The Alchemist Blog

 The Alchemist Blog by Shalini Chattergoon

    

      In "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, we are introduced to a shepherd boy named Santiago who lives in the country side of Andalusia, Spain. We learn that Santiago has an interest for a merchant's daughter who he tells the sheep in his care about. As the story continues, we realize that Santiago's father wants him to become a priest, however, ever since Santiago was a child, he wanted to travel.

On Santiago's way to Tarifa to run some errands, he remembered there was a Gypsy woman that would be able to interpret his dream of the Egyptian pyramids. The woman tells him that he must go to the pyramids and find a treasure in which he must give her one tenth of for interpreting his dream. Disappointed, Santiago left to complete his tasks.  

Santiago completed his errands so he began reading a book he bought. While reading, an old man sat next to him and tried starting a conversation with him. Santiago, lost in his thoughts, answered the man dryly, however, the old man persisted in conversing with him. He learns that not only can this old man read, but he is Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who knows all about Santiago. Melchizedek tells Santiago to give him one tenth of his sheep in exchange of telling him how to find the hidden treasure. After talking for a while longer, the king introduces Santiago to the "principle of favourability" which he learns to be is beginner's luck. Soon after, the kings leaves and they both meet the next day. Santiago gives the man the sheep and in return, he receives two stones that would help him in making his choices.

      While sitting in a bar in Tangier, Santiago meets a man who he tells he must get to the pyramids and asks if he can take him there. The man asks Santiago if he has enough money, so Santiago's naivety allowed him to give up his money to the boy to be counted. Then, the bar owner yells at Santiago in Arabic trying to warn him about the thief but he did not understand. Instead, Santiago decides to trust the man since they both can speak Spanish. The man guides Santiago through market but he gets distracted by a sword and ends up loosing him. Santiago then realizes that he man stole his money and took off. 

      After falling asleep in the marketplace, he was awoken by someone the next morning. Walking through the market, he saw the merchants putting up their stalls and decides to help a candy seller with his. Santiago sees how happy the candy seller is and realizes that the he has fulfilled his personal desire of selling candy. When they were finished, the man offered Santiago a sweet and he accepted then left. 

Following the story, we are introduced to a crystal merchant in Tangier who has been living through the same day for the last thirty years. Santiago goes into the shop and offers to clean all the glasses in the window in exchange for something to eat. After Santiago cleaned the glasses, customers entered the store and bought crystals, then the merchant carried him for lunch. While eating the merchant asks Santiago to work for him and he agrees to until he got enough money to go to Egypt. But, the crystal merchant laughs at him and says that even after a year for working for him, Santiago will still need to borrow money to get to Egypt. With sadness, Santiago still agreed to work for him so that he can buy sheep.

      After a month of working for the crystal merchant, Santiago was able to put aside a decent amount of money earned from his commission. While conversing, the merchant realizes that Santiago is in fact a positive omen that has brought success to his shop. Furthermore, the merchant admits that it is his dream to visit the city of Mecca, but he refuses to go since this dream of his is the only reason he has to continue living. Two months later, Santiago is closer to doubling his flock of sheep and doing business with the Arabs as he is now able to speak Arabic, and Egypt is now nothing more than a dream for him. A few days later, Santiago sparked the idea of selling tea in the crystal glasses to the customers, although the merchant was hesitant to change his ways, he eventually agreed and this ultimately increased his sales tremendously as well as expand his business. 

      Eleven months and nine days later, Santiago earned enough money to buy his sheep and with the merchant's blessing and good omens, he left. Santiago learnt that there is a universal language, this being "the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired." In addition, his dream was being less important so he realized that maybe it wasn't actually his real dream. However, Santiago still decided to go to one of the crystal merchant's supplier's warehouse to find out how far away the Pyramids were.

      Further into the story, we are introduced to the Englishman who has a vested interest in learning about alchemy and discovering the secret of the Master Work which is the Philosopher's Stone. Soon after, Santiago enters the warehouse and discovers that others know of the stones Urim and Thummim which he learnt to be the only form of divination allowed by God and that the Englishman already knew of omens. While conversing with each other, Santiago learnt that the Englishman also has a destiny to fulfil and is completely set on getting to Egypt in search of an alchemist.

      Minutes later, Santiago and the Englishman, along with others, prepared to journey east on camels and caravans to Egypt. The Englishman brought with him suitcases filled with a number of books while the others were armed with swords and rifles. While Santiago and the others were saying quiet prayers to God, the Englishman remained silent. When everyone began their journey, Santiago and the Englishman began talking again and Santiago realized the most rewarding part of a goal is the accomplishment of it. As the days went by, Santiago noticed that the Englishman's nose was stuck in his books so he was unaware of his surroundings. Although Santiago brought along his book and though he would've learnt something important while reading, he was more interested in the journey, his bonding with his camel and listening to the wind. 

