An Introduction to The Alchemist

Fully describe a goal or dream that you are working toward. What is the purpose of this goal? What will it help you achieve after

attaining it? What strengths do you possess that will

help you along the way?

Consider the Following….

What happens to a dream deferred?Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore—

And then run?Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over –like a syrupy sweet?Maybe it just sagslike a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

“A Dream Deferred” by Langston Hughes

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947

He always wanted to be a writer. In fact, at the age of 16, his opposition to following a traditional path led to his parents committing him to a mental institution.

Paulo Coelho

At the request of his parents, he enrolled in law school and put aside his dream to be a writer.

However, he dropped out of law school in 1970.

He traveled through much of South America, North Africa, Mexico, and Europe.

He became a successful songwriter; however, that led to him using drugs and getting into trouble.

Paulo Coelho

In 1980, he walked the 500-plus mile Road of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

This journey was a turning point in his life. He had a spiritual awakening.

In an interview in 1986, he said the following: “I was very happy in the things I was doing. I was doing something that gave me food and water – to use the metaphor in The Alchemist, I was working, I had a person whom I loved, I had money, but I was not fulfilling my dream. My dream was, and still is, to be a writer”

(Interview with Paulo Coelho BBC World Service Book Club. December 2004.).

Paulo Coelho

The Way of St. James was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times. Legend holds that St. James’s remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where he was buried on what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrimage to Santiago has never ceased from the time of the discovery of St. James’s remains.

In 1980, he walked the 500-plus mile Road of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

This journey was a turning point in his life. He had a spiritual awakening.

In an interview in 1986, he said the following: “I was very happy in the things I was doing. I was doing something that gave me food and water – to use the metaphor in The Alchemist, I was working, I had a person whom I loved, I had money, but I was not fulfilling my dream. My dream was, and still is, to be a writer”

(Interview with Paulo Coelho BBC World Service Book Club. December 2004.).

Paulo Coelho

"I always knew,” he says, "that my Personal Legend, to use a term from alchemy, was to write.“

He was 38 when he published his first book.

Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist, Coelho’s most famous work, has been translated into 80 different languages.

The Alchemist has sold 150 million copies worldwide.

The Alchemist

Santiago – an Andalusian shepherd boy who is determined to fulfill his Personal Legend, which is to find treasure at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids.

The Alchemist – a 200-year-old, extremely powerful alchemist residing in Al-Fayoum who understands the Soul of the World.

Crystal Merchant – a struggling merchant who owns a crystal shop on top of a desolate hill. He is a good-hearted person but has a crippling fear of change.

Character List

Englishman – a well-educated science student determined to learn the secrets of alchemy by learning from a true alchemist.

Melchizedek – the King of Salem. He appears to posses magical powers and helps those pursuing their Personal Legend.

Gypsy – an old woman living in Tarifa who interprets dreams.

Fatima – a beautiful and chaste young “desert woman” who lives at the Al-Fayoum oasis.

Character List Cont.

The Centrality of Personal Legends The Unity of Nature The Danger of Fear

Motifs and Symbols Dreams Maktub Omens Santiago’s Sheep Alchemy The Desert

Themes in The Alchemist

Short narrative that makes a moral point

Traditionally by means of animal characters who act like human beings

Legend about supernatural or mythical characters or events

Why/How is The Alchemist considered a fable?

Fable

a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one

Allegory

What is Alchemy?

It was the medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter.

Also referred to as a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.

Medieval scientists practiced alchemy, hoping to produce gold from less valuable metals. (Turn metal into gold)

Alchemists also desired to develop potions, known as elixirs, to ensure good health and extend life spans. (The Philosophers Stone and/or The Elixir of Life)

Two Main Goals of Alchemy

Founded in Egypt, alchemy was practiced throughout the Mediterranean regions and as far away as China.

They believed that all objects consist of water, air, fire and earth.

Early alchemy was controversial and was opposed by many rulers and religions

Where Did Alchemy Come From?

Personal Legend = Your Destiny

Our job is to pursue our personal legend despite the many distractions placed in our path.

There are 4 obstacles to overcome before you can achieve your Personal Legend: People tell you that your dream is

IMPOSSIBLE to achieve LOVE FEAR OF DEFEAT FEAR OF REALIZING THE DREAM

The Alchemist

Trust your heart

Read the seemingly inconspicuous signs

Understand that as you look to fulfill a dream, it looks to find you, if you let it

Sometimes you can find extraordinary in the ordinary.

Lessons in The Alchemist

Once upon a time, there was a boy called Narcissus. He was the son of a god and he was very, very handsome. Many women fell in love with him, but he turned them away. One of the women who loved Narcissus was a nymph called Echo. Echo could not speak properly - she could only repeat what was said to her, so she couldn't tell Narcissus that she loved him. One day, when Narcissus was walking in the woods with some friends, he became separated from them. He called out "Is anyone here?" Echo replied "Here, Here". Echo stepped forward with open arms, wanting to cuddle him. But Narcissus refused to accept Echo's love. Echo was so upset that she left and hid in a cave, until nothing was left of her, except her voice.

The Story of Narcissus

The Maiden, a goddess, found out about this, and she was very angry. She made Narcissus fall in love with himself. When Narcissus looked at his reflection in a pond one day, he fell in love. He stayed on that spot forever, until he died. Where he died a flower grew, and that flower is called a Narcissus.

Story Continued…