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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Analysis Questions – Pages 59-87
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1.Answer Objectively: First tell how long Santiago worked for the crystal merchant, and
then tell what he could buy with the money he had amassed. Also tell the difference
between the “luggage” with which he arrived in Tangiers, and the luggage with which he
was going to leave.
2.In Santiago’s last moments with the crystal merchant, as they discuss how much money
they have now made and how they can realize their dreams, the man says, “[Y]ou know that
I’m not going to go to Mecca. Just as you know that you’re not going to buy your sheep”
(61). When Santiago says, “Who told you that?” the merchant’s reply was “Maktub” (61).
He used this term earlier, also. What does it mean, translated? So what is the merchant
telling Santiago, not only about Santiago, but about himself?
3.Santiago slowly begins to realize that his year-long dream of returning to Spain with pride
(instead of defeated, with no money and no sheep) is not what his heart is telling him to do.
He begins to consider many things as he thinks over “the language of enthusiasm” (62) he
has learned, and how people he has met in Tangiers remind him of the old king, and the
omens that are being revealed to him. Summarize this information, making sure you include
the “language,” the similarities of people to the king, and what omens he is beginning to see.
Do not copy out of the book – absorb the information, then write in your own words.
4.When Santiago remembers that “one of the crystal merchant’s suppliers transported his
crystal by means of caravans that crossed the desert” (65), it is a reminder of one of the
important messages the king had revealed to him about how the universe helps those
who have a dream – this phrase has been repeated numerous times. What is the exact
quote, and what is its relevance to the crystal merchant’s supplier?
5.Answer Objectively: Now a student of ALCHEMY appears in the story! First, go to
Merriam-Webster online (m-w.com) and type all three definitions of alchemy below. These
definitions are going to be important all through the rest of the novel, and I will refer to them
often, so take a good hard look at them. Then, go to
online and look around this interesting website a little. Find and type below two aspects you
find on this website regarding alchemy that may be significant to this novel. (6 points)
6.Answer Objectively: Do an Internet search on “Esperanto” and on “the Philosopher’s
Stone” and briefly tell what they are. Do not write down what you think they are because
you have some general knowledge from reading the Harry Potter books – report facts.
7.Answer Objectively: Interesting that when Santiago and the English alchemy student
cross paths, many connections between the two of them and the knowledge they possess
begins to come out. Name three things that forms a bond between the two.
8.On page 72 the boy begins to think about “the mysterious chain” that has led him to his
current situation. Articulate the links of this chain, beginning with Santiago taking his
sheep to the village with the pretty girl. Do not just summarize the plot; tell how each event
led to, or linked with, the next, until Santiago found himself in the desert on his way to
Egypt.
9.Answer Objectively: Regarding the idea of intuition: First, go to m-w.com and write
definitions 1, 2a, and 2c. Then, tell how Santiago explains what he now realizes about
intuition (page 74).
10.After you read paragraph 2 (beginning with “But all this happened…”) on page 75, you
should have noticed something about the caravan’s journey that is also relevant to the
journey of those who are pursuing their Personal Legend. Write a short analysis of this
connection.
11.Santiago often has evening conversations with one of the camel drivers. What does this
man tell him about fearing the unknown? Discuss an example, either from the novel or
from Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, that supports the driver’s philosophy.
12.Santiago tells the Englishman, “You should pay more attention to the caravan. We make
a lot of detours, but we’re always heading for the same destination.” The man replies,
And you ought to read more about the world. Books are like caravans in that respect.”
Explain what this means, giving at least one concrete example to support your point.
13.Summarize what the Englishman says about “the Soul of the World” and how this idea
about everything having a soul is manifested in nature. Write in your own words - do not
copy from the book.
14.On page 86 the alchemist of the story (maybe) finally appears. At first he appears
disgruntled because “these things” have to be transmitted by word of mouth. What are
“thing things”? As his thoughts roam, he comes up with his own explanation. What is
his explanation, and what is the underlying meaning of the word “fascinated”?
Print this document. Submit to Turnitin under Alchemist 59-87, but do not print the O.R.