      Days into the journey, Santiago learnt that the camel driver was once a farmer who's orchard was destroyed due to a flood and was then forced to find a new profession, as well as valuable lessons. Moving on, Santiago suggests to the Englishman that he should pay more attention to where they're going since they always head in the same direction, no matter the number of detours. The Englishman tells Santiago that he should read more books since they are of the same concept. 

      One night, the Englishman and Santiago took a walk to the dunes where Santiago told the man all about his life. The Englishman told Santiago that the success he helped bring to the crystal shop was considered a positive force called the "Soul of the World" in alchemy and he says the earth also has a soul which we are part of. He says that the desert and the caravan speaks the same language that allows them to cross and get to the oasis, and the journey would've been more difficult if they didn't understand it. Santiago says this to be the magic of omens and they both agree to pay more attention to the other's interest. From the Englishman's books, Santiago learnt that "all things are the manifestation of one thing only". In addition, Santiago learnt of the "Emerald Tablet" which contains the most important literature of alchemy.

      Santiago read that alchemists were men whose entire purpose was to purify metals by melting them for years upon years until the soul of the world was left. The "Soul of the World" aided them in understanding everything on earth since it was "the language with which all things communicated", this was called the "Master Work". He learnt that the Master Work was made up of two parts; the liquid part called the "Elixir of Life", was a cure to all illnesses as well as keeping the alchemists young, and the solid part is called the "Philosopher's Stone" which can transform metal into gold. Upon learning this, Santiago became more interested in alchemy. A few days later, the man asked Santiago what he learnt but was disappointed when Santiago paid no attention to all the years of research, magic symbols, strange words and lab equipment. Although both disagree on the other's way of learning, Santiago still respects the searches of their destinies.

      Progressing with their journey, the camel driver says they would be lucky to reach the oasis as the war between tribes have already begun. Even thought the others feared the threat of the war, the camel driver was just glad to still be alive and focused on living in the present. Upon arriving to the oasis, Santiago was quiet, thinking about is long remaining journey to the Pyramids, however, he stayed in the present moment of the party. On the other hand, he Englishman was not bothered by all the people in front of him as he'd seen it all many times before, his main focus was finding the man who can teach him his secrets. The man thought that these teaching had to be conveyed by word of mouth because some tend to become distracted by pictures and writings and forget the true meaning behind it. 

      Santiago and the Englishman observed the groups of children, men and women and the relief and happiness of those on the caravan. The camel driver explained that the oases were a place of refuge as the tribesmen only fought in the desert. The caravan driver instructed his people to stay in the oasis until the war was over and asked that everyone gave up their arms to those assigned by the tribal chieftains as it was the rules of war. Meanwhile, Santiago thought as he got closer to the realization of his dream, everything became harder as if the beginner's luck was no longer working and his persistence and courage was being tested. He realized that impulsively pushing forward would prevent his from seeing the signs and omens left by God so he must be patient. 

      The next day, the Englishman asked Santiago to help him look for where the alchemist lives but hours later, found nothing so they finally decided to ask for help. Santiago asked a woman who quickly denied hearing of said person and hurried away. Thinking this entire journey was pointless, the Englishman was disappointed and Santiago saddened. The Englishman realized that no one know what an 'alchemist' is so they asked if anyone knew of a healer. With fear, a man told them they were looking for a witch doctor, spoke verses of the Koran and left, another gave hint of one being there but warned them not to enter the life of the oasis. 

            Then, a woman approached and Santiago saw love, a language understood by everyone, in her eyes. When she smiled Santiago figured that she was an omen he didn't know he was longing for all his life and the woman realized the same. Santiago asks the girl he learns to be called Fatima, if she knows of the one who cures illnesses. She tells them he is the one who communicates with the genies, the good and evil spirits of the desert, then points them South in the direction where he lives, fills her vessel and leaves. The Englishman goes off to find the alchemist while Santiago sat by the well, recalling the day in Tarifa he smelt her perfume. He realizes he loved her before even knowing of her and believes this love he has for her would help him find every treasure in the world. 

