1. The Alchemist Allegory vs. Parable An allegory is a literary device in which all elements of a story can be viewed as symbols, but can also be read literally as a story by itself. An allegory also can have multiple meanings throughout the story. Two ways we can read The Alchemist Literal reading : Santiago’s journey to find his treasure and Personal Legend. Allegorical reading : Focus shifts to lessons that the characters’ actions can teach the reader and the ideas that they and other elements of the story (such as setting) can represent. Examples: The alchemist The Englishman The oasis

2. A parable is a short narrative that is written or told to convey a specific moral or spiritual lesson. A parable uses comparisons with real or relatable events in order to teach their lessons, rather than largely symbolic characters. Example- The old king’s story (p. 30) Elements Small number of main characters Quest/Journey Defined period of time Challenge/Task Repeated event or events Simple language Ends with lesson or moral

3. Homework Due: Monday, September 9 at the beginning of class Write your own parable! Make sure you include each of the items on the list we covered in class. Submit to Turnitin before the start of the class period! On Thursday bring a copy (either electronic or print) of your parable and be prepared to work in groups! Remember: Parables are short, concise and to the point!