What does The Alchemist tell Santiago to do with his camel?
The alchemist replies that Santiago has nothing from the pyramids. He proceeds to pour Santiago some wine, even though the rules of Al-Fayoum prohibit drinking alcohol. He tells Santiago to sell his camel and buy a horse.
What did Santiago do on his way to the pyramids?
On his way to The Pyramids Santiago does something legendary. When he and the Alchemist are in clutches of the kidnappers, the Alchemist promises that the boy can turn himself into the wind. The universal language now culminates in the boy’s soul.
How does The Alchemist help Santiago find the treasure?
The alchemist tells Santiago to show him signs of life in the desert, since "Only those who can see such signs of life are able to find treasure.". Santiago lets his horse run free, allowing the animal to gallop for almost thirty minutes before it finally stops near a hole inside which is a cobra.
What do Santiago’s sheep symbolize in the alchemist?
Santiago’s sheep thus also symbolize the potential of learning through observation, as well as the importance of observing even the seemingly unimportant aspects of life. The The Alchemist quotes below all refer to the symbol of Santiago’s sheep.
What did the alchemist give Santiago before he visited the pyramid?
The alchemist gives gold to the monk, to Santiago, and keeps some himself. He also gives a fourth part to the monk to keep for Santiago. Before leaving, the alchemist tells Santiago a story about Emperor Tiberius of Rome.
What happens when Santiago gets to the pyramids?
His horse climbs one more sand dune, and Santiago's heart leaps. He sees the pyramids in front of him, illuminated by the moonlight. Santiago falls to his knees and weeps. He notices that where his tears fell, a scarab, or beetle, now scurries through the sand.
What animal does Santiago find in the desert?
The alchemist tells Santiago to show him signs of life in the desert, since "Only those who can see such signs of life are able to find treasure." Santiago lets his horse run free, allowing the animal to gallop for almost thirty minutes before it finally stops near a hole inside which is a cobra.
What do sheep symbolize in the alchemist?
Santiago's sheep symbolize the sort of existence lived by those who are completely blind to their Personal Legends. Santiago loves his sheep, but he also expresses thinly veiled disrespect for them because of their animal desires for mere food and water.
What happened in the pyramids in the alchemist?
Ultimately the pyramids are not the end point of Santiago's quest, however, and he must return to a familiar place, the abandoned church, to find his treasure. Therefore, the pyramids come to symbolize all that Santiago experiences along the way toward the end goal of his Legend.
Why did Santiago go to pyramids?
Santiago tells him he needs to get to the Pyramids and offers to pay him to serve as a guide. The young man explains that the route across the Sahara desert is dangerous, and Santiago needs to show that he has enough money to make the trip.
Who does Santiago meet at the pyramids?
He meets the Englishman who is also in pursuit of his Personal Legend, to meet the alchemist and become one.
Why did Santiago sell his sheep?
Santiago's sheep exemplify the ways in which material possessions can help or hinder a person in his quest to reach his Personal Legend. Without his flock, for instance, Santiago would not have had anything to trade with Melchizedek to get the clue about the next step in his Personal Legend.
What did Santiago learn from the sheep?
Santiago also learns life lessons by watching his sheep, and later these lessons are reinforced as he observes the desert and listens to his heart. Coelho suggests that because of the interconnectedness of all things, anything can be learned from observing one small part of creation.
What do the pyramids symbolize in The Alchemist?
The pyramids of Egypt symbolize the interconnectedness of life and humility because they bring Santiago full circle. In the beginning of the novel, he dreams under the abandoned church about going to the pyramids to find treasure, but at the end of the novel, he learns that the treasure is back at the abandoned church.
What does the snake symbolize in The Alchemist?
The Ouroboros, the serpent which devours its own tail, is the most ancient symbol of alchemy. It is also called the "paradoxical serpent" and represents the circular process of the alchemist's work.
How many sheep does Santiago have?
At the beginning of the story, Santiago has 60 sheep as he brings six to give to the king of Salem who asks for one-tenth of his sheep: "If you want to learn about your own treasure, you will have to give me one-tenth of your flock." Santiago at first wanted to be rude to the old man but then remembered being taught to ...
What happened in Santiago's journey?
A shepherd named Santiago travels from his home in Andalusia, Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure. During his travels he meets a gypsy woman, a king and an alchemist who help him along the way. Nobody knows what the treasure is, but throughout Santiago's journey he learns to follow his heart.
What was the purpose of Santiago's journey?
Santiago journey had three main part, the first one was he had to overcome challenges such as getting robbed several times. The next one was meeting new people including his one true love. And the third one was learning more about himself, such as his Personal Legend.
What star do the pyramids point to?
Whatever their purpose, the Great Pyramid of Giza reveals that its builders knew the starry skies intimately. They surely knew Thuban was their pole star, the point around which the heavens appeared to turn. This diagram shows the so-called air shafts in the Great Pyramid.
Do the pyramids line up with the stars?
So, the pyramids don't really mirror the celestial alignment in the way that's often presented. What's more, the stars in Orion's Belt have moved since the pyramids were constructed, so their relative positions would've been different back then.