      The next day, Santiago returns to the well only to find the Englishman who says he spend half a day waiting for the alchemist only for him to arrive in the evening. The man told the alchemist of his desire and the alchemist asked him if he'd ever turned lead into gold. The Englishman said that's what he came all this way to learn but the alchemist simply told him to try it himself, he then leaves Santiago to do just that. Right after, Fatima comes to the well and Santiago confesses his love to her and asks her to marry him but she did not agree. Everyday onward Santiago meet Fatima at the well and told her all about his life. Almost a month later, the caravan leader tells everyone they won't be able to continue their journey until the war was over. That same afternoon, Fatima confesses to Santiago that he was the 'present' she'd been waiting on since she was a child, however, she pushes him to continue in completing his destiny and says they would find each other again if they were meant to. 

      After his interaction with Fatima, Santiago went to look for the Englishman who had already built a furnace near his tent to begin phase one of the Master Work as his fear of failure was now gone. Later that day, Santiago wondered the desert in hopes of finding some answers to all his questions. In return, he had a vision that an army would be coming towards them and he went back to warn the camel driver who understood him because he knew of the Soul of the World. There were people in the desert called seers who were able to penetrate the Soul of the World and the tribesmen avoided consulting with them as they rather the essence of battle and living in the present. The camel driver        admitted that he consulted with a seer before because he wanted to know his future to avoid bad things from happening to him. The seer told him knowing what bad things will come will bring more suffering to him, explains that only God can know the future and they only way for it to be revealed is if it is meant to be changed. 

      

      Santiago went to warn the chieftains of the war that is coming. The elder in the center of them all told the boy that he will receive a piece of gold for every ten men that is killed on the opposing side, however, if his warning turned out to not be true they would kill him. On his way back to the tent, Santiago thought to himself that if he was to die tomorrow, he would die with pride as he has seen much more than any other shepherd had. 

      On his way back to his tent, Santiago was met with a strong gust of wind and a horseman dressed in all black. The man drew his sword and demanded the one who dared to read the flight of the hawks in which Santiago admitted to be him and received a blow to the head. Santiago says many lives would be saved because of him which led to the horseman drawing blood from his forehead. However, in that moment all Santiago felt was joy as he would be dying in chase of his destiny and for Fatima. After exchanging a few more words, the man eventually drew back his sword and told Santiago to be cautious of his predictions as there is no way to change something that has already been written. The horseman tells Santiago that courage is the most important quality in understanding the Language of the World and he is surprised that the man knows all of this. He further says not to trust the desert completely as it challenges you and kills if you become distracted, he tells Santiago to find him if the warriors come and he is left alive. While taking off, Santiago asks the man where he lives and he points south, this makes Santiago realize that he just met the alchemist. 

      The following day, the troops infiltrated the oasis and all but the commander ended up dead who was then brought before the chieftains to be questioned. The commander admitted that their men had been starving, thirsty and exhausted from battle and wanted to take over the oasis so they were able to return to war. The tribal chieftain decided the commander to be hung from a dead palm tree for violating the sacred tradition. He then called Santiago to give him fifty pieces of gold as promised and asked him to become the counselor of the oasis. 

      That night, Santiago went to find the alchemist to ask for help in crossing the desert. The alchemist said he told Santiago to look for him because he knew he needed help in finding his treasure at the Pyramids. Santiago says he already has a camel, money, gold and Fatima, but the alchemist persisted that they aren't the real treasure to be found. He tells the boy to rest there for the night and he says to follow his heart in order to find the real treasure and to sell his camel and buy a horse in the morning. 

      The next night, both Santiago and the alchemist set off to find the treasure. The man says that only those who are able to find signs of life in the desert will be able to find treasure. They took off and minutes later Santiago's horse began to slow down as it sensed life near stones. Both got off the horses and began to search and the alchemist found a cobra in a hole among the stones. He took his blade, drew a circle in the sand, rest the snake that relaxed in the circle and told Santiago that this life found in the desert was the omen he needed to continue guiding him across the desert. Opposingly, Santiago wanted to stay in the oasis as he already found something worth more than treasure, Fatima. The alchemist tells Santiago that Fatima knows he must leave in order to come back and that she has already found Santiago as her treasure and she now expects him to find what he is looking for.

      The alchemist continues to explain to Santiago that if he were to stay back he could become the counselor, have lots of gold, marry Fatima and live a happy life for a year. However, in year two, he would be strongly reminded of his destiny by omens, appreciated by the chieftain, and brought wealth and power. In the third year, the omens will become more significant and cause him to wander the desert in search of the treasure and cause Fatima to become unhappy, thinking it was because of her that he did not pursuit his destiny, and that he should have continued his search for the treasure but the omens would say the treasure was gone forever. Lastly, year four will prove to the chieftain that Santiago is no longer worthy of the counselor position as he stopped listening to the omens, but, he would still be a rich merchant living his days knowing it's too late to continue the pursuit of his destiny. At the end, the alchemist explains to Santiago that true love will never prevent him from pursuing his destiny. On their way back to the oasis, Santiago said he will go along with the alchemist and instantly felt serenity within his heart after this decision.

