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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Preliminary Notes About the Novel:

The Alchemist is written in a fable format. Generally speaking, fables use recognizable, simple characters and settings in order to illustrate a simple truth about life or human nature.

The novel integrates ideas and philosophies of many faiths and historical periods. Many of these ideas concern the pursuit of truth, one’s intended destiny and the attainment of personal happiness. Coelho refers to these combined elements as one’s “Personal Legend.” He tells the story of Santiago in order to teach us how we may find and live out our own Personal Legends. These ideas, though, have been explored since ancient times in one form or another by countless faiths and peoples. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Christianity, Judaism, countless tribal cultures, in addition to ancient and modern philosophers, all attempt to define the idea of one’s Personal Legend (though they may call it by different names), and all subscribe paths to achieving personal fulfillment. Thus, although the legend is about no faith or philosophy in particular, it is about all faiths and philosophies.

Alchemy is the medieval “science” of transforming rocks into gold. Alchemy plays an important part in the plot (literal level) of the story, but it also becomes a symbol, or allegorical device, in the legend (figurative level). Coelho is really using characters, events and symbols as tools to show us how to achieve spiritual alchemy. In other words, how do we find or recognize the “gold,” -- our Personal Legend-- in the “rocks” of the everyday, ordinary, simple details of our lives? As Santiago discovers, sometimes the “gold” is not faraway, not glittery, not exotic, and not complicated, but it may require a journey of courage, faith and perseverance to discover what it is and where it is hidden.

DURING READING COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

← Summarize Coehlo’s FOUR OBSTACLES in your own words. They are the basis for your whole understanding of this novel. Type this up and attach it to this packet for reference.

← The Literal & Figurative Chart. You will be filling most of this out together in groups as you discuss the story and share your interpretations (you do not always have to agree on the figurative meaning).

← Explain the literal meaning of each example; this is what it means in the story (for Santiago).

← Explain the figurative meaning of each example. This is the meaning beyond Santiago’s story, the deeper meaning that we can use to relate to life in general. It is the meaning for other individual’s lives, what it represents in the real world, and how it relates to Coehlo’s four obstacles. Explain in detail because the figurative meaning is the most important aspect that reveals your personal understanding of this very symbolic story.

← Select 3 quotations from “Part I” and 3 quotations from “Part II” (with internal citations) that you believe are meaningful to you, personally. Number your quotations and cite them in MLA format, of course. These are words of wisdom that you believe are important to your life, words that you could return to at a future date and be enlightened by their wisdom. Then explain what you believe is so important about these words (aka Commentary).

THE ALCHEMIST LITERAL & FIGURATIVE CHART

PART ONE OF THE ALCHEMIST

Allegorical Character Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning

Object, Place, People, Concepts

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|Sheep | | |

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|Gypsy | | |

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|Santiago’s Father | | |

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|Andalusia | | |

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|The Merchant Girl | | |

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|Jacket | | |

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|Melchizedek | | |

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|The Principle of | | |

|Favorability | | |

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PART ONE OF THE ALCHEMIST continued

Allegorical Character Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning

Object, Place, People, Concepts

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|Salem | | |

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|Baker | | |

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|Omens | | |

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|Personal Legend | | |

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|Beginner’s Luck | | |

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|Urim and Thummim | | |

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|Tangier | | |

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|The Thief | | |

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PART TWO OF THE ALCHEMIST

Allegorical Character Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning

Object, Place, People, Concepts

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|Crystal Merchant | | |

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|Mecca | | |

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|Maktub | | |

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|Desert | | |

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|Englishman | | |

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|Oasis | | |

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|Alchemy/Alchemist | | |

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|Philosopher’s Stone | | |

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PART TWO OF THE ALCHEMIST continued

Allegorical Symbols Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning

Object, Place, People, Concepts

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|Language of the World | | |

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|Caravan Driver | | |

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|Soul of the World | | |

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|Emerald Tablet | | |

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|Elixir of Life | | |

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|Fatima | | |

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|Pyramids of Egypt | | |

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|Sycamore Tree | | |

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Coelho’s Words of Wisdom That Have Meaning to You

Directions: Remember to write the quote with citations and then explain what you believe is so important about these words. (If you need more room, write these or type them on a separate page)

PART 1

1.

2.

3.

PART 2

1.

2.

3.

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