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Santiago In The Alchemist

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In life, everyone meets people who influence them and change their life. This is also true in Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist. The Alchemist is a tale of Santiago, a young shepherd who partakes on a journey to find treasure and fulfill his Personal Legend. On his path he meets a crystal merchant and the alchemist; both of these men teach him, support him on his journey, and change his life. One of the first characters that impacts Santiago after he begins his travels into Africa is the crystal merchant. After Santiago’s money is stolen by a thief, he is employed by the merchant for almost a year, giving him the financial means to continue on his journey. During their year together Santiago learns to speak Arabic and becomes familiar with the …show more content…

For instance, Santiago is quick to make changes to the crystal shop in order to attract more customers, but the merchant is reluctant. He says “I don’t much like change… we two have to live with our mistakes.” (53) He is a devoutly religious man, and he is aware his Personal Legend is to go on the pilgrimage to Mecca. However he stays in his crystal shop because it is the idea of going to Mecca that keeps him alive, and without his dream life would be pointless. This contrasts sharply with Santiago, who knows the only way he can live is by traveling to the pyramids and achieving his goals, no matter how daunting or unsure the path gets. The merchant sums up the discrepancy between himself and Santiago well when he says “You’re different from me, because you want to realize your dreams. I just want to dream about Mecca.” (55) Despite their different mindsets, the crystal merchant is a crucial part of Santiago’s story, encouraging him and teaching …show more content…

The alchemist knows all, understands the Soul of the World, knows the Master Work and has already achieved his Personal Legend. The alchemist comes into Santiago’s story to teach the boy how to become all he can be, and lead him to his Personal Legend. The alchemist tests and tutors Santiago with trials, such as being confronted about his omen, finding life in the desert, and turning himself into the wind. But due to the alchemist’s teachings, Santiago is able to accomplish these tasks. The alchemist says many wise things, such as “Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way.” (132) and “Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there.” (127). The alchemist teaches him lessons about the interconnectedness of everything, and that only fear will hold him back from his destiny. In their travels together, the alchemist leads Santiago to the pyramids and because of the alchemist, the boy himself becomes an

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