     The next morning, Santiago went to Fatima's tent to let her know to he would be leaving and he confesses that he loves her because the universe helped him find her. With this, the alchemist and Santiago took off in search of the treasure. After a week of their journey, Santiago was closer than ever to the treasure. The alchemist says although he has taught him nothing, Santiago learnt everything throughout his journey but only one lesson remains. While having a meal, he explains to Santiago the history of the Emerald Tablet and tells him that the code written on it is directly connected to the Soul of the World. The alchemist carries on to explain that the existence of their world is reassurance of an existing perfect world and he says that God has created the world to pass on his spiritual teachings and the marvels of his wisdom through visible objects.  

      Two days later, Santiago began listening to his heart as the alchemist advised since treasure is found wherever your heart lies. As they continued their journey through the desert, the boy's heart beat quickened as it thought of all those who tried to find their treasure but did not succeed as deep down, he was afraid of loosing all that he has won while in pursuit of his dream. The alchemist tells Santiago that it is best to continuing listening to his heart no matter what, so he does not have to fear the unexpected, as the fear of suffering is worse than suffering in it's self. 

      The next morning, Santiago's heart told him that happiness lies within God and every person on Earth has a treasure that awaits them but most refuse to follow the path leading to their destinies since they see the world to be filled with threats. After this topic of conversation, the alchemist tells Santiago that the last lessons he needs to know is that the Soul of the World tests everything that you have learnt before you realize your dream. 

 

      The day after, both are meet with two tribesmen who question their presence as search all their belongings. On the alchemist, they found what the he admitted to be the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life in which the men laughed in disbelief and let both Santiago and the alchemist go. Santiago questioned the alchemist's decision and he simply says by telling the truth of possessing great treasures, rarely anyone will believe you; one of life's greatest lessons. Proceeding with their journey, Santiago grew closer with his heart and realized his strongest qualities and the countless times his heart saved him. 

     A few days later, they came across a tribe encampment where Santiago failed to recognize the possibility of danger. However, by showing strength behind his eyes, the alchemist was able to get them past the tribesmen that tried to stop them. Finally, they were two days away from the Pyramids and the alchemist was soon to go his separate way so Santiago demanded him to teach him the way of turning lead into gold. Moments later, during a meal, the alchemist told Santiago that the only way one would be able to transform lead into gold was if their destiny allowed them to do so. Soon after, they once again continued their journey to the Pyramids. 

      Hours later, upon entering the dunes, Santiago's heart signaled danger and they were soon met with hundreds on tribesmen who took them to a military camp, thinking they were spies. The alchemist gave up Santiago's gold and bartered a deal with the chief to give them three days to prove Santiago to be an alchemist. The alchemist then explains to Santiago not to give in to his fears as it is the only thing that will prevent him from achieving his dream. He tells Santiago that he must learn to become the wind in order to save their lives by proving he is an alchemist. If he is unable to do so, he will die trying to realize his destiny, but he assure that people become more aware of their lives in the face of death. The next day, the alchemist tells Santiago that alchemy is what brings spiritual perfection in contact with the material plane. 

      On day three, Santiago brought the men to the cliff where he'd been previously practicing. He spoke to the desert and asked for its' help in turning into the wind in which the desert asked him a series of questions. Upon answering the main question of "what is love?" correctly, the wind appeared which made the alchemist smile. After conversing with the wind and peaking its' curiosity, the wind agreed to create a sand storm which helped Santiago speak to the sun. After explaining to them all that love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World, the sun advised Santiago to ask the creator of it all for help in turning into the wind. After a bit more conversation, Santiago realized that the Soul of the World was a part of the Soul of God which was his own soul and he, a simple boy, could perform miracles. The legend of a boy who became the wind carried on for generations after. 

      Santiago's accomplishment made the alchemist smile as he just discovered his newfound disciple, and the chief who understood the glory of God. The following day, the chief appointed both men with an escort party to go along with them for as long as they needed. When they arrived at the Coptic Monastery which was three hours away from the pyramids, the alchemist allowed the escorts to return to their camp and told Santiago this is where they were to part. A monk greeted them at the gates and allowed them use of the kitchen where the alchemist demonstrated to Santiago and the monk how lead is turned into gold. From asking if he would learn this craft someday, the alchemist explained to Santiago that this was his destiny not Santiago's but still wanted to prove that it wasn't impossible. 

