism and Buddhism, the
you'll be happy. Two nights, practice of meditation is often
later he points out the oasis based in the idea of living in the
on the horizon. Santiago asks moment and detaching from
why they don't hurry there, anxiety or fear connected to the
and the camel driver responds, past and future.
"because we have to sleep."

Santiago awakes with the 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago’s feelings about

sunrise and can see the date arriving at the oasis are
palms of the oasis. The tempered by his awareness of
Englishman exclaims happily, the long journey beyond this
but Santiago is quiet and haven. But he checks this
content to look at the trees of feeling, having learned from the
the oasis. He recognizes that camel driver to enjoy the
he still has a long way to go to moment of success and security
reach the pyramids. But now as it is achieved rather than

18
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

he has learned from the worrying about the future.

camel driver, and he wants
to live in the moment. In this
moment, the presence of the
date palms signifies shade,
water, and refuge from
danger.

At the oasis, the alchemist is The story now shifts to the

watching the caravan arrive. alchemist and follows his
All types of new activity stir up perspective. He is an entirely
dust, and the children of the mysterious figure for now, one
oasis excitedly greet the new who seems both wise and
arrivals. None of this energy 1 2 3 4 5 detached from the fleeting
matters to the alchemist, as world of humanity.
he has seen so many people
come and go, and in all that
time, the desert that holds
them has not changed.

This time, however, the Like Melchizedek, the alchemist

alchemist knows that in the seems to have supernatural
caravan there is a man to knowledge, and he knows that
whom he can teach some of a potential new student will
his secrets. Omens have arrive with this caravan
revealed this to him, and he because the omens have
believes he will know the man indicated it. This foreshadowing
when he sees him. He reflects leaves open the identity of the
that the secrets of alchemy pupil—and the question of
1 2 3 4 5
need to be transmitted by whether it will be the
word-of-mouth. His only Englishman or Santiago.
explanation for this is that the
truths that he will teach are of
a kind that cannot be captured
in pictures or words. Pictures
and words can distract people
from the Language of the
World.

Santiago is surprised to see 1 2 3 4 5 The oasis is considered a

that the oasis is larger than neutral territory even in the
many towns in Spain. The desert wars. It is a haven for
Englishman observes that it women and children, and at a
looks like something out of more essential level, it is
One Thousand and One necessary for life itself—no
Nights. Curious children matter which side you might be

19
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

surround them, and men and fighting for, all humans need
women ask about the fighting water and shelter in the desert.
and the products that they've The oasis as neutral territory
brought over the desert. The will be challenged in the novel,
camel driver has explained but its portrayal as a haven and
to Santiago that the oases are site of common human decency
considered neutral territories, persists.
because most of the
inhabitants are women and
children. When the tribes fight,
they leave the oases as places
of refuge.

The leader of the caravan calls The decision to stay at the

his people together and gives oasis makes sense for others,
them instructions. They plan but it is now another barricade
to stay at the oasis until the on Santiago’s path towards his
conflict between the tribes is Personal Legend. The
over. He asks everyone to Englishman further reveals his
hand over any weapons that distrustful and self-focused
they might be carrying, nature with his explanation of
1 2 3 4 5
because in the neutral zone of the revolver. He keeps himself
the oases no one is allowed to separate from the others, with
carry weapons. Santiago is the exception of Santiago.
surprised to see that the
Englishman has a revolver.
He says that carrying a
revolver helped him “to trust
in people.”

Santiago realizes that the 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago reflects on the further

closer he gets to his treasure, problem of the caravan staying
the more difficult pursuing it indefinitely at the oasis, but
has become. He does not want because of the camel driver’s
to push forward impulsively teaching, Santiago tries to see
and ignore omens from God. this “delay” as just another part
He thinks of the camel of the journey, unlike his time
driver, and reminds himself to with the crystal merchant in
do everything in its own time. Tangier, which nearly derailed
On their first day in the oasis, him from his quest. The
the travelers sleep. Santiago is Englishman seems to trust
assigned to a tent with other Santiago alone and no one else
young men, and he tells them in the oasis. The Englishman is
about his life as a shepherd less willing to embrace the
and about working in the world, preferring to separate
crystal shop. The himself from others and to

20
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

Englishman comes into the learn from books.

tent while Santiago is sharing
his story, and says that he's
been looking for him. He
wants Santiago to help him
find where the alchemist
lives. The two search for the
alchemist, and discover that
the oasis is larger than they
could have imagined.

The Englishman frets that Santiago and the Englishman’s

they've wasted an entire day plan to question people at the
in their search, and Santiago well backfires, as married
says that they need to ask for woman are shocked to be
help. They sit down near the approached by strange men,
wells and the Englishman says and most people are not
that Santiago, who speaks familiar with alchemy in the first
better Arabic, should ask place. This presentation of
people about the alchemist. cultural differences regarding
Santiago approaches a woman women shows that Santiago
who has come to the well for and the Englishman are now
water, but the woman says truly in an environment that is
she has never heard of the foreign to them, and they are
alchemist, and quickly hurries faced with other ways of
away. Before she does so, she 1 2 3 4 5 thinking than those they’re
tells Santiago that it is against familiar with. The two men find
their custom for him to ways to work around this,
converse with a married however, demonstrating the
woman. The Englishman is possibility of human
disappointed, because he fears connections across borders and
that he has come all this way cultures.
for nothing. Santiago points
out that he had never heard of
alchemy, so maybe others in
the oasis simply don't know
the alchemist by that title. The
Englishman agrees, and
decides to ask for the person
who cures illnesses.

They ask a man who comes to 1 2 3 4 5 Here we are presented with

the well, and he wonders why another seemingly cultural
they want to find that person. difference between the two
The man reflects that perhaps characters and the people of
they are asking about a certain the oasis: the people of the

21
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

powerful man, whom not even oasis do not value the

the tribal chieftains are able to alchemist, but instead fear him.
see when they wish to. He And yet it’s also clear that the
warns them to wait for the alchemist is famously powerful,
end of the war, and then leave as tribal chieftains want to see
with the caravan. Despite this him, and he can even deny
word of warning, the them an audience without
Englishman is excited to facing consequences.
hear that they are on the right
track.

A young woman appears at Santiago is overwhelmed by

the well, and is not dressed in love as he approaches a young
black like the married woman. woman at the well. His
Santiago approaches her to wholehearted commitment
ask about the alchemist, and seems sudden, and he himself
suddenly he feels the life of acknowledges this in the face of
the Soul of the World. the advice he received from his
Immediately he realizes that family. However, the language
the language that everyone on of this passage ties Santiago’s
earth can understand is love. love to the ideas of “maktub”
The young woman smiles, and and the Soul of World. He is in
Santiago sees that as a good love with this woman so
omen. Even though his family suddenly because the pair is
1 2 3 4 5
told him to meet and get to somehow connected by fate.
know a girl before committing This love is presented as
himself to her, he knows in beyond Santiago’s control, and
that moment that he is in love. written by the Hand That Wrote
He feels that she has been All. While much of the novel is
waiting for him in the desert. presented as a kind of parable
Only that present moment or even “self-help” book for the
matters, andSantiago is reader, this idea of love at first
suddenly certain that sight seems less applicable to
everything that exists was real life.
written by the same hand, and
with great love. "Maktub," he
thinks.

Santiago asks the girl her 1 2 3 4 5 Fatima tells Santiago and the
name, and she says it is Englishman about a man who
Fatima. The Englishman seems to be the alchemist, but
prods Santiago to ask about a the way she describes him
man who cures illnesses. makes him seem more like
Fatima says that there is a someone practicing witchcraft
man who knows all the secrets than alchemy. Santiago
of the world, and who immediately accepts the idea

22
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

communicates with genies of that he and Fatima are meant

the desert. She points in the to be together—but we don’t
direction of where the man see Fatima’s side of the story
lives. Then, filling her vessel yet.
with water, she leaves the
well. The Englishman leaves in
the direction that Fatima
pointed, but Santiago sits at
the well for a long time. He
realizes that he loved Fatima
even before he knew her.

The next day Santiago The Englishman is changed

returns to the well, hoping to even by his brief encounter
see Fatima. She is not there, with the alchemist. He has
but the Englishman is. He seemingly overcome his fear
tells Santiago that he and accepted that he must
encountered the alchemist, learn by doing, rather just than
and told him of his goal. The by reading and overly
alchemist then asked him if he complicating the process of
had ever transformed lead into alchemy. He is not discouraged
1 2 3 4 5
gold, and the Englishman by the alchemist’s rebuff, but
responded that he has come encouraged to try the
to the oasis to learn how to do Masterwork for himself.
so. The alchemist responded
that he should try his hand at
this on his own first. The
Englishman says that he is
going to try, and he's going to
start this very day.

The Englishman leaves, and 1 2 3 4 5 Despite their very brief

Fatima arrives at the well. acquaintance, Santiago
Santiago tells her that he immediately declares himself to
loves her and wishes to marry Fatima and tells her the truth
her. He tells her that he has about his quest, which shows
come into the desert in search that he trusts her. Her
of a treasure near the statement about the women
pyramids. He thought of the being proud of the questing
war as a curse, but now he men suggests that she wants
sees it as a blessing, because Santiago to continue on his
it has brought him to the oasis journey, rather than staying at
and to Fatima. Fatima points the oasis for her sake. It’s also
out that the war is going to notable that Fatima herself
end someday. Santiago feels seems to have no agency in the
in his heart that Fatima is matter—it’s assumed that she

23
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

more important than his loves Santiago, and the conflict

treasure. Fatima says that the immediately moves back to
tribesmen are always in search whether or not Santiago should
of treasure, and that the be “distracted” by her or not.
women of the desert are
proud of them. She fills her
vessel with water and leaves.