What does Santiago tell the Alchemist?
Santiago tells the alchemist that the Englishman needs his help, but the alchemist replies that the Englishman has other things to do first. The alchemist says he needs to help direct Santiago to the treasure he seeks. Santiago argues that he already has his treasure with his camel, money, and Fatima. The alchemist replies that Santiago has ...
Why is it important that the Alchemist chooses Santiago?
The alchemist’s choice to make Santiago his protégé marks an important point in Santiago’s journey, and the fact that the alchemist chooses Santiago, despite the fact that Santiago is not interested in alchemy, reiterates the notion that all things are one to people in touch with the Soul of the World.
What does the horseman say to Santiago?
The horseman asks who dared read the flight of the hawks. Santiago says he did and that he was able to see into the Soul of the World. The horseman asks Santiago why he defies Allah’s will, and Santiago replies that Allah willed his vision to occur. The horseman withdraws his sword and asks why Santiago is in the desert. When Santiago says he is following his Personal Legend, the horseman explains he needed to test Santiago’s courage, and that Santiago must not give up on his goal. The horseman tells Santiago to find him the next day after sunset if he survives the ensuing battle. Santiago asks the horseman where he lives, and the horseman simply points south before riding away. We learn that the mysterious horseman is the alchemist.
Why does the horseman withdraw his sword?
The horseman withdraws his sword and asks why Santiago is in the desert. When Santiago says he is following his Personal Legend, the horseman explains he needed to test Santiago’s courage, and that Santiago must not give up on his goal.
What does Santiago argue about the pyramids?
Santiago argues that he already has his treasure, including his money and Fatima, but the alchemist points out that none of these things come from the pyramids. Again, Santiago hesitates briefly to pursue his dream because he feels satisfied with the wealth he has. The alchemist, however, pushes him forward.
Why did the chieftains question the commander about why he broke with tradition and attacked Al-Fayoum?
The chieftains question the commander about why he broke with tradition and attacked Al-Fayoum, and the commander replies that his men were starving and needed to take the oasis to continue with the war. The chieftains express pity, but condemns the commander to death by hanging.
Why does Santiago feel no fear?
Initially, Santiago thinks the man on the horse may kill him, but he feels no fear because he would die in pursuit of his Personal Legend. Since he does not worry about death, Santiago confidently tells the man that he stands behind his vision. The man appears impressed.
What does the Alchemist tell Santiago?
The alchemist mounts his own horse and puts a falcon on his shoulder. He tells Santiago to lead him to where there is life in the desert. Santiago feels confused, but he understands what to do when the alchemist tells him that life attracts life. He gallops into the desert until his horse slows down. He tells the alchemist life exists ...
What did the alchemist consider Santiago's success?
Santiago quickly finds the cobra, and the alchemist considers Santiago’s success as a sign of Santiago’s ability to understand the Language of the World. Notably, as Santiago gets better at performing these feats, he does not pray or communicate directly with spirits.
How does the Alchemist lead Santiago through the desert?
The alchemist leads the boy through the desert with the falcon on his shoulder. During their stops, the falcon flies off and returns with rabbits or birds to eat. They travel for a week, speaking little. On the seventh day, the alchemist sets up camp early and tells Santiago his journey is almost finished. Santiago feels frustrated that the alchemist didn’t teach him anything, but the alchemist says Santiago should have learned through actions. Santiago asks him why he is an alchemist, and the alchemist explains he learned the practice from his grandfather, when alchemy was simpler. He says men complicated alchemy by writing books about it. Previously, alchemists only needed the Emerald Tablet. Santiago asks what the tablet says, and the alchemist replies that one can’t understand it through reason since it provides a passage to the Soul of the World. The alchemist encourages Santiago to immerse himself in the desert and listen to his heart so he can also gain an understanding of the Soul of the World.
What does the alchemist say about Fatima?
The alchemist says Fatima understands that Santiago needs to complete his Personal Legend. Santiago asks the alchemist what would happen if he stayed in Al-Fayoum. The alchemist explains that Santiago would have enough money to buy many sheep and camels, and that he would marry Fatima. Santiago and Fatima would be happy for one year, but ...
Why does Santiago feel frustrated with the Alchemist?
Santiago feels frustrated that the alchemist didn’t teach him anything, but the alchemist says Santiago should have learned through actions. Santiago asks him why he is an alchemist, and the alchemist explains he learned the practice from his grandfather, when alchemy was simpler.
What happens if Santiago does not pursue his personal legend?
According to the alchemist, if Santiago does not pursue his Personal Legend, his relationship with Fatima will eventually deteriorate as she begins to feel he gave up his dream for her and he begins to regret his decision. Moreover, Santiago will gradually lose touch with the Soul of the World.
What is the Emerald Tablet?
Only the Emerald Tablet serves as an exception to this idea because, as the alchemist tells Santiago, the wisdom it contains provides a direct passage to the Soul of the World. Over time, however, other men trying to become alchemists have complicated that wisdom.
Why does the Alchemist ask Santiago to cross the desert?