      Getting ready to leave the monastery, the alchemist divided the pieces of gold into four but gave the monk Santiago's second piece for safe keeping. Once again they took off and the alchemist told Santiago one last story before their departure. While riding through the desert, Santiago's heart told him to be aware of where his tears lie for this will be where the treasure is. Moments later, he finally arrived at the Pyramids of Egypt where he fell to his knees and thanked God. The boy recognized that on his way to realize his destiny, he gained the all knowledge and experience he may have dreamt of. Santiago noticed a scarab beetle, which is a sign of God, below him where his tears fell, so he started digging. 

      After hours of digging, Santiago found nothing, yet he listened to his heart and kept on digging despite his exhaustion. Minutes later, two figures who turned out to be refugees, arrived and questioned Santiago's presence of which he did not answer out of sheer terror. They took his gold and made him dig till morning where he was beaten after finding nothing. Santiago admitted the reason he was there but the men did not believe him and decided to leave, but not before the leader whispered to Santiago of a recurrent dream he had two years ago on that exact same spot that he did not follow as he was not willing to travel across an entire desert to find treasure. However, this interaction made Santiago burst with joy as he finally realized where the treasure was. 

      Santiago was now back in Andalusia where he brought a shovel to the sycamore tree in the church, he sat drinking wine while looking up at the sky remembering all the people he met and roads in which he travelled. The next morning, he began digging at the base of the sycamore tree for the next half an hour. An hour later, Santiago finally had before him a chest of Spanish gold coins along with other treasures. He then places the stones Urim and Thummim in the chest and remembers he owes the gypsy one tenth of his treasure. Meanwhile, the levanter blew and Santiago, once again, smelt Fatima's perfume and felt the touch of her kiss and he was ready to find his way back to her.

Literary devices:

• Imagery:

- "The roof had fallen in long ago, and an enormous sycamore had grown on the spot where the sacristy had once stood.", "he could see the stars through the half-destroyed roof." (pg 4-5)
- "The girl was typical of the region of Andalusia, with flowing black hair, and eyes that vaguely recalled the Moorish conquerors." (pg 9)
- "The horizon was tinged with red, and suddenly the sun appeared" (pg 20)

- "He dressed in his Arabian clothing of white linen, bought especially for this day. He put his headcloth in place and secured it with a ring made of camel skin. Wearing his new sandals, he descended the stairs silently." (pg 135-136)

- " But, in the desert, there was only the sound of the eternal wind, and of the hoofbeats of the animals" (pg 167)

-"  People were shouting at the new arrivals, dust obscured the desert sun, and the children of the oasis were bursting with excitement at the arrival of the strangers." (pg 199)

- "The ground was covered with the most beautiful carpets he had ever walked upon, and from the top of the structure hung lamps of hand-wrought gold, each with a lighted candle." (pg 246)

-" Astride the animal was a horseman dressed completely in black, with a falcon perched on his left shoulder. He wore a turban and his entire face, except for his eyes, was covered with a black kerchief." (pg 256)

- "The steel of its blade glittered in the light of the moon." (pg 257)

• Simile:
  

- "like a colony of worker ants, they dismantled their stalls and left." (pg 90)

- "It was as if the world had fallen silent because the boy's soul had." (pg 111)

- "I want my husband to wander as free as the wind that shapes the dunes." (pg 229)

- "Arms are as capricious as the desert" (pg 254)

- "He scraped from it a sliver as thin as a hair" (pg 366)

• Metaphor:

- "there's just no way to hold back the river." (pg 133)

- "he was an old grouch" (pg 114)

- "The desert is a capricious lady, and sometimes she drives men crazy." (pg 162)

• Personification:

- "The boy's heart began to speak of fear." (pg 305)

• Symbolism:
  

- "that butterflies were a good omen. Like crickets, and like expectations; like lizards and four-leaf clovers." (pg 68)

- "He ran his fingers slowly over the stones, sensing their temperature and feeling their surfaces. They were his treasure" (pg 94) These stones represent hope.

- "Two customers came in today while you were working, and that's a good omen." (pg 109)

- "Yesterday, the camel's groan signaled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle." (pg 198)

- "From that day on, the desert would represent only one thing to her: the hope for his return." (pg 291)

- "the scarab beetles are a symbol of God" (pg 383)

• Irony

- " But the boy never took his eye off his new friend. After all, he had all his money" (pg 87)

- "Now he understood why the owner of the bar had been so upset: he was trying to tell him not to trust that man." (pg 94)