Santiago goes to the well Unlike Santiago’s courtship of

every day to meet Fatima. He the merchant’s daughter, the
tells her about his life as a stories he tells Fatima are true,
shepherd, his encounter with rather than fabrications
Melchizedek, and his work in intended to impress. Fatima’s
the crystal shop. The two character is two-dimensional
become friends. Santiago tells throughout the novel, and we
Fatima that the leader of the learn little about her other than
caravan called a meeting, and her willingness to instantly
told those traveling with the embrace Santiago’s quest as
caravan that he didn't know part of her own life. It now
1 2 3 4 5
when the war would end and becomes more clear that
allow the caravan to continue everything and everyone
its journey. Fatima says that Santiago encounters is
she has learned from Santiago portrayed as some kind of
about the universal language lesson or archetype put there
and the Soul of the World. She for the sake of his education—
says that she has now become there are few characters in the
a part of Santiago and his book that feel complex and
quest. alive, apart from their relation
to Santiago and the lessons he
is learning.

Fatima realizes that she has 1 2 3 4 5 In retrospect, Fatima sees that

been waiting for Santiago at she was aware Santiago would
the oasis for a long time. Ever come out of the desert because
since she was a child, she of omens. Fatima’s belief in
dreamed that a wonderful omens shows that she, like
present would appear for her Santiago and the Englishman,
from the desert. Fatima says can understand the idea of a
that because Santiago has told Personal Legend. That’s why
her about his dreams and she encourages Santiago to
about the omens, she now continue to his quest, trusting
realizes that those omens have he will return if it is written. It’s
brought them together. She suggested that Fatima’s
says that, because of this, she Personal Legend, however, is
wants Santiago to continue simply waiting for and loving
toward his goal and pursue his Santiago—a telling example of

24
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

dream. The desert never her lack of agency and

changes, and their love too complexity.
will never change. Fatima says
"maktub," and tells Santiago
that if they are really part of
the same dream, and meant to
be together, then he'll return
to her one day.

Santiago is sad after he says Santiago again feels torn

farewell to Fatima that day. between staying and departing,
He thinks of the difficulty of as he did when he considered
telling a loved one that you whether or not to sell his sheep
must leave them behind and and start his quest. Fatima’s
travel. The next time he sees upbringing as a desert woman
Fatima, she explains that has acclimated her to the idea
women of the desert are used of departures, especially men
to departures. The desert leaving the women who love
always takes men away from them. Fatima’s acceptance of
the oasis. She knows that Santiago’s path seems
sometimes these men don't understanding, yet ultimately
return, and if they don't return 1 2 3 4 5 uninteresting. Fatima’s
they become a part of character primarily exists to
everything, a part of the Soul support and reassure Santiago,
of the World. She says that and to act as another “lesson”
she will become one of the on his quest.
women who wait. As a desert
woman, she wants her
husband to be able to wander
free, and she knows that if he
never returned to her, she
could accept the fact that he
had become part of the Soul
of the World.

Santiago goes in search of 1 2 3 4 5 The Englishman has changed

the Englishman, to tell him even more now that he has
about Fatima. He finds that begun the Masterwork. He is
the Englishman has built a cheerful and relieved that he is
furnace outside his tent. The finally starting this project, and
Englishman seems livelier than seems to be experiencing the
he did before, and he says “beginners luck” that Santiago
that he has begun the first once enjoyed. He lives
phase of the job to purify the according to his own choice to
metals and start the Master pursue the Masterwork, rather
Work. He says that before than being guided by fear.

25
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

this, he was held back by his

fear of failure. But now he's
beginning what he should
have begun ten years ago.
He's happy that he didn't wait
twenty more years to start the
Master Work, at least.

Santiago feels the urge to Santiago is continually attentive

walk out into the desert. He to the desert, and the desert
listens to the wind and feels rewards him by showing him
the stones beneath his feet. the future in the form of an
He finds a few shells and omen and a vision. Historically,
realizes that once upon a time birds have long been associated
the desert had been a sea. As with fortune telling and omens,
he sits in the desert thinking, and two hawks trigger
he sees a pair of hawks flying Santiago’s vision here. The
in the sky. He wonders if these question now is how he will
desert birds could explain to respond to the vision of disaster
him the meaning of love —the oasis’s fate has been
1 2 3 4 5
without ownership. Suddenly “written,” but Santiago’s free
one of the hawks attacks the will now takes over in deciding
other end and, with this whether or not that fate will
action, the boy is given a come to pass.
sudden vision. The vision is of
an army attacking the
[Link] wishes he could
forget the vision and return to
his earlier thoughts, but he
cannot. Melchizedek had told
him to always pay attention to
omens.

Santiago returns to the oasis 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago picks the ideal person

and finds the camel driver. to share his vision with: the
Santiago tells him that he camel driver, who is not afraid
knows an army is coming, of the future, and who also
because he has had a vision. understands the idea of omens.
He also tells the camel driver The camel driver explains that
about the hawks, and about for many people, knowing the
his feeling that he was in future is problematic because it
touch with the Soul of the affects them in the present.
World. The camel driver This is similar to the idea of the
understands, because he dangers of Urim and Thummim
knows that anything on the —letting foreign or supernatural
face of the earth could teach a knowledge affect one’s present

26
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

person about the history of all decisions. The camel driver

things. Seers are able to implies that seers are not
access the Soul of the World, always effective, showing that it
but the tribespeople only takes a kind of mysterious skill
consult seers tentatively, and wisdom to receive and read
because they know that omens.
knowing the future could
paralyze them in the present.
But the camel driver is not a
worrier, and therefore has
consulted several seers, some
of whom turned out to be
right and some of whom
turned out to be wrong.

Once, an old seer asked the The camel driver only arrived at
camel driver why he was so his present philosophy by first
interested in the future. The directly confronting his
camel driver had responded obsession with the future. He
that he hoped to change did not always live in the
things he didn’t want to moment so fully, and had to
happen. The seer pointed out work and learn many lessons in
that then these things would order to reach his present state
not be part of his future. The of contentment.
1 2 3 4 5
camel driver responded that
maybe he simply wants to
prepare himself for the future.
The seer said that if good
things are coming they will be
good, and if bad things are
coming then he will only suffer
more in anticipating them
before they occur.

The old seer told the camel 1 2 3 4 5 The idea of the future
driver that the future truly belonging to God is crucial in
belongs only to God. In his this novel because it strikes a
line of work, he guesses at the balance between the fate-based
future based on the secrets theme of “Maktub” and the
concealed in the present. He freewill-based theme of
says it's important to pay choosing one’s future. Because
attention to the present so you the future belongs to God, it
can improve on it. If you can be prewritten and still also
improve on the present, you changed by the present. The
will be improving on the ability to see the future means
future. The seer encouraged that God is purposefully

27
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

the camel driver to forget revealing the future to a

about the future, and to focus person, thus giving them the
on the present. The camel opportunity to change it. This
driver then asked the seer means that Santiago cannot
when God would permit him to ignore his vision, because he is
see the future. The old seer being given the opportunity to
responded that occasionally change the future and bring
God himself chooses to reveal about what is written.
the future, but this only
happens when the future is
written with the intention that
it be altered. Therefore, the
vision must have been
revealed to Santiago
intentionally, so that the future
can be altered.

The camel driver tells In the world of the novel, all

Santiago to go and speak to men of the desert are familiar
the tribal chieftains and tell with omens, and so they
them what he has seen. He naturally believe Santiago. It’s
reassures Santiago that these suggested that the desert is a
men of the desert are used to very effective teacher of the
dealing with omens, and that 1 2 3 4 5 Language of the World.
they will listen to them. This
has happened before, and this
time it simply happens to be
Santiago who is the
instrument of revealing the
future.

Santiago goes to see the 1 2 3 4 5 The extravagance of the tribal

chieftains. He approaches the chieftains, both in terms of their
guard at the entrance to the wealth and regarding their
huge white tent at the center casual treatment of Santiago’s
of the oasis. When he time and patience,
announces his intention and demonstrates that they are
says that he has brought used to being entirely in
omens from the desert, the charge. Their opulence is
guard goes into the tent. He reflective of their success and
reemerges with a young man security, which depends on the
dressed in white and gold. The oasis remaining as a neutral
man asks him to wait and, as zone.
the Santiago waits, night falls.
After hours of waiting, the
guard asks Santiago to enter

28
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

the tent. Santiago is

astonished by the
extravagance inside. The
ground is covered with
beautiful carpets and lamps of
gold with lit candles decorating
the space. The tribal chieftains
are seated in a semi-circle on
silk cushions, supplied with tea
and hookah.

