Fate In Joseph Campbell's 'The Alchemist'

An individual’s legacy, in many ways, is predetermined by the primordial “Fate.” A sort of judge and guide that some people have subscribed to for centuries. This guide develops a certain permutation for an individual’s life which is only influenced by one’s ability to compose judgements and decisions about obstacles which appear everyday. This decision making process is cyclical in that it always leads to another question to answer or problem to solve. One decision may edge the next until it yields to fate, the ultimate philosophical judge. Fate is a permanent path and one is stuck on its course. The same could be said for the Wes Moores’ of the work The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. Throughout the work, the Wes Moores’ made complicated

Although several aspects of life are predetermined, there are moments people have control over their fate. For example, no one has control over death, and even though many refuse their undeniable fate, it cannot be avoided. However, there are choices we make that mold our future, thus, changing our fate. On various occasions, there will be a fork in one’s path, and that person will have to choose which journey to take. In life, there are small, ineffective decisions you have to resolve, but there are also larger, life altering choices. Of course, others may feel the same way about fate, or entirely different. In fact, since the beginning of time, authors of literature have discussed their ideas on such matters, a few examples being Dr. Seuss, Charles Dickens, and Edgar Allen Poe. These authors, famous for their thought provoking literary work, provide differing opinions on the fate and destiny of a human being through the use of allegory.

My connections look at how certain choices can affect your life forever. The texts that I used to convey this link were The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Slumdog Millionaire directed by Danny Boyle, The Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont and a poem by Robert Frost called The Road Not Taken. Throughout the texts used we learn that you cannot always see the outcome of a particular choice unless you choose to go down that path. An important decision is made by the main character(s) in each text and they suggest that not all choices are easy to make and can have positive and negative consequences.

In the book, Santiago reflects the theme in many differents ways. One ways in which santiago reflects the theme is when he meet the crystal merchant and helped him in the shop so much that it became the best crystal shop ever. According to the Merchant on page 54, santiago has change this life and himself to the best version of themselves. For instance on the book, it says, “Crystal Merchant: “I’ve had this shop for thirty years. I know good crystal from bad, and everything else there is to know about crystal. I know its dimensions and how it behaves. If we serve tea in the crystal, the shop is going to expand. And then I’ll have to change my way of life.” / Boy: “Well, isn’t that good?” / Crystal Merchant: “I’m already used to the way things are. Before you came, I was thinking about how much time I had wasted in the same place, while my friends had moved on, and either went bankrupt or did better than they had before. It made me very depressed. Now, I can see that it hasn’t been too bad. The shop is exactly the size I always wanted it to be. I don’t want to change anything, because I don’t know how to deal with change. I’m used to the way I am.” The

One of life’s greatest mysteries is how much of it can be controlled. At times it may seem like there is a set path to follow and everyone is under the control of a mysterious being or force. It is very common to feel a calling towards a certain career path, lifestyle, or other option. Other occasions may seem more controlled. After all, humans have the capacity to think carefully and choose the next step wisely. In addition, the question of whether fate and destiny exist is also frequently asked. Fate is what a person will do, and they cannot change it. Regardless of any choices that may lead someone astray, they will always be under the control of fate. Destiny, although similar to fate, is much different. Destiny describes what a person

In the book, The Alchemist, fate is most definitely a reoccurring theme, and is one that is talked about actively by the characters in the story, even if they don't use the exact word. Sometimes Santiago refers to his personal legend, and this can definitely be compared to fate, though fate is something that is most likely unknown, whereas personal legend is what a person believes their fate to be. Santiago believes that is personal legend involves him traveling to the pyramids in Egypt, and finding a treasure there. This may or may not be his actual fate, but it is definitely something he believes in. But it goes beyond this. Fate seems to be something that is actively spoken about, and most seem to believe in it, what with beliefs in

In the Alchemist, Santiago’s growth and development is significant to the story. Santiago is contemplated and thoughtful, characteristics that always stay with him. He thinks about his options and what he feels compelled to do, as well as what is will cost him When he encounters Melchizedek, he absorbs the king's words about what he knows he must do: “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. It's your mission on earth." (Coehlo 22). Santiago absorbs the king's words and it helps to fuel his own understanding of what he must do, discover his Personal Legend. Throughout his journey not only does Santiago find his Personal Legend and

I think that the most common theme in The Alchemist is fate. Santiago meets a crystal merchant and the merchant says the word maktub, which means "it is written". This goes with the theme of fate because it is written means that everything happens for a reason, which is fate. It is written also means that what people's dreams are often part of their fate because you cannot control what you aspire to do. Santiago meeting the crystal merchant was part of his fate because it helped push him to his final destination. Another example of fate in the alchemist is Santiago meeting the Englishman. This is fate because when he meets the Englishman he finds out that they are both going to the same place. This shows that the Englishman

Based on the reading so far in the book Alchemist I would say it's based a lot on fate.

