Q1: Explain the following lines or quotes with reference to context.

 Give reference
 Who are the Speaker and addressee
 When and where the words spoken
 What is their meaning

a) “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
b) “That at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives
become controlled by fate.”
c) “…whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's
because that desire originated in the soul of the universe.”
d) “If you start out by promising what you don’t even have yet, you’ll lose your desire to work
toward getting it.”
Note: The first RTC is done as a sample for you to follow the pattern while answering the rest.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Reference: This quote has been taken from the novel, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Who and Whom: This line is spoken by Melchizedek to Santiago.
When and Where: This quote is spoken by Melchizedek during his conversation with Santiago in
Tarifa, shortly after Santiago tells him about his recurring dream of finding treasure in Egypt.
What is the meaning: Melchizedek's words convey an essential message to Santiago about the
power of pursuing one's dreams and following one's "Personal Legend" or true purpose in life. The
meaning behind this quote is that when a person has a deep desire or goal (represented by "when
you want something"), the entire universe aligns itself to assist in achieving that desire or goal.

SHORT QUESTIONS
Q2: Explain the significance of Urim and Thummim, the stones Melchizedek gives to Santiago.
Why should Santiago use the stones only when he cannot read the omens?
A: Just before Santiago leaves on his journey, Melchizedek gives him two special stones, Urim and
Thummim. One stone (Urim) is black, while the other (Thummim) is white. The king tells the boy
that the stones can provide guidance but should be used only when he is unable to read or
interpret an omen. In such instances, Santiago can ask an objective question, and the stones will
answer yes or no, with the black stone signifying the former and the white stone the latter.
However, Santiago's goal is to exercise his free will and not to use the stones. Instead, he should
become good at reading omens and making his own decisions. If and when he needs to use them,
the stones are there to support him.

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 LONG QUESTIONS

Q3: What does King Melchizedek symbolize in ''The Alchemist''?

A: King Melchizedek is a biblical reference to the same king of Salem who helped Abraham in the
book of Genesis. He symbolizes several important themes and ideas:
Guidance and Mentorship:
King Melchizedek serves as a spiritual guide and mentor to Santiago. He appears at a critical
moment in Santiago's life and provides him with valuable insights and advice about following one's
dreams and discovering one's "Personal Legend" or true purpose. In this sense, Melchizedek
symbolizes the wisdom and guidance that individuals may encounter on their own journeys of self-
discovery.
The Mysterious and Supernatural: Melchizedek's character has an air of mystery and the
supernatural. This element of mystery and the supernatural symbolizes the idea that there are
forces and knowledge beyond the ordinary, encouraging readers to explore the spiritual and
mystical aspects of life.
Spiritual Awakening:
Melchizedek's teachings and presence symbolize a spiritual awakening for Santiago. He helps
Santiago realize that there is more to life than his current circumstances as a shepherd and
encourages him to embark on a deeper, more meaningful journey. Melchizedek embodies the idea
of transcending the material and embracing the spiritual aspects of existence.
The Call to Adventure:
In the Santiago's journey, Melchizedek plays the role of the "herald" or the one who calls him to
adventure. He represents the catalyst for change and transformation, prompting Santiago to leave
behind his old life and venture into the unknown.
In summary, King Melchizedek symbolizes guidance, spirituality, the supernatural, the universal
language of dreams, and the call to adventure. His character is instrumental in setting Santiago on
his path of self-discovery and personal legend, and he embodies many of the novel's central
themes and motifs.
Q4: In The Alchemist, what is meant by the "language of the world?
A: In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, "the language of the world" is what is spoken to us by the Soul
of the World. According to this notion, we are all part of one indivisible unity, and this unity, or
Soul of the World, speaks to us in its own language, guiding us to make the right choices in life, if
only we'd listen to it.
The overriding philosophy of The Alchemist could be described as a kind of pantheism, the belief
that everything in the universe is God. Coelho introduces us to the notion that we are all part of

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the Soul of the World, a soul that links us all together: man and beast, sun and sky, rocks, plants,
and trees. The Soul, as it comprises every living thing, is itself a living force. What's more, it has its
own language, "the language of the world."
The language of the world speaks to each and every one of us, even if we don't always hear it.
Although there are many different languages in the world, underlying them is one universal
language that speaks to our common humanity. It is a language of enthusiasm, a language that
encourages people to do good things, to follow their life goals.
Even those unwilling to follow their Personal Legends, like the crystal merchant, understand the
language of the world and what it means. The merchant knows that Santiago is listening to the
world language in coming up with all kinds of good ideas for drumming up trade.
Santiago realizes that desires ultimately originate in the soul of the universe; if you want anything
in life, it's because the universe as a whole wants it for you. And that desire is communicated
through the language of the world, which has the power to guide us along the path of life, if only
we'd stop and listen to it.

Q5: Who narrates the story of The Alchemist, and what role does the narrator play?
The third-person omniscient narrator of The Alchemist reveals not only the thoughts and feelings
of the protagonist, Santiago, but also those of other characters.
During much of Part 1, the narrator relates events from Santiago's perspective. The point of view
then shifts to the perspective of Melchizedek, the old king of Salem, just as the boy departs for
Tangier. Here, the old king sits at the highest point in Tarifa, watching Santiago's small ship make
its way out of the port. "The king of Salem hoped desperately that the boy would be successful,"
the narrator reveals, going on to relate the king's innermost thoughts about Santiago's departure
and his desire for the boy to always remember his name.
These shifts in the narrator's perspective give readers insight into how characters think and feel,
thus advancing the plot of the story. The readers see changes in Santiago's knowledge and
attitudes as his journey progresses. These changes are evidence of his transformation, or character
development, as Santiago follows his quest for his Personal Legend.

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