Santiago can immediately The leader of the chieftains is

see which one of the chieftains distinguished from the others
is the most important: old man by his advanced age and his
dressed in white and gold and central positioning, not by him
seated at the center of the speaking first or taking charge.
semi-circle. One of the His authority is gained in other
chieftains asks who Santiago ways. Santiago has seemingly
is, and he reports what he has been chosen to receive such a
seen in his vision. Another vision because of his awareness
chieftain asks why the desert of the interconnectedness of all
would reveal such things to a things, but he does not share
1 2 3 4 5
stranger. Santiago says it is this fact, as it seems to place
because his eyes are not used him above the others, who are
to the desert, and so he can used to the desert and omens.
notice things that others might
not. He also thinks, although
he does not say this aloud,
that it is also because he
knows about the Soul of the
World. The chieftains point out
that the oasis is supposed to
be neutral ground.

The chieftains speak amongst 1 2 3 4 5 The elder chieftain backs up his

themselves in an Arabic dialect quiet authority by referencing a
that Santiago does not know. past figure similar to Santiago—
Finally, the elder chief smiles Joseph, who is from the Biblical
and Santiago is reassured. The Old Testament, and thus a holy
discussion ends, and the figure for Christians, Muslims,
chieftains are silent as they and Jews. A more conventional
listen to the elder. The elder response would be for the
chieftain turns to Santiago leaders to reject Santiago as
and explains that all of the crazy or a liar, but it’s clear that
chiefs know that whoever these chieftains are wiser than
believes in dreams also knows that.

29
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

how to interpret them. He

speaks of Joseph, a man who
believed in dreams and who
was a stranger in a strange
land, like Santiago.

The elder chieftain explains The elder chieftain’s

that the tribespeople observe pronouncement is harsh, but it
traditions because they have places all responsibility for
helped their people survive. Santiago’s vision on his own
And tradition says that the shoulders. It’s assumed that
oasis is a neutral territory. At Santiago trusts his vision, as he
the same time, tradition says chose to tell the chieftains
that the people of the desert about it, but the elder chieftain
should believe the desert’s ensures that Santiago is entirely
messages. The elder chieftain sure, because his survival
announces that the next day 1 2 3 4 5 depends on it. The idea of the
the men will break the weapons having a “spirit” also
agreement of the oasis and relates to the
carry arms—but weapons have interconnectedness of all
a spirit, and if they are not things, and to the concept of
used, they may not function even inanimate objects being
the next time. Therefore, if, at alive in some way and speaking
the end of the day, the a universal language.
weapons have not been used,
then Santiago will lose his
life.

Santiago leaves the tent to 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago is naturally shaken by

find the oasis illuminated by this encounter, but then (as
the light of a full moon. He is always) he learns a lesson from
alarmed by the elder his reaction, realizing that his
chieftain’s decision. Santiago alarm comes from a fear of
has been successful at death. The chieftain’s decision
reaching the Soul of the World is teaching him to take full
and receiving his vision, but responsibility for his actions,
now he might have to pay for and even if this kills him,
that success with his life. But Santiago feels that he has done
he reminds himself of the the right thing. More
camel driver’s words—that to importantly, Santiago now tries
die one day is no worse than to accept that dying tomorrow
dying on any other. Santiago in an attempt to save innocent
realizes that he has no regrets. lives and pursue his Personal
Even if he dies the next day, Legend would be no worse than
he will have experienced much dying on some other day in the
of the world and he will have future.

30
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

lived his life in pursuit of his

Personal Legend.

Suddenly there is a wind and a Santiago’s confrontation with

thundering sound, and the mysterious horseman
Santiago is knocked to the demonstrates that he has fully
ground. As the dust settles, absorbed the lessons of the
Santiago sees a horse and a camel driver, as well as the
rider completely dressed in concept of his Personal Legend.
black. The strange horseman Santiago feels that dying while
has an enormous curved in pursuit of his Personal
sword, and he confronts Legend would be worthwhile,
Santiago, demanding to know and he does not attempt to flee
who dares to read the flight of because he accepts that what is
the hawks. Santiago speaks written will necessarily come to
up, saying that he dared to do 1 2 3 4 5 pass. He also stands by his
so, and that because he dared belief that he did the right thing
many lives will be saved. The in reading the flight of the
stranger lowers the sword until hawks because he may have
it touches Santiago's forehead. saved other lives in the process.
It does not occur to Santiago
to try to flee. He feels a sense
of joy in his awareness that he
is about to die, but to die in
pursuit of his Personal Legend,
and while seeing his vision of
violence in the oasis
actualized.

Again the stranger questions 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago’s counterarguments to

Santiago about why he read the horseman’s objections show
the flight of the hawks. his understanding of the Soul of
Santiago says that he was only the World that unites all things.
able to read what the birds Santiago does not give himself
wanted him to know. The credit for seeing the future, but
stranger questions who he is acknowledges that God has
to change the future that Allah permitted him to do so through
has willed. Santiago points out the actions of his birds.
that Allah also created the Santiago is cautious about the
birds, and taught him the future, but also confident about
language of the hawks. The omens from God/the Soul of
stranger cautions him to be the World.
careful with his predictions of
the future. Santiago says that
although he saw an army, he
did not see the outcome of the

31
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

confrontation.

The stranger seems pleased, Santiago tells the truth about

and asks Santiago what he is his quest to the stranger—not
doing in the oasis. Santiago because he especially trusts the
says that he is following his stranger, but rather because he
Personal Legend. The stranger has grown more confident in
says that he had to test himself. Santiago does not say
Santiago's courage, because he simply wishes to visit the
courage is essential when one pyramids, as he initially told the
wants to understand the crystal merchant, but now
Language of the World. specifically says that he is
Santiago is surprised that the pursuing his Personal Legend.
1 2 3 4 5
stranger knows this. The Santiago demonstrates the
stranger continues that courage the alchemist was
Santiago must maintain his looking for—a quality the
courage, and if he survives till alchemist had to test for
the end of the next day, then himself. At last the two main
he should seek him out. characters of the book meet,
Santiago asks where the man and it seems that Santiago has
lives. As the man turns his reached the next step of his
horse away, he points to the spiritual journey.
south. Santiago has met the
alchemist.

The next day five hundred 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago’s vision is fulfilled, but

tribesmen appear on the the future is also altered
horizon, but the men of the because of it. This series of
oasis surround the attackers events best articulates Coelho’s
and kill all of them. The view of “maktub” and free will
children had been camped at —the future is prewritten by
the other side of the oasis, God, but when God chooses to
and they do not witness the reveal visions of that future to
battle. The women are safe in people, it is to the give them
their tents. Only the the choice of whether or not to
commander of the enemy act and change that future.
tribesmen is spared. The Despite the enemy
commander is brought before commander’s justification, the
the tribal chieftains and asked oasis must be upheld as a
why he violated the tradition. neutral, even sacred ground—a
He explains that he and his place of peace and life even in
men had acted out of the midst of a desert and
starvation. The elder constant war.
chieftain expresses sympathy
for the commander, but says
that the sacred tradition is

32
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

more important. He orders the

commander hanged from a
palm tree, and then he calls
for Santiago. He gives
Santiago fifty pieces of gold,
and asks him to be one of his
counselors.

That evening Santiago heads Santiago has passed another

south through the oasis. He crucial test, and now he is
discovers a solitary tent and is ready to seek out the alchemist
told that it is a place inhabited as instructed. The dead hawks
by genies. He sits down to remind the reader of the power
wait for the alchemist. The of the alchemist, but also imply
alchemist arrives when the the interconnectedness of all
moon is high, with two dead existence—the same birds have
hawks in his hand. The acted as wild animals, as
alchemist asks Santiago if it is oracles of the future, and now
his Personal Legend that as food for the humans who
brings him into the desert. interpreted their omens. The
Santiago says that because of absence of any instruments in
the war between the tribes, it 1 2 3 4 5 the alchemist’s tent reinforces
has been impossible to cross the idea that in the novel, at
the desert toward the Egyptian least, alchemy is about much
Pyramids. The alchemist more than just processing
welcomes Santiago into his metals—it is a more powerful
tent. Santiago looks around for kind of magic and spiritual
the implements of alchemy, wisdom, and a metaphor for life
but does not see any. The itself.
alchemist invites him to have a
drink and to eat the cooked
birds with him. Santiago
suspects that they are the
same hawks he had seen the
day before.

Santiago asks the 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago is quick to point out

alchemist why he wanted to that the omens may not refer
see him. Because of omens, to him, but may have also
the alchemist replies. The referred to the Englishman who
omens showed the alchemist is desperate to learn from the
that Santiago would be alchemist. The alchemist,
coming, and that he would however, knows that Santiago
need his help. Santiago insists is his destined pupil, especially
that the omens spoke about now that he has met both men
the Englishman who wished and Santiago has passed his

33
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

to meet the alchemist. The test regarding the tribal wars.

alchemist says that the The alchemist’s words suggest
Englishman is on the right the idea that all the “wisdom”
track, but that he has other Santiago learns is not anything
things he needs to do first. particularly new—just basic
The alchemist says of Santiago concepts that are easy to forget
that he is not going to instruct or ignore, and which we need
him, as he already knows to be reminded of.
everything he needs to know,
but he is going to point him in
the direction of his treasure.

Santiago reminds him of the Despite Santiago’s new

tribal war, and insists that he assurance that he is living his
has already found his treasure, life most fully by following his
which includes the gold he Personal Legend, he is again
received that day. The reluctant to leave behind the
alchemist points out that things he has already found.
none of that gold is from the Fatima, in particular, is a
pyramids. Santiago says that “treasure” for him, and it’s easy
he has found Fatima, and for Santiago to try to pretend
that she is a greater treasure that she is what he has been
than anything else. The seeking all along. This raises
1 2 3 4 5
alchemist says that she was the question of what Santiago’s
not found at the pyramids real treasure at the pyramids
either. The alchemist serves might be. The alchemist’s
Santiago a bottle of wine, and words about what enters men’s
Santiago is surprised, mouths versus what comes out
assuming that wine was also of them is almost a direct quote
forbidden in the oasis. The from Jesus in the Bible.
alchemist says that it's not
what enters men's mouths
that is evil, but what comes
out of them.

