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The Alchemist Annotations

The document contains annotations on 'The Alchemist' focusing on the character Santiago, his relationship with his sheep, and the importance of following one's dreams. Key themes include the significance of dreams, the symbolism of Urim and Thummim, and the contrasting perspectives of characters like the shopkeeper and the Englishman. Additionally, it highlights Santiago's love for Fatima as a representation of unconditional support in pursuing one's Personal Legend.

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nini320913
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612 views2 pages

The Alchemist Annotations

The document contains annotations on 'The Alchemist' focusing on the character Santiago, his relationship with his sheep, and the importance of following one's dreams. Key themes include the significance of dreams, the symbolism of Urim and Thummim, and the contrasting perspectives of characters like the shopkeeper and the Englishman. Additionally, it highlights Santiago's love for Fatima as a representation of unconditional support in pursuing one's Personal Legend.

Uploaded by

nini320913
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Destinee Feliciano 9/4/24

The Alchemist Annotations

- Santiago seems like an interesting character. He enjoys the adventures of his traveling
and telling stories to his sheep. Santiago’s sheep appear to be his only companions as he
travels throughout Andalusia, Spain.

- As the author continues describing the story's main character, he alludes that Santiago’s
sheep live very simplistic lives. As Santiago watches the sheep feed, he observes that
they live effortless lives, following the same routine daily. He acknowledged that the
sheep are content with their lives and have everything they need to survive.

- Although Santiago loves his sheep, he disrespects them because they simply desire food
and water. He thinks his sheep do not appreciate the beautiful lands that Santiago
discovers during his travels.

- The author states, “Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead
their lives, but none about his or her own” (Coelho 18). This quote stuck out to me
because it condemns the idea that no one should be able to dictate one’s future. Instead, it
communicates that we should listen to our dreams because the possibility of having a
dream come true makes life more enjoyable.

- A common theme that appears throughout the story is the act of dreaming in terms of
sleeping. When Santiago tells the gypsy woman and Melchizedek about his dream, they
both encourage him to follow it because it might mean something. They both argue that
dreams are the language that the Universe speaks.

- Urim and Thummim are recurring symbols in The Alchemist. They symbolize the
objective knowledge and assistance Santiago will have on his journey. Throughout the
book, Santiago relies on his ability to make his own decisions, which teaches him lessons
he would not be able to learn from objective questions.

- When Melchizedek gives Santiago these stones, he encourages him to use them only if he
must but to try to make his own decisions. This moment and Melchizedek’s advice
foreshadow what will happen later in the story.

- The shopkeeper, generally afraid of taking risks, is a kind man to Santiago for taking him
in. He teaches Santiago that one of the main things that endangers pursuing a dream is
one’s fear of achieving it. The crystal shop owner wants to go to Mecca but believes he
will lose his reason for life if he does.
Destinee Feliciano 9/4/24

- The Englishman looks fond of the alchemist and everything he has heard that he can do.
He traveled to the oasis to meet him and learn from his ways. Santiago also traveled to
see the Pyramids. Could it be meant for Santiago to meet the Englishman during his
journey?

- As Santiago continues his journey to the oasis, the Englishman teaches him the worth of
book learning and introduces him to important beliefs in alchemy, such as the Master
Work. The Master Work consists of the Philosopher’s Stone, capable of turning any metal
into gold, and the Elixir of Life, able to cure all illnesses.

- The author describes the desert as Santiago observes it. The author states, “But all this
happened for one basic reason: no matter how many detours and adjustments it made, the
caravan moved toward the same compass point” (Coelho 77). The desert symbolizes all
the obstacles and hardships that interfere with people's opportunities to reach their
dreams.

- The oasis is a bustling city within the desert: “There were three hundred wells, fifty
thousand date trees, and innumerable colored tents spread among them” (Coelho 90). As
Santiago describes the oasis, it is used symbolically to represent abundance and hope in
life.

- Fatima is a beautiful Arab girl who lives in the oasis. Santiago finds her filling a jug at a
well in the oasis and immediately falls in love with her. To his surprise, when Santiago
tells her he must leave, she supports his decision, even though he will be away from her.
Although they had to part, their deep love never stopped him from achieving his Personal
Legend but motivated him to continue. In this book, Fatima represents unconditional love
and support for Santiago, no matter how far apart they are.

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