The Alchemist: Section 3 (91-128)

Signposts:
-Contrasts and Contradictions- (Page 119) During this part of the section, Santiago visits the Alchemist as he was told to do after the tribesman incident. The Alchemist claimed that he would guide the boy on the right direction to his Personal Legend. At that moment, Santiago considered leaving behind his fate; he already found a lot of treasures along the way so far. Earlier, he was ready to go through the obstacles to get to the Pyramids, yet the gifts he got made him want to turn around. The Spaniard was content with Fatima, his new wife, and the money he earned from the glass shop and the oasis. He knew that with what he got, he would live a good life in his home country. After working so hard, something so simple was able to become one of his biggest internal conflicts along his journey. As time goes on, this dilemma will continue to hinder him from his real goals as good fortunes are handed to him. Like the Alchemist said, none of the good things were from the Pyramids, and he must continue on to find his true treasure. Santiago will definitely regret it later in the future if he chooses to stay back. From now on, the only thing that can truly motivate him to keep walking is his personal yearning. Does he want to understand the world more? What is his real dream? This is a problem that only the individual can resolve, even though it will take a long time.
-Setting the Scene- (Page 102-103) After talking to the Englishman, Santiago decided to wander around the desert. His five senses began to amplify, and he began to notice shells, the wind, the rocks and more. He was even able to sense the movement of two hawks in the air. It was a calm and serene atmosphere. It was as though Santiago was the only person in the world. As he tried to understand the desert, the hawks' flight stood out to him. Suddenly, the hawks started to fight with one another. An omen, then, popped up in the boy's head; there were tribesmen fighting in the oasis. Although he was doubtful at the time, this actually came true. By explaining the details about this, Coelho is trying to convey the growth of the main character. Santiago was able to see visions. From being a normal shepherd to a person that can see the future, he was able to understand the Soul of the World and the Language of the World. This scene was basically a moment of truth for both the reader and the character. By making the setting in the desert, it shows how big a feat it was to get the omen in that place. Throughout the book, the desert was described as a mysterious and constantly changing environment. Santiago was able to comprehend the desert's message. He has truly changed so much in a short amount of time by focusing on his external environment and listening to the omens given. This will definitely help the boy with his Personal Legend.
Reflection/Reader Response:
Compared to the other sections, I felt really sad and disappointed when Santiago had to leave his true love, Fatima. Before, he was actually in love with another girl in Spain, but this time it was different. Santiago said that when he first met her eyes, he knew for sure that she was the one. After experiencing so much fortunate and unfortunate events, he was able to gain a treasure that he can keep forever. Yet, he had to leave his true love so fast. Not only was Santiago sad, Fatima also felt that she gained and lost something. Now, she can live her life waiting for him to come home, but he may never come back. The only thing she can actually do is have hope as she stares out into the desert. It is saddening to imagine what she has to go through. What if he dies? What if they will never be able to meet again? These thoughts will constantly fill up Fatima's head. The character, in this case, that I most admire in The Alchemist is Fatima. Although she loves Santiago so much, she chose to let him go for his own good. She wants what is best for her significant other. In real life, this is actually more complicated. People are too selfish. Some people can't let go, because they want their love to stay beside them forever. We feel uneasy hearing the word "long-distance relationship". But, in this novel, phones haven't even been created; they can't keep in contact with one another. Fatima truly has a strong and beautiful character. She may be sad, but she doesn't show it so that Santiago can leave more willingly. Maturity resides within her. She even followed her old traditions by staying in the desert forever until he comes back. She is basically ready for anything to happen.
Discussion Question:
-What themes of love can we see develop within this section?
-What would you do if you were in Fatima's position? What will you tell Santiago to do?

-In this context, is the wind something larger? What does it symbolize?


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