After they eat, the two sit 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist argues that the
outside the tent under the reason to continue to the
brilliant moon. The alchemist pyramids and find the treasure
tells Santiago to rest well and is more to make sense of the
enjoy himself. He says that journey than anything else. This
Santiago has to find his feels more satisfying than
treasure so that his quest is simply pursuing the treasure for
complete, and so that its own sake, especially as it’s
everything he has learned hard to imagine any “treasure”
already makes sense. He more precious than the love
instructs Santiago to sell his Santiago has already found.

34
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

camel and to buy a horse,

because horses tire bit by bit,
and he will be able to tell that
his horse is tired when
crossing the desert. A camel,
on the other hand, will not
show any signs of weariness
until the moment when it
drops dead.

The next night, Santiago At first the alchemist’s

arrives at the alchemist’s challenge seems impossible,
tent with a horse. The but Santiago is able to correctly
alchemist challenges Santiago interpret the alchemist’s advice
to show him where there is life and realize that listening to his
in the desert, because, he horse will yield the answer. The
says, only those who can find novel’s emphasis on animals
the signs of life are able to and their innate intelligence
find treasure. Santiago does reinforces the idea of the Soul
not know if he'll be able to do of World. Everything is
this, as he doesn't know the connected, and animals are not
desert very well yet. He says so different from people. They
that he knows there is life in 1 2 3 4 5 are also able, perhaps more so
the desert, but he doesn't than people, to communicate
know where to look. The through the universal language.
alchemist responds, “life
attracts life.” Santiago
understands, and he sets his
horse free to lead him. The
two follow the horse until it
leads them to a stony area of
the desert. The boy says that
he knows there is life here,
because his horse knows the
language of life.

The alchemist searches 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist contains the

among the stones and then cobra with his first magical act.
reaches into a hole. He Much of the “magic” in the
withdraws with a snake novel is subtle like this—usually
clasped in his hand. Santiago dream interpretation or fortune
leaps back, because it is a telling. The alchemist’s power
cobra with poisonous venom. clearly extends beyond the
As he begins to warn the traditional practices of an
alchemist, he remembers what alchemist. Santiago decides to
the Englishman had told trust the alchemist’s power and

35
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

him: the alchemist is over two wisdom, and the alchemist

hundred years old. Santiago rewards this trust.
assumes that the alchemist
knows how to deal with desert
snakes. The alchemist draws a
circle in the sand and places
the snake within it. He
reassures Santiago that the
snake won't leave the circle.

The alchemist tells the boy The alchemist decides to come

that his ability to find life in with Santiago on his journey to
the desert was an omen that guide him, but this forces
he needed, and he announces Santiago to admit the full
that he is going to guide extent of his desire to remain at
Santiago across the desert. the oasis with Fatima. The
Santiago says that he wants to alchemist describes Santiago as
stay at the oasis because he Fatima’s treasure, but Fatima is
has found Fatima. The not Santiago’s treasure. Once
alchemist says that because 1 2 3 4 5 again we see just how limited a
Fatima is a woman of the role Fatima is allowed to play,
desert, she knows that men even as the “main” female
have to go away from time to character of the novel.
time. She has found her
treasure, and it is Santiago.
Santiago asks what will
happen if he decides to stay,
and the alchemist paints him a
portrait of this potential future.

In this future, Santiago will 1 2 3 4 5 With this picture of the

be a wealthy counselor to the hypothetical future, the
oasis chieftains. He'll be alchemist gives Santiago far
married to Fatima and they more information to use in
will be happy. He will get making his decision than he has
better and better at had previously in the novel.
interpreting omens from the When Santiago nearly chose to
desert. Sometime during the return to Spain and repurchase
second year, he will remember his sheep, for example, he did
his treasure and the omens not know what the outcome of
will repeatedly insist that he that decision would be. This is
seek it. During the third year, another example of a glimpse
Santiago will be haunted by of the future that seems
thoughts of his treasure and already “written,” but which is
his Personal Legend. Fatima only provided in order that
will be unhappy because she'll Santiago might have the choice

36
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

feel responsible for having of how to affect that future.

interrupted Santiago's quest. The alchemist paints a rather
Santiago will remember that bleak picture of how
Fatima never asked him to abandoning one’s Personal
stay, so he won't blame her, Legend can lead to a life of
but he'll regret that he did not dissatisfaction.
trust more strongly in his love
for Fatima—because the only
thing that kept him at the
oasis was his fear that he
would not return. During the
fourth year the omens will
abandon Santiago. He will lose
his position as a counselor,
and he will live with the regret
of knowing that he didn't
pursue his Personal Legend
before it was too late.

The alchemist tells Throughout the novel, Santiago

Santiago that love never sees other characters who have
prevents a man from given up on their Personal
actualizing his Personal Legends, from the baker in the
Legend. If he gives up his square to the crystal merchant.
Personal Legend because of These characters give up
love, it was not a love that because of fear and a lack of
speaks the Language of the belief in themselves. Santiago
World. The alchemist erases would be intentionally turning
the sand circle and the snake his back on his Legend by
slithers away. Santiago thinks choosing to stay with Fatima.
of the crystal merchant who 1 2 3 4 5 The instant feeling of peace
wanted to go to Mecca, and of seems to validate Santiago’s
the Englishman and his decision, as he also felt peace
search, and of the woman who when he decided to go on to
trusts the desert. Santiago and Egypt rather than back to
the alchemist return to the Spain.
oasis. Santiago announces
that he is going in search of
his treasure, and he feels
peace fill his heart. The
alchemist says they will leave
the next day before dawn.

Santiago does not sleep that 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago explains his decision

night. Two hours before dawn to Fatima, but she is very
he goes in search of Fatima. accepting of his choice, and

37
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

He asks an Arab boy to wake does not need his explanation.

her from her tent and to tell Santiago begins to see his
her that he's waiting to talk to quest in terms of all the
her. Fatima appears outside experiences he has had along
the tent, and she and Santiago the way, but primarily values
walk among the date palms. the fact that the quest has led
Santiago explains that he is him to Fatima. The two have
going away, but he wants her fallen in love without any
to know that he will return. physical contact at all, showing
Fatima says that he does not that their love works in a
need to explain his love for spiritual way through the Soul
her, because no reason is of the World, and that it seems
needed for love. Santiago fated and inevitable.
explains that he had a dream,
met a king, worked for a
crystal merchant, crossed the
desert, and sought an
alchemist at a well—and all
these things led him to meet
Fatima. The two embrace for
the first time.

Santiago promises that he'll 1 2 3 4 5 Fatima has spent her life

be back. Fatima says that she waiting for her father to return,
used to look to the desert with and now she will spend her
longing, but know she will look time waiting for Santiago to
with hope. She has seen her return. Fatima’s tearful farewell
father go away, and he has and her happiness about
always come back. Santiago continuing to wait for another
promises to return in the same man to return show little real
way. He sees that Fatima's personality or vitality on her
eyes are filled with tears. She part. Her life is reduced to a
tells him that she may be a constant waiting for Santiago,
woman of the desert, but she and the oasis is now “empty”
is still a woman. Fatima for her. Fatima seemingly has
returns to her tent, and when no independent agency or
dawn arrives she goes out to interests of her own. This
do her regular chores. Her extremely restricted role for the
routine is the same, but only real female character has
everything else has changed. raised sexism concerns in
The oasis is now an empty criticism of the novel.
place for her. From that dawn
onward, the desert is
important, and she looks to it
every day and imagines

38
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

Santiago's journey. She will

send kisses to him on the
wind, and the desert will
represent her hope for his
return.

The alchemist encourages The alchemist makes a point

Santiago to not think about about alchemy—that pure
what he has left behind, matter does not spoil—which
because The Soul of the World serves as a metaphor for
is permanent. Santiago reflects Fatima and Santiago’s love.
that men think more about This further demonstrates the
returning home than leaving. applicability of alchemy to life
The alchemist says that lessons, and Coelho’s use of the
things made of pure matter ancient process as a metaphor.
never spoil with time, and so Santiago tries to follow both the
one can always come back to advice of the alchemist and the
1 2 3 4 5
them. Even though the camel driver and not dwell on
alchemist is speaking of metals either the past or the future.
and alchemy, Santiago knows
that he is actually talking
about Santiago’s love for
Fatima. It is difficult to take
the alchemist’s advice and not
dwell on what he is leaving
behind, however. The desert is
uniform and monotonous, so it
is easy to think of the oasis.