The alchemist asks Santiago if it is his Personal Legend that brings him into the desert. Santiago says that because of the war between the tribes, it has been impossible to cross the desert toward the Egyptian Pyramids. The alchemist welcomes Santiago into his tent.
What does the crystal merchant tell Santiago?
The crystal merchant tells Santiago that business has improved, and soon Santiago will be able to return to his sheep. Why, he wonders, would Santiago ask any more from life? Santiago says that they must follow omens. The merchant understands what the boy is saying, because Santiago's very presence in the shop is an omen. The crystal merchant asks Santiago why he wants to get to the 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.
Why does Fatima say he does not need to explain his love for her?
Fatima says that he does not need to explain his love for her, because no reason is needed for love. Santiago 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.
Why is Santiago a curse?
In this way, Santiago has become a curse because he has presented the crystal merchant with new possibilities.
What does the crystal merchant say in the Maktub?
The crystal merchant completes their conversation with the word “maktub.” Santiago asks him what this means. The crystal merchant translates it as "it is written.” He tells the boy that they can start selling tea in the crystal glasses. Sometimes there is no way to stop change when it is coming.
What is Santiago's dream for the future?
The shop is more successful with Santiago’s innovation, but Santiago still focuses his dreams for the future on buying more sheep and returning home. He also twists Melchizedek’s advice in his mind to support his new desires and justify his actions to himself.
What is the fifth obligation of the crystal merchant?
Active Themes. Santiago asks what the fifth obligation is. The crystal merchant says that the fifth obligation is a pilgrimage to Mecca.
What is the story of Santiago in The Alchemist?
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is a tale of wanderlust, resilience, self-discovery, and finding true love. It is the journey of a young boy named Santiago who has the courage to follow his dreams. While many of us wait for things ...
What does the Alchemist promise in The Desert?
When he and the Alchemist are in clutches of the kidnappers, the Alchemist promises that the boy can turn himself into the wind. The universal language now culminates in the boy’s soul.
Why did Santiago come to Tarifa?
Santiago comes to Tarifa to sell his sheep’s wool. He wants to test his fate. So, he goes to a gypsy fortune teller. She tells him about his dream of treasure near pyramids and asks him to follow it.
What does the gypsy do with the old king?
The gypsy strikes a deal with him , that if he finds his treasure, he should share it with her. Another encounter is due to the Old King. Paulo Coelho draws the similarity from High Priest in the Bible to the Old King in the novel. He has a breastplate which has glittering stones of Urim (good) and Thummim (bad).
What does Santiago find in the desert?
Finally, when he reaches the land of Pyramids, he meets the love of his life. In this desert, Santiago finds a kindred soul who encourages him to follow his dreams. Despite his heart’s dilemma, he goes ahead on his journey promising to come back.
What countries did Santiago cross?
Santiago’s journey is not only a spiritual discovery of his potential but also a travel saga. He covers three countries in his wake. He crosses Spain, Morocco, and Egypt to get to his destination.
Where is Santiago's ultimate destination?
His ultimate destination is the Pyramids. In his dreams, a big Pyramid was his treasure home. He digs and digs but finds nothing in the sands. When he meets a man, who exchanges Gold for Santiago’s life, then Santiago realizes that his treasure was in the Old ruined church beside the Sycamore tree.
What does Santiago learn from the Alchemist?
Three armed warriors approach them, asking what they are doing in the area. The alchemist answers that he is hunting with his falcon.
What does the alchemist see when he looks into the distance?
Soon, however, Santiago senses danger, and when he looks into the distance, he sees an army of blue-veiled men. Santiago and the alchemist are taken to a military camp, where they are thought to be spies.
What does Santiago say about the cobra?
Santiago lets his horse run free, allowing the animal to gallop for almost thirty minutes before it finally stops near a hole inside which is a cobra. The alchemist pulls it out by its tail. He says it is an omen and decides to lead Santiago to the pyramids. Santiago arranges a meeting with Fatima.
What does the Alchemist say about the falcon?
The alchemist answers that he is hunting with his falcon. The tribesmen look through their belongings for weapons and, finding none, they let Santiago and the alchemist pass. Later, two ominous-looking men appear on horseback and tell the alchemist and Santiago that they may not go any further.
What does the horseman do to Santiago?
The horseman presses the sword against Santiago's forehead, drawing a small drop of blood. Santiago has no fear of dying, however, as doing so would allow him to join the Soul of the World. Santiago explains that he is only following his Personal Legend, which pacifies the stranger.
What did the wind tell Santiago?
The alchemist says that the wind told him Santiago was coming and would need help. He instructs Santiago to sleep well, trade his camel for a horse, and remember that his treasure will be where his heart is.
How many tribesmen invaded the Al Fayoum oasis?
The following day, the Al-Fayoum oasis is invaded by five hundred mounted tribesmen. At first they appear to be unarmed, but their weapons are hidden under their robes. They converge on the tribal chieftain's tent and attack it. But the tribal leaders, having heeded Santiago's warning, have abandoned the white and gold tent.