Dreams In The Alchemist

Words: 1519
Pages: 7

What are dreams? Do they correlate to our lives? Our dreams show what the possible outcomes of situations could be. In the novel The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho develops a protagonist named Santiago who learns from a recurring dream, that he needs to go to the pyramids to find possible treasure. He wants to understand his dream, so he embarks on a life changing journey. Along the journey Santiago learns valuable life lessons from people he affiliates with. At Santiago’s lowest point in his journey the Alchemist shows himself to Santiago. Santiago learns from the Alchemist that he should not give up on achieving his personal legend. Through a newly found courage after he becomes the wind he continues his journey. Once Santiago finds the pyramids …show more content…
Santiago spends time working for a crystal merchant earning money. During this time Santiago brings good money by money by working for the crystal merchant over a year,, but can tell from listening to his heart when it waswas time to move on. The Alchemist says to Santiago, “Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there” (127). Coelho uses the heart as a metaphor. Also listening to ones heart is important because it warns of potential danger. I like coelhos word choice of it came from the soul of the world because people believe that we are all from one place or spirit. Also the heart returns to the world because the life cycle ends with us in the ground. The Alchemist says to Santiago, “Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there” (127). Coelho uses the heart as a metaphor. Also listening to one’s heart is important because it warns of potential danger. Coelho’s word choice of “it came from the soul of the world” is strong because it shows that people believe that they are all from one place or spirit. Also the heart turns to the world because the life cycle ends with us in the …show more content…
Santiago digs for his treasure at the base of the Egyptian pyramids where he sees a cicada beadle. After talking to the Melchizedek about good and bad omens the cicada is thought to be a sacred ritual bug. As Santiago dug at the base of the pyramids “He struggled to continue digging as he fought the wind, which often blew the sand back into the excavation. His hands were abraded and exhausted, but he listened to his heart. It had told him to dig where his tears fell” (161). Santiago knows that he can not give up even when a group of men come and rob and beat him. Santiago continues to follow his heart and even when he is at his lowest he finds the truth where the treasure is