The alchemist rides in front 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist and Santiago

and his falcon sits on his travel together, and their style
shoulder. The bird hunts for of traveling seems to reflect
game for the two to eat. At their spiritual, introspective
night, Santiago and the natures—they travel in silence
alchemist try to stay hidden. and live simply. Both value
They travel in silence, except observation and learning from
for their strategic discussions the world, although Santiago is
about the ongoing violence still a little bit confused by this,
between the tribes. On the as he had imagined that
seventh day of their trip they learning from the alchemist
make camp earlier than usual. would consist of practical
The alchemist congratulates instruction. The alchemist
Santiago for nearing the end confirms what Santiago has
of his journey and for having practiced all along, however—
pursued his Personal Legend. real learning occurs through
Santiago points out that along experience and observation of

39
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

the way he hasn't learned the world. Santiago has been

anything new from the gaining the knowledge he
alchemist, and he thought that needs throughout his journey.
he would be taught some of
the old man's wisdom. The
alchemist explains that there's
only way one way to learn—
through action. Therefore,
Santiago has already learned
everything he needed to
know, except for one thing.

Santiago asks why the The alchemist accepts that he is

alchemist is called "the defined by his “occupation”
alchemist,” And the alchemist (just as the other men Santiago
answers simply that “an has encountered on the way
alchemist” is what he is. have been). It’s suggested that
Santiago asks about the other those who failed to become
alchemists who failed to make successful alchemists were not
gold from lead. The alchemist practicing real alchemy (as
explains that these men failed 1 2 3 4 5 Coelho defines it), but only
because they were only seeking gold. The methods of
looking for gold. He says that alchemy, not the end result, are
living out one’s Personal what is significant, and
Legend is more than finding practicing these methods and
one's treasure. Santiago then learning in this way was the
asks about the one thing he alchemist’s Personal Legend.
still needs to learn, but the
alchemist does not answer.

As he prepares their dinner 1 2 3 4 5 Again Santiago is reminded that

that night, the alchemist in the early history of alchemy,
explains that he learned the the Emerald Tablet was the
procedures of alchemy from only document that mattered.
his grandfather, who learned This object is once more
from his father, and so on. In presented as a symbol of the
the early times, everything value of simplicity. Simplicity is
about the Master Work could a value that is not popular
be written on the Emerald among many, but it matters to
Tablet. But because men the alchemist and to Santiago.
rejected simple things, they Just like Melchizedek (and Jesus
wrote many other works of in the Biblical reference), the
literature about the Master alchemist writes something
Work. Santiago wants to private and indecipherable in
know what was written on the the sand.
emerald tablet, and the

40
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

alchemist draws an image in

the sand. The boy tries to read
what's written in the sand, but
disappointedly observes that
it's code.

The alchemist contradicts The reason that the Emerald

Santiago, however, saying Tablet can be so simple is
that it is not code, but actually because it is not trying to
information that cannot be contain lots of information, but
understood by reason alone. rather to provide a link to the
The Emerald Tablet is a direct unifying force of the Soul of the
link to the Soul of the World. World. The alchemist thus
The alchemist explains that suggests that connecting with
wise men understand that the the Soul of the World can teach
natural world is an imperfect anyone anything he would need
version of paradise, and that to know about alchemy. The
God created the world so that idea of the “universe in a grain
men could learn about his of sand” was also expressed by
teachings and his wisdom. the poet William Blake, almost
Santiago wonders if he should 200 years before. Coelho’s
understand the inscription on ultimate lesson here seems to
1 2 3 4 5
the Emerald Tablet. The be that great complexity and
alchemist points out that the immensity is contained in great
Emerald Tablet exists in the simplicity. This could also be a
context of alchemy, and the metaphor for the book itself—it
boy is in the desert, so is simple and sparse, but tries
Santiago should immerse to hint at much larger and
himself in the desert, and from complicated realities.
the desert he can learn
anything that he will need to
know. All he needs to do is
contemplate a single grain of
sand to see the power of all of
creation. To do this, Santiago
should listen to his heart,
because it came from the Soul
of the World.

The alchemist and Santiago 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago practices listening to

travel for another two days in his heart in order to connect
silence. The alchemist is with the Soul of the World, as
cautious, because they're Coelho delves deeper into his
passing through the most own terminology and theories
dangerous region where the about spirituality. The voice of
tribal wars are being waged. Santiago’s “heart” becomes

41
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

As they travel, Santiago almost a distinct character in

practices listening to his the book, but Coelho never
heart, but discovers that this clarifies what exactly it is—it
is not easy to do. He seems like a combination of
remembers a time in his life conscience, instinct, and a
when his heart spoke up supernatural connection to God
clearly, but recently that hasn't and/or the Soul of the World.
been the case. There are The alchemist’s words about
times when his heart strongly the heart and treasure are
expresses emotions, or when another direct quote from Jesus
it beats faster as he speaks of in the Bible.
his treasure, but no matter
what his heart is never quiet.
Santiago asks the alchemist
why they have to listen to
their hearts. The alchemist
says that "because, wherever
your heart is, that is where
you find your treasure. "

Santiago’s heart is agitated 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago’s heart feels many

and emotional, and keeps him things, including fear. This fear
awake at night thinking about focuses not on Santiago’s
Fatima. The alchemist physical preservation, but on
explains these are signs that the possible failures he could
his heart is alive. Over the face in his quest to fulfill his
next three days, Santiago and Personal Legend. His heart is
the alchemist pass several wary of moving on from the
warrior tribesmen, and the happiness he has already
boy’s heart expresses fear. It found, but this is not a reason
speaks of men who have to ignore the dream of his
sought their treasure and Personal Legend. The alchemist
failed. Santiago says to the speaks of the ability of one’s
alchemist that his heart is heart to betray a person if that
fighting against his plan to go person does not know his own
on. The alchemist says that heart well. The lessons
this makes sense, because it is Santiago learns grow more
natural to be afraid when one vague here, as he seems to be
has found happiness already. entering a more purely spiritual
However, one should always state.
listen to one's heart, because
it will be speaking regardless,
and if one knows one’s heart
well, it will never betray him.
No one can escape from the

42
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

feelings of his heart—so you

should always listen to it, even
when it is complicated and
contradictory.

Santiago listens to his heart Once again, Santiago

and comes to understand its experiences the universal
changes and contradictions, feeling that it is easier to not
and he is able to move past try at all than to try and fail and
his fear. His heart explains to be hurt, but the alchemist
him that people are afraid to teaches that the fear of
pursue their most important suffering is more painful than
dreams because of feelings of suffering itself. It is once again
insufficiency or anxiety. Their unclear where “Santiago” ends
hearts are fearful because and “Santiago’s heart” begins,
they know they will suffer if as the heart has suddenly
1 2 3 4 5
they do not succeed. Santiago entered as a new and
tells the alchemist that his distinctive voice in the
heart is afraid of suffering, and narrative.
the alchemist responds, “tell
your heart that the fear of
suffering is worse than the
suffering itself.” Santiago
passes his words along to his
heart, reminding it that he is
searching for his treasure and
fulfilling his dream.

Santiago’s heart becomes 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago’s heart changes and

restful and quiet, and it begins grows less afraid as Santiago
to tell him things from the develops an understanding of
Soul of the World. It tells him it. His heart knows about the
about happiness, and how Soul of the World and about
people who are happy carry Personal Legends, suggesting
God with them. It tells that Coelho’s idea of a “heart”
Santiago that everyone on is that of a link to God or an
earth has a treasure waiting intuitive part of oneself that is
for him, but only a few follow connected to everything else.
their Personal Legends to find Santiago’s heart acts as another
their treasure. Because people voice clarifying his lessons for
see the world as threatening, him, here explaining how hearts
their hearts grow quieter grow quiet to prevent people
overtime. The hearts don't from trying and then failing to
want people to suffer by follow their Personal Legends.
feeling conflicted between
their fear and what their heart

43
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

is telling them to do. Telling

people to follow their dreams
makes the heart suffer,
because this so rarely
succeeds. Santiago asks his
heart to tell him whenever he
wanders from his dreams.

Santiago tells all of this to Once Santiago has learned to

the alchemist. The alchemist speak to his heart, he is ready
says Santiago must just for his final lesson from the
continue in the direction of the alchemist. The alchemist warns
pyramids, and pay attention to him that he will be tested, in
any omens along the way. order to put his new learning to
Because he has now learned use, before his quest is
to speak to his heart, finalized. The toughest part of
Santiago will know where his the quest comes right before
treasure is. The alchemist says success, an idea that is meant
that the last thing he needs to to give hope to anyone trying
know is that before any dream to persist in the face of failure
1 2 3 4 5
is realized, the Soul of the or trial.
World will test a person. This
is not a cruel test, but a
chance for the person to
master everything that they
have achieved along the way.
Just as a search begins with
“beginner’s luck,” so it ends
with the person being tested.
Santiago thinks that, “the
darkest hour of the night
comes just before the dawn.”

The next day, three armed 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist and Santiago’s

tribesmen approach Santiago altercation with the three
and the alchemist, and ask tribesmen demonstrates the
what they are doing. The alchemist’s power, which is
alchemist explains that he's again most apparent in his
hunting. The tribesmen say understanding of human
they'll need to search the pair character. He does not need to
to see whether they are use magic, alchemy, or appeal
armed. When they search to the Soul of the World to send
them, they wonder why they the tribesmen on their way. His
carry so much money. understanding of people gives
Santiago says he needs it to him all he needs to persuade
get to the pyramids. Among them to leave the pair alone.

44
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

the alchemist’s belongings the He is truthful with them, but he

tribesmen find a small flask knows they will not believe the
and a yellow glass egg. The truth.
alchemist explains that these
are the Elixir of Life and the
Philosopher’s Stone. He says
that the Elixir, if drunk, will
prevent someone from ever
being sick again, and a
fragment of the stone will turn
metal into gold. The tribesmen
laugh, and the alchemist
laughs along. Amused at this
answer, they leave the pair to
proceed.