The Alchemist book and the Henri’s quote are right delivering the message that having courage to face fears, confidence in itself, and determination to continue are important to determine a person’s fate. As Santiago, that at the final found his personal legend because he never gives up although he had to face many obstacles in his way. Every person can achieve and choose what they want in their futures and begins with having those three things. Nobody can limit or choose the destiny of others, we have to choose what we want because live is just once.

In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the presence of fate in the face of trouble is a very prominent theme that represents the personal struggle of achieving ones "Personal Legend". Frequently throughout the beginning of the book, Santiago is faced with countless unfortunate situations where fate steers his journey in a different direction. When Santiago first arrives in Africa he befriends the only man that he can find who speaks Spanish too, and although he seems to be friendly, fate shows him that you cannot trust everyone. The man offers to show Santiago the pyramids, but first tells him, "...you need money. I need to know whether you have enough" (Coelho 36). Trusting the man, Santiago gave him all of his money, and when he was distracted

In The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho it starts by introducing each character, specially it goes into depth describing Santiago. He is a very interesting boy who has chosen to become a sheep herd while he could of become something else in his life. Santiago is a person that likes to try new things and learn new such as traveling and exploring the the world around him. Santiago is afraid of failure because he believes that he can't do anything big, anything that can change his life because he is a sheep herd. While he works with the merchant from the crystal store he is learning that little by little he is accomplishing new things he never

In the Alchemist Santiago too made the decision to travel the world and leave his Father and life behind. His father wanted him to become a priest and follow his footsteps to faith and prosperity even sent him to seminary school but Santiago dreams and ambitions didn't match those of his father. Although Santiago’s Father didn't act out of anger and abuse like Papa Eugene, he calmly states "Those people, when they see our land, say that they would like to live here forever,"(pg#). Santiago didn't seem phased with his father's response and still wanted to pursue his personal legend which led his father to give his blessing and money to help him along his journey. This choice gave Santiago the ability to trust his intuition throughout his whole entire journey.

1.Throughout this story, the author structured the plot in a very fulfilling manner. The plot is constructed so that all the events that occurred are deeply connected to one another. Each of the characters’ experiences correlates with their past actions and will affect the outcomes they will receive later on in the story. A great example of this would be Santiago’s encounter with the King of Salem when Santiago was on the brink of giving up his personal legend. Santiago’s encounter with the King was the inspiration and wisdom he needed in order to set out and follow his lifelong dream. Since most of the story revolves around Santiago’s journey, it is clear that this considerable event is the basis of The Alchemist’s whole storyline. Another excellent example that proves this would be when Santiago met the alchemist while traveling in the desert. This happened as a result of Santiago’s ability to read and interpret omens, which he learned from the King of Salem. While with the alchemist, Santiago gained a more profound understanding on Alchemy, Personal Legends, and the Language of the World. A large portion of the message the author wanted to pass on to the readers occurred during Santiago’s travels with the alchemist. This influential event in the story eventually led to Santiago fulfilling his Personal legend, which was the main intention of the story, ever since its exposition.

Santiago is a shepherd living in the moving slopes of an amazing place Andalucía. He cherishes his run but can't resist the urge to see the restricted idea of their reality. Looking for just nourishment and water, they never lift their heads to appreciate the green slopes or the nightfall. Santiago's folks have constantly battled for the practical details of life, and have covered their own particular aspirations in the same manner. They live in excellent place called Andalucía, which pulls in vacationers to its interesting and extremely amazing towns and thrilling slopes but still for them it is no place of dreams. Santiago, then again, can read and needs to travel. He goes into town one day to offer some of his rush, and there he experiences a tramp-ruler and a Vagabond lady. They ask him to 'take after his signs' and leave the world he knows. The Rover