Themes in The Alchemist
Theme - A theme is the central idea or ideas explored by a literary work
Dreams:Dreams are central to The Alchemist's action as well as its meaning. Santiago's dream sets the story in motion.The author's primary message seems to be that we should follow our dreams.
Fate:Fate is often cited as a reason not to pursue one's Personal Legend, as in the case of the crystal merchant, whose motto is maktub: "It is written."
Love:Without loveour lives are incomplete. Once Santiago discovers unconditional love of Fatima there is little he cannot accomplish.
Omens:Introduced by Melchizedek, the king of Salem, omens are central to the action of the novel. They play a crucial role in Santiago's success, as when he correctly interprets the omen of the two hawks fighting over the desert outside the oasis.
Religion:Religion is a double-edged sword, according to The Alchemist. On one hand, Santiago has the recurring dream that sets him on his way in the sacristy of an abandoned church; on the other hand, he must abandon that church in order to experience his Personal Legend. Santiago learned to read because of his religious studies, but books are not especially useful to him in his quest.
Symbols in The Alchemist
Symbol - A character, an action, a setting, or an object representing something else
Cobra:The cobra is a symbol of danger and strength.
Crystal Glassware:Fragility and clarity are the represented by the crystal merchant's crystal glassware.
Desert:The desert is symbolic of all the obstacles and hardships that stand between people and their dreams.
Gold:Gold represents the knowledge, work, and time necessary to achieve something desired.
Hawks:Hawks are symbolic of aggression, which can be tamed.
Oasis:The oasis symbolizes life, love, and domesticity.
Pyramids:The pyramids represent the ancient and inscrutable.
Shepherds and Sheep:These are symbolic for Coelho of the less-than-extraordinary; for Santiago, the alternative to pursuing his Personal Legend is a return to his life as a shepherd.
Urim and Thummim:These stones stand for the characters' needs to respond to omens, which are essential motivating factors.
Sycamore Tree:This tree represents Egypt, the place where sycamores come from.
Thieves:Thieves represent everyone who tries to find a shortcut to his or her Personal Legend; the journey is necessary, according to The Alchemist.
Well:A symbol of unconditional love, the well, it is there that Santiago meets Fatima