Santiago is amazed and It is surprising to learn that

shocked at the alchemist’s Santiago has been so close to
brazen honesty, but the such priceless objects for so
alchemist explains that when long, but as usual there is a
you possess great treasures, lesson to be learned in this. The
others rarely believe that you brief feeling of peace
do. With each day of traveling 1 2 3 4 5 foreshadows the final test
in the desert, the boy’s heart Santiago will face, as the
grows more and more silent. It alchemist predicted.
is no longer active with
questions—it is simply content
to observe the endless days in
the desert.

Santiago’s heart points out 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist clarifies the

something that Santiago has concept of one’s “heart,” but
never noticed—at various not very specifically. The heart
points in his life he has been is not all-powerful over the fate
in danger without having of an individual, and it seems to
perceived it, and in these favor those in need, or those
cases his heart has protected who are at a disadvantage of
him. One time it hid the rifle some kind. The kind of
Santiago had taken from his hindsight Santiago’s heart now
father. Another time, Santiago offers him allows Coelho to put
had become ill and stopped a positive spin on almost
traveling when, if he had anything—any misfortune may
continued, he would've passed have just been his heart saving
thieves on the road. Santiago him from an even greater
asks the alchemist if one’s hypothetical misfortune.
heart always helps him. The

45
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

alchemist says that hearts help

when somebody is trying to
realize their Personal Legend,
but also when one is a child,
or old, or a drunkard. The
heart is not a fail-safe, but it
does what it can.

One afternoon Santiago and Santiago has grown somewhat

the alchemist pass an cocky about danger now that
encampment with armed men. he relies on his heart to protect
Santiago feels that there's no him, but this is quickly shown
danger, but the alchemist to be a mistake when armed
reminds him that even while men threaten them—a heart
he trusts in his heart, he is still cannot protect against
at risk in the desert. As if to immediate physical danger.
demonstrate the reality of this, Again the alchemist uses a trick
horseman appeared behind of his knowledge to escape the
the travelers. They stop men. This time, instead of
Santiago and the alchemist, playing the fool, he lets his
and tell them that they can't 1 2 3 4 5 strength show in his eyes as he
go any farther, because confronts them. The alchemist
they’re in the area where the always seems to sense the best
tribes are at war. The ways to interact with others.
alchemist stares straight into
the eyes of the two horsemen,
and eventually they agree that
Santiago and the alchemist
can continue on their way.
Santiago is impressed, and the
alchemist explains that the
eyes show the strength of
one’s soul.

One day the alchemist 1 2 3 4 5 The end of Santiago’s journey is

announces that they're only near, but he feels he hasn’t
two days from the pyramids. learned any real alchemy from
Santiago again asks about his teacher yet. His continued
the alchemist teaching him curiosity about gold seems
alchemy. The alchemist replies childish in the face of the more
that Santiago already knows serious lessons he has learned,
the practices that allow him to but Santiago’s Personal Legend
reach to the Soul of the World. does focus on finding treasure,
Santiago says that he's so gold and treasure are in his
particularly curious about the heart. The alchemist, as usual,
practical aspects of turning takes a purer and more spiritual

46
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

metal into gold. The alchemist view of the matter, and seems
explains that everything on the to place no value in gold—even
earth evolves, and that in the considering it dangerous
minds of men, gold is the because of how it often leads to
highest evolution of metal. conflict.
Over time, however, gold
became not a symbol of
successful evolution, but
instead a source of conflict
between humans. The
alchemist explains that true
alchemists try to evolve with
the gold that they produce
from metal, and they are
successful because they
understand that when
something evolves, the things
surrounding it evolve as well.

When alchemists were Coelho’s theories of the

interested only in the gold for universe expand, so that now
the sake of the wealth, they objects have Personal Legends
never found the secret. The as well as people. When a
other metals such as lead, metal is changed to another
copper, and iron have their state, this is circumventing its
own Personal Legends, and if Personal Legend. The alchemist
one disrupts these he will teaches that all things have an
never fulfill his own Personal ideal state and role to play
Legend. The alchemist picks according to their creation.
up a shell from the sand and Overall this can be a comforting
explains that this desert was 1 2 3 4 5 idea—that everything is written,
once a sea. Santiago says he essentially—but not necessarily
has noticed this as well. The suited to the real world,
alchemist tells Santiago to particularly when one’s “role in
hold the shell to his ear and to creation” seems less than
listen to the sound of the sea. desirable.
The shell will never stop
echoing the sea, because that
is its Personal Legend. It will
continue to do so until the
desert is once again evolved
into sea.

The sun is setting that night 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist has already

when Santiago’s heart explained the power of eyes (as
warns of danger. Two “windows to the soul”),

47
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

horsemen are waiting for indicating that the death in

them, and before they can do these character’s eyes shows
anything the horseman are their true intentions and the
joined by others, until there danger of their presence.
are hundreds everywhere in
the dunes around them. Their
eyes show the strength of
their souls, and they speak of
death.

The tribesmen take Santiago The enemy chieftain believes

and the alchemist to their Santiago and the alchemist are
nearby camp. There they meet spies because they were seen
the enemy chieftain, who with the other group of
believes that they are spies. tribesmen who tried to stop
The alchemist protests that them a few days earlier. The
they are just travelers. The alchemist’s plan relies on
tribesmen are suspicious Santiago becoming an
because Santiago and the alchemist himself—essentially
alchemist were seen at the forcing Santiago to prove
enemy camp, talking to the himself under threat of death,
1 2 3 4 5
tribesmen who stopped them just as with the omen of the
there. The alchemist says that birds at the oasis. We sense
he is only acting as a guide for that this is just another lesson
his friend Santiago. He tells from the alchemist, even if it is
the tribesmen that Santiago is one with very high stakes.
also an alchemist, and that he
can show them his
extraordinary powers. He
offers the money that Santiago
is carrying, and the enemy
chieftain accepts the gold.

The enemy chieftain 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist seems to sense

wonders what an alchemist is. what will impress the
The alchemist says that an tribesmen, as he so often
alchemist understands the seems to have an intuitive
forces of nature, and that he understanding of other men’s
could use the wind to destroy characters. Instead of offering
this very camp. The chieftain his own powers, however, he
says he wants to see sets up a situation in which
Santiago do this. The Santiago must achieve a
alchemist explains that magical feat under pressure.
Santiago needs three days, This seems to be Santiago’s
and after that time, Santiago final great test before he is
will transform himself into the allowed to find his treasure.

48
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

wind. If Santiago cannot do

so, he promises that both of
them will offer their lives for
the honor of the tribe. The
enemy chieftain grants
Santiago the three days.

Santiago is afraid, but the Santiago is angry at the

alchemist tells him to not let alchemist for manipulating him
the tribesmen see his fear. into this situation, and the
Santiago exclaims angrily that alchemist’s reaction makes his
the alchemist has willingly manipulation clear. As seems
given all of his gold to the obvious, Santiago does not
enemy chieftain, but the know how to turn himself into
alchemist says that the money the wind. The alchemist seems
has saved them for three to trust that the circumstances
days. Santiago is afraid, will bring out this ability in
because he has no idea how Santiago, and so he only gives
to transform himself into the him advice on how to move
wind. The alchemist advises past his fear, not on how to
him to not give into his fears. actually perform the magical act
If he remains unafraid, he will itself. Santiago’s frustration
be able to listen to his heart. with his teacher is entirely
Santiago protests that he has understandable.
no idea how to turn himself
into the wind. The alchemist 1 2 3 4 5
explains that when a person is
living out his Personal Legend,
he has all the tools he needs—
the only thing that could hold
him back is the fear of failure.
He says that Santiago will
have to learn how to
transform himself into the
wind because his life depends
on it. If he does not succeed,
then at least he’ll die while
trying to realize his Personal
Legend. The alchemist
concludes that Santiago
shouldn't worry too much,
however, because usually the
threat of death makes people
more aware of their lives.

The first day passes. There's a 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago realizes that he has no

49
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

serious battle nearby, and choice but to try to actually

wounded and dead soldiers attempt the impossible task the
are returned to the camp. alchemist has set for him. In
Santiago sees a soldier the meantime, his observations
speaking to the body of one of of the dying soldier and his
his friends. The soldier says friend reinforce the theme of
that his friend was going to the relative unimportance of
die anyway, whether he died death and fear. The alchemist
now or later, after peace had reminds Santiago of the role of
been reached. At the end of God in the continued existence
the day, Santiago seeks out of the world (another idea that
the alchemist and explains suggests pantheism), and the
that he still has no idea how to importance of the process of
turn himself into the wind. The alchemy to matters beyond
alchemist reminds Santiago of mere metals. This seems to hint
his previous explanation of the that Santiago must use one of
world: the world is the visible the lessons about alchemy to
part of God’s creation and, achieve his goal.
through the processes of
alchemy, the perfection of God
can be actualized in the
material world. The alchemist
says that Santiago is the only
one in danger of dying,
because he himself already
knows how to turn into the
wind.

During the second day, Santiago can now listen to both

Santiago climbs to the top of his heart and the desert, and
the cliff next to the enemy he knows that both listen to
camp. The soldiers let him go, him as well. He can listen and
because they are afraid of his speak, but is no closer to
powers. He spends the 1 2 3 4 5 transforming something into an
afternoon observing the desert entirely different thing—like
and listening to his heart. He lead into gold, or himself into
knows that the desert is aware wind.
of his fear, because they
speak the same language.

