The Alchemist Paulo Coelho
About the Author Born in 1947 in Brazil Born in 1947 in Brazil Before becoming a fulltime write, he worked as theatre director, actor, lyricist, and journalist Before becoming a fulltime write, he worked as theatre director, actor, lyricist, and journalist Written numerous books in Portuguese that have been translated into English, including The Alchemist Written numerous books in Portuguese that have been translated into English, including The Alchemist
1982Hell Archives 1986Practical Manual of Vampirism 1987The Pilgrimage 1988The Alchemist 1990Brida 1991The Gift 1992The Valkyries 1994 Maktub By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept 1996The Fifth Mountain 1997The Manual of the Warrior of Light 1998Veronika Decides to Die 2000The Devil and Miss Prym 2001Fathers, Sons and Grandsons 2003Eleven Minutes 2004The Genie and the Roses 2005The Zahir 2006 Like the Flowing River The Witch of Portobello
About the Author His books have sold more than 65 million copies in 150 countries and translated into 60 languages His books have sold more than 65 million copies in 150 countries and translated into 60 languages
About the Book The major theme is, of course, alchemy, but exactly does “alchemy” symbolize? The major theme is, of course, alchemy, but exactly does “alchemy” symbolize?
Themes Change
Themes Literally, alchemy is the process of changing metal into precious gold Literally, alchemy is the process of changing metal into precious gold It is not easy, and the alchemist possesses a unique skill, somewhat of a rare and mysterious knowledge It is not easy, and the alchemist possesses a unique skill, somewhat of a rare and mysterious knowledge Santiago wants to experience change; therefore, he gave up his studies to be a shepherd and travel Santiago wants to experience change; therefore, he gave up his studies to be a shepherd and travel
Other Themes Following one’s “Personal Legend” Following one’s “Personal Legend” Fear of failure Fear of failure What other themes can you think of? What other themes can you think of?
About the Book What kind of narrator do we have in this book? What kind of narrator do we have in this book?
Narrator Omniscient Narrator
About the Book What types of symbolism are present in the book? What types of symbolism are present in the book?
Symbolism Dreams represent the language of God Dreams represent the language of God The baker and the crystal merchant represent the loss of the dream and the regret that follows The baker and the crystal merchant represent the loss of the dream and the regret that follows The ruined church represents Santiago’s treasure The ruined church represents Santiago’s treasure The Old Kin represents Santiago’s need to follow the omens The Old Kin represents Santiago’s need to follow the omens
Symbolism What or who does Santiago symbolize? What or who does Santiago symbolize?
About the Book Setting Setting Andalusian region of Spain Andalusian region of Spain Tangier Tangier Al-Fayoum oasis Al-Fayoum oasis Pyramids in Egypt Pyramids in Egypt Back to Spain Back to Spain Present day Present day
Characters Major Major Santiago Santiago Gypsy woman Gypsy woman Old king Old king Crystal merchant Crystal merchant Englishman Englishman Alchemist Alchemist
About the Book Omniscient Narrator Why?