On the third day, the enemy 1 2 3 4 5 On the third and final day,
chieftain meets with his Santiago has an audience.
counselors. He says that they Santiago still only knows how to
should go see the boy turn listen or speak, so he does his
himself into the wind. best and speaks directly to the
Santiago leads them all to desert. In his more elevated

50
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

the cliff where he had spent spiritual state, abstract entities

the previous day. He tells the like the desert itself become
chieftain that the process will “characters” with voices of their
take a while. Santiago gazes own. Santiago’s argument for
out at the desert. The desert assistance is based on love and
asks him why he is back, after the importance of his own love
spending all of the previous for Fatima—but love is a foreign
day gazing at it. Santiago says concept to the harsh, arid
that because the desert holds desert.
the person he loves, when he
looks out at the desert he is
also looking at her. He wants
to return to her, and therefore
he needs the desert’s help. In
order to survive, he must turn
himself into the wind. The
desert, however, does not
know what love is.

Santiago explains love as the 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago tries to explain love in

falcons’ flight over the desert terms that the desert will
sands. The falcon knows the understand, but the desert sees
desert intimately, but the only the hurt inflicted by others
desert says that the falcons rather than its own part in a
steal away parts of the desert complex web connecting all
itself when they hurt the things. Love is the necessary
animals that the desert has connection between all things,
cared for. Santiago points out and therefore (Coelho implies)
that the desert creates these love is no different than the
small creatures in order to Soul of the World, or God. The
feed the falcon, and the falcon desert has a worldview that is
feeds the man, and the man just as narrow as any person’s.
eventually returns to the sands The alchemist, meanwhile, sees
of the desert. This is what love the wind blowing as a sign that
is. The desert says that it does Santiago is on the right track.
not understand Santiago. He is at least speaking to the
Santiago insist that at least the elements and negotiating with
desert can understand that them.
Fatima is waiting for him in
the desert, and that he must
return to her. The desert says
that it will offer its sands to
help the wind blow, but it can't
transform [Link] wind
begins to blow, and the

51
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

alchemist smiles.

Santiago asks the wind for The wind (like the desert) has a
its help. The wind wants to distinct personality and
know who taught Santiago to philosophy of its own, and is
speak the language of the unable to see the “bigger
desert and of the wind. picture” of its role in the
Santiago says that it was his entirety of creation. The wind
heart. The wind is stronger feels that it is above human
than the desert, because it influence, and therefore above
does not come from any both the desert and Santiago.
specific place or go to any Santiago sees himself and the
specific place. Humans could wind as equal and connected
transform the desert by because they were both made
planting trees there someday, by the same hand, but the wind
1 2 3 4 5
but humans could never is more resistant to helping
transform the wind. The wind Santiago because of its sense of
says that it and Santiago are its own superiority. It dismisses
two very different things. that which it cannot do.
Santiago says that this is not
true, because they're both
made by the same hand and
have the same soul. The wind
says that it listened to
Santiago's conversation with
the alchemist, but it knows
that people cannot turn
themselves into wind.

Santiago asks that he learned 1 2 3 4 5 The wind is difficult, but it is at

to become wind for just a few least tempted by promises of
moments, so that the two can intellectual conversation. It is
discuss the possibilities of this curiosity, rather than a
people and the wind. The respect for Santiago or an
wind is curious, and it wants understanding of love, that
Santiago to succeed, but it makes the wind want Santiago
doesn’t know how. Santiago to succeed. The wind is proud
makes his final plea, saying and tries to help if only to prove
that when someone is loved, its own abilities, but it must
they can do anything—even also admit defeat and
turning themselves into the acknowledge that there are
wind—but he still needs the others more powerful to whom
wind’s help to do so. The wind Santiago should appeal.
is a proud being, and it begins Santiago has now truly entered
to blow fiercely. Soon, a world beyond that of
however, the wind realizes humanity—a hierarchy of the

52
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

that it knows nothing of love, elements and of the universe

even though it has seen itself.
people speaking of love all
over the world. The wind says
that Santiago had better ask
his question of heaven. It
blows with all its strength,
swirling sand into the air so
that Santiago can look toward
the heavens.

The tribesmen are From an outside perspective,

overwhelmed by the wind and Santiago now seems very
dust of a desert storm. Two of powerful and frightening
the tribesmen tell the enemy indeed. The enemy chieftain’s
chieftain that they had better curiosity is about Allah, and not
stop Santiago's project to be about Santiago. He is not
safe, but the enemy chieftain 1 2 3 4 5 afraid, because he trusts God,
insists that he wants to see and he looks down on those
the greatness of Allah, so he who do not—their lack of
wants to see this through to courage in this situation is
completion. He remembers for valuable knowledge to him.
later the names of the men
who've expressed their fear.

Santiago next speaks to the 1 2 3 4 5 The sun, unlike the desert and
sun, saying that he has wind, does understand love,
learned from the wind that because it can see the Soul of
the sun knows about love. The the World and it understands
sun replies that from its creation as a whole (almost). It
position it can see the Soul of also sees the harmony that
the World. From a distance, would exist in the world without
the Soul of the World and the mankind, and seems almost
sun contemplate each other nostalgic for this kind of state
and love each other. The sun of existence. Santiago,
speaks of the creation of the however, argues for the
world, and says that it has importance of mankind as the
learned from the Soul of the source of evolution and
World that if the hand that improvement. Evolving and
wrote everything had stopped improving means moving closer
on the fifth day of creation, to the Soul of the World, and
then everything would exist in Santiago imagines a future in
harmony. Santiago contradicts which all creation would be
him, saying that if there hadn't truly reunited with the Soul of
been a sixth day of creation— the World. The sun seems to
the day on which humans agree with this idea, and at

53
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

were created—then nothing least approves of the loving

would be able to evolve. sentiment behind it.
Because humans exist, each
thing can transform itself into
something better and acquire
a new Personal Legend, until
someday everything will
become entirely part of the
Soul of the World. In
response, the sun shines more
brightly.

Santiago says that alchemy Santiago has learned the idea

exists so that everyone will of evolution and improvement
strive for improvement, just as from alchemy, as this is what
gold exists as lead until it can alchemists seek to do with
be turned into gold. Alchemy metals in transforming them
teaches everyone that when into gold. The source of
improvement is sought, evolution is love, and therefore
everything becomes better, a vision of the world in which
and love is the transformative everything joins the Soul of the
force. The desert is static, World requires a lot of love.
the wind is always moving, Even the Soul of the World
and the sun sees everything itself can be improved through
from a remove. Santiago has love. From this, the sun sees
1 2 3 4 5
now realized that the Soul of that only the “hand that wrote
the World is not perfect, and all” can change Santiago’s
that imperfection is why the physical human state into the
power of love is so important. wind. This evolution and
The power of love improves transformation is thus
everything, including humans ultimately an act of love.
and the Soul of the World. The
sun says that even though it is
known as the wisest being, it
cannot turn Santiago into the
wind. It recommends that
Santiago speak to the “hand
that wrote all.”

The wind blows harder than 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago prays to God from a

ever, and tents are ripped place of love and he feels that
from the ground in the tribal all creation is seeking the same
camp. Santiago turns to the thing as he is, which is to follow
hand that wrote all, and he the God-given paths before it.
feels the universe fall silent. Santiago thus truly experiences
Santiago begins to pray. It is a the unity of the Soul of the

54
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

prayer from his heart filled World, and so discovers the

with love. Santiago Soul of God, which means a
understands that the desert, unity with his own soul.
the wind, and the sun are Because he is now connected
seeking the same thing as he with God, he is able to do the
is, which is to understand the miraculous things that God
signs written by God, and to could do. It only takes realizing
see the paths before them. this to understand that he has
The hand has a reason for all always possessed the power to
that it does. Santiago reaches transform himself.
through the Soul of the World
and discovers the Soul of God.
He sees the oneness between
his own soul and the Soul of
God and, because of this
oneness, realizes that he has
the ability to perform miracles.

For generations, the tribesmen The tribesmen react with fear

from that area would tell the when they witness Santiago’s
story of the boy who was able power—a power that is actually
to turn himself into the wind, just God’s power working
and who in the process almost through someone who has
destroyed the military camp. achieved a kind of
When the wind stops, enlightenment. Only the enemy
everyone looks at the place on chieftain understands this, and
the cliff where Santiago had his happiness shows that the
been standing. But he is now power of God is a positive
on the other side of the camp. force, one of love. The
The tribesmen are afraid of his alchemist also sees Santiago’s
1 2 3 4 5
power, but two people are newfound awareness of his
happy: the alchemist, connection with God and the
because Santiago is his ideal Soul of the World—the
student, and the enemy connection that has made this
chieftain, because he has transformation possible.
witnessed the glory of Allah.
The next day the enemy
chieftain let Santiago and the
alchemist leave the camp, and
he provides them with a
military escort for as far as
they need it.

By the end of the next day, 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago credits the alchemist

the small group arrives at a with having taught him, but the
Coptic monastery. The alchemist sees his role as less

55
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

alchemist tells the escorts of a teacher than a “revealer”—

that they can head back to he only pointed out the truths
their camp, and that from this that Santiago already knew,
point onward Santiago needs because they have always
to travel alone for the last existed in the world Santiago
three hours toward the has spent time observing. The
pyramids. Santiago thanks the alchemist finally uses the
alchemist for teaching him the practical skills of alchemy in the
Language of the World. The Coptic monastery. He works
alchemist says that he didn't with trust in front of the monk,
teach Santiago anything—he again, perceiving a person’s
only helped him to access character at a glance.
some things he already knew.
At the Coptic monastery a
monk welcomes them inside.
The alchemist asks if he can
use the kitchen, and in the
kitchen he takes lead, places it
on a pan over the fire, and
adds to it a sliver from the
Philosopher’s Stone.

As the alchemist works, he 1 2 3 4 5 The monk understands the

and the monk talk about the value of the idea of “maktub,”
wars in the desert. The monk although he uses the language
feels that they're going to last of “God’s will” to refer to those
for a very long time. He is things that are meant to be.
sorry that the caravans have Santiago is still envious of the
stopped coming to Giza, but ability to turn lead into gold,
he knows that God's will is and so he learns another
what happens in the world. valuable lesson from the
The alchemist then shows alchemist: do not covet those
Santiago and the monk the things that are not part of one’s
lead, which has now been own Personal Legend. The
transformed into gold. narrative essentially reached its
Santiago wants to know if he'll climax with Santiago turning
be able to do this some day. himself into the wind, so these
The alchemist says that it was last scenes now feel like a
his Personal Legend to achieve decompression or denouement.
this, but it is not Santiago's. As
they depart the monastery,
the alchemist gives the monk
a quarter of the gold as thanks
for his generosity to pilgrims.
The monk feels that this

56
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

payment is excessive, but the

alchemist cautions him not to
say so, as “life might be
listening, and give you less the
next time.”

The alchemist gives a Santiago learns from the

quarter of the gold to alchemist’s rebuke of the monk
Santiago, to repay him for and now accepts his own gift
the amount that the alchemist graciously. Santiago is
gave to the enemy confident in finding his
chieftain. The alchemist treasure, but the alchemist’s
saves a quarter for himself. warning seems typically
The final quarter he gives to prophetic. Everything in
the monk, saying that it is for Santiago’s life seems to follow a
Santiago if he ever needs it. preordained order, and so it is
Santiago says that he is very entirely likely that he will
1 2 3 4 5
close to his treasure now, so indeed lose his money for a
he will not need the gold in third time.
order to go home, but the
alchemist points out that
Santiago has lost his life
savings twice. The alchemist
says he believes in proverbs,
and there's one that says that
anything that happens twice
will surely happen for a third
time.

Before Santiago and the 1 2 3 4 5 The alchemist leaves Santiago

alchemist bid each other with a parting story—another
farewell, the alchemist tells parable meant to teach him a
Santiago a story about lesson. In the story, the old
dreams. In the story, a man man’s Personal Legend is not
who lives in ancient Rome has mentioned, but it seems he
two sons. One son is in the must have fulfilled it because
military and the other son is a he has lived and died with
poet. The father has a dream happiness and peace, rather
in which an angel appears to than fear and frustration. The
him and tells him that his son’s old man’s selfless nature is also
words will be remembered for evident in his last wish, which
generations. The father is doesn’t concern himself at all,
grateful because he is proud but only his son.
of his sons. When the father
dies soon afterward, he goes
directly to heaven, where he

57
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

meets the angel who appeared

to him in his dream. The angel
promises to grant any wish he
desires. The man does not
want anything for himself, but
he wants to see his son’s
words being remembered by
others.

The angel takes him far into As might be expected, there is

the future, into a room a twist at the end of the
surrounded by thousands of alchemist’s story—just like
people speaking. The man is Santiago’s treasure and the
moved to tears, and asks the resolution to his quest might be
angel which of his son’s poems different than what he has
the people are reciting. The expected and imagined.
angel explains that the poems 1 2 3 4 5
that his poet son wrote were
well loved during his day, but
eventually they were
forgotten. The words he has
just heard were the words of
his son who was in the
military.

The angel explains that the 1 2 3 4 5 The reason for the son’s words
man’s son had sought a rabbi being remembered is that they
whom he’d heard was able to reached a fundamental human
cure all illnesses. While experience that many could
seeking this rabbi, the son relate to. When faced with God
learned that the rabbi was the himself, the man spoke of his
Son of God. This experience own worthlessness. This
caused him to convert to the sensation of being
faith of the rabbi. When he overwhelmed by the greatness
meets the Son of God, the son of God is relatable and
tells him that one of his important to others, and is in
servants is very ill. As the son fact yet another story from the
speaks to the rabbi, he is Bible. The alchemist points out
overwhelmed by the that the father of the military
knowledge that the rabbi is in man had a role in all this as
fact the son of God. He says to well, even if he could not have
the Son of God, “my Lord, I foreseen it, and could not
am not worthy that you should comprehend it until after his
come under my roof, but only death.
speak a word and my servant
will be healed.” The

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Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

alchemist ends his story by

saying that everyone on earth
plays an important role, even
if he doesn't know it. Then the
alchemist and Santiago bid
each other farewell.

Santiago rides alone through Santiago listens to his heart in

the desert, listening to his order to find his treasure, but
heart. The alchemist had his heart is more focused on
told him “where your treasure the quest than the end goal.
is there also will be your The way in which his heart
heart,” but as he travels reveals the place to look for his
Santiago's heart is speaking of treasure shows the importance
other things. It speaks with of emotion in Santiago’s quest.
pride of a shepherd leaving his He will be brought to tears at
flock to follow a dream. It the right place, a demonstration
speaks of Personal Legends, of pure emotion that is not
and of journeys. Finally, as he shameful, but important. The
climbs a dune, Santiago’s 1 2 3 4 5 appearance of the pyramids is
heart says to him to be aware moving, but we already sense
of the place where he is that the journey itself was
brought to tears, as that is the Santiago’s Personal Legend
place where his treasure is. more so than his arrival at this
Santiago climbs the dunes and destination.
sees a full moon rising in the
sky, which shows that it has
been a month since he left the
oasis. At the top of the dunes,
Santiago can see the Egyptian
Pyramids illuminated by the
full moon.

Santiago falls to his knees 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago is brought to tears

and cries, thanking God for because of his overwhelming
making him follow his Personal gratitude to fate/God/the Soul
Legend and for having him of the World, and he now
meet a king, a merchant, an seems to see all that his quest
Englishmen, and an alchemist has already given him—even
along the way, as well as without any “treasure” yet.
Fatima. Santiago realizes that When all the supporting
as he has sought his Personal characters are listed like this
Legend, he has also learned they seem even more
everything he would need to archetypal—like lessons and
know, and has experienced all experiences existing for
of his dreams—and now he is Santiago’s sake, more than

59
Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

on the verge of finding his living humans in their own

treasure. right.

In the sand Santiago sees a The scarab beetle (a sacred

scarab beetle, and remembers creature to the ancient
that these beetles are a Egyptians) is a mysterious
symbol of God. Because of this omen that at first seems to be
omen, he begins to dig into leading Santiago on a false trail.
the sand at the place where But he does not give up,
the beetle was. He digs and 1 2 3 4 5 because by now he has learned
digs, but he finds nothing. His to entirely trust in omens and in
hands hurt and he is his own heart.
exhausted, but he is listening
to his heart, which tells him
to dig at the place where he
cried.

Suddenly several people The refugees of the tribal wars

approach Santiago and are figures deserving both
demand to know what he is sympathy and criticism. They
doing. The people explain that show another side of the tribal
they are refugees from the wars—the fact that people have
tribal wars, and they lost homes and livelihoods
desperately need money. One through the violence others.
of them grabs Santiago and But they also treat Santiago
drags him out of the hole that cruelly, turning the violence
1 2 3 4 5
he has dug. They search they have experienced on
through Santiago's bags, and another person.
find the gold that the
alchemist gave him. They
make Santiago dig, thinking
that he has hidden gold in the
ground, but no treasure is
revealed. At dawn the
refugees beat Santiago.

Finally Santiago yells that he 1 2 3 4 5 Santiago, seemingly at the end

is digging for treasure, and he of his rope, finally admits the
tells his attackers that he had truth about his search, and the
dreamed of finding treasure at leader of the refugees
this place. The leader of the responds. The dream he reveals
refugees tells the others to to Santiago is the parallel
leave Santiago. As the others dream to Santiago’s own
depart, the leader explains (Santiago dreamed of the
that Santiago should not be so pyramids while asleep in the
stupid. He says that two years abandoned church). Unlike

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Name: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: ______

before, he himself had a Santiago, however, the refugee

recurring dream on that very is dismissive of dreams, and
spot. In the dream he saw an doesn’t even consider pursuing
abandoned church that his own treasure. He does not
sheltered shepherds and believe in omens and he will
sheep. The dream told him not follow them, instead
that if he dug at the roots of trusting only his own rationality.
the tree growing through the Because of this, it’s suggested
center of the church, he would that he will continue to suffer
find a hidden treasure. The and struggle—even though his
leader of the refugees did not decision seems entirely
go in search of this treasure, reasonable, especially
however, because it was just a considering the desperate
dream. The refugees leave, circumstances of his life
and Santiago laughs aloud, (circumstances Santiago has
because now he knows the never had to face). Santiago,
location of his treasure. on the other hand, has learned
all his lessons in the right order,
and knows an omen from God
when he sees one.

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