“What Love Isn’t”
It is not a five star stay. It is not compliments and
it is never ever flattery. It is solid. Not sweet but
always nutritious always herb, always salt.
Sometimes grit.
It is now and till the end. It is never a slither, never
a little it is a full serving it is much too much and
real never pretty or clean.
It stinks — you can smell it coming it is weight it is
weight and it is too heavy to feel good sometimes.
It is discomfort — it is not what the films say. Only
songs get it right it is irregular it is difficult and
always, always surprising.
Analyze this poem
by Yrsa DaleyWard and explain
how it may relate
to the text:
Summarize all
of your prior
knowledge of
this text, and
what you hope
to gain through
our reading of
this piece:
How might the above quote relate to the
possible conflicts and or themes in the
novel?
How does the quote relate to your own
life?
Term:
Definition:
Term:
Proprietor
Nostalgia
Levanter
Treacherous
Favorability
Manifestation
Abashed
Prognostication
Infidel
Arrogant
Omen
Commence
Ruefully
Contemplate
Obligations
Nourish
Incessantly
Invoke
Conspires
Generosity
Elixir
Superstition
Profound
Dignity
Capricious
Preconceive
Intuition
Cease
Definition:
Foreword and Part One (50 pgs)
1.
What is revealed about Santiago’s personality through the following line: “But when he thought to complain
about the burden of its weight, he remembered that because he had the jacket, he had withstood the cold of the
dawn.”
2. What does the “king” say is a person’s only obligation in life?
3. What are Urim and Thummim and what role do they play in the story?
4. What are your thoughts on Santiago’s mindset when part one ends?
Find or create an image that
portrays Santiago with his
sheep in any of the settings in
which he traveled, and place
that image below:
1.
Summarize what happens in
these chapters:
Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “the sun had sunk a bit lower in
the sky…”
2. Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “No hope, no adventure, no old
Explain the meaning and
significance of this quote:
“‘What’s the world’s greatest
lie?’ the boy asked, completely
surprised. ‘It’s this: that at a
certain point in our lives we
lose control of what’s
happening to us, and our lives
become controlled by fate.
That’s the world’s greatest
lie.”
What do you think is your personal legend? What is your
dream that people have either told you was impossible, or
that you feel is unable for you to achieve, even though it is
something you really want?
kings,...”
Part Two- Pages 53-95
1.
What travel does the crystal merchant dream of, but explain that he will never actually do?
2. What decision does Santiago make regarding his returning to his sheep?
3. What is the Englishman trying to find?
4. Explain what the caravan guide means when he says, “We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it’s our life
or possessions and property. But this fear evaporates when we understand that our life stories and the history
of the world were written by the same hand.”
5. What is the overall theme of the alchemy books Santiago reads?
Find or create an image that
portrays Santiago’s travel
through the desert, and paste
your picture below:
1.
Summarize what happens in
these chapters:
Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “Sometimes there is no way to
hold back the river.”
Explain the meaning and
significance of this quote:
“When someone makes a
decision, he is really diving
into a strong current that will
carry him to places he had
never dreamed of when he
first made the decision.”
Santiago states “Everyone has his or her own way of
learning things...His way isn’t the same as mine nor mine as
his. But we’re both in search of our personal legends, and I
respect him for that.” How does this relate to your own
2. Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “The desert is a capricious lady,
and sometimes she drives men crazy.”
life? What might you respect in another person, that you do
not necessarily agree with or share similarities to? How
does this relate to our world today, and our country’s
division?
A Recap- as told by Storyboard
Summary: Write a summary for this part of the book. Be sure to include all key events and use proper mechanics.
Respond to the following activity.
Complete the following questions.
Write your own personal legend below, including an
embedded narrative. Your story can be completely fictional,
and you can use as much creative license as you would like:
(Drag to enlarge)
Directions: Correct the following sentences, fixing
mistakes in common usage errors:
1. Santiago excepted his fate as a shepherd.
2. He sold alot of crystal, and did his job very good.
3. Santiago and the Englishman speaks to each other
on they’re journey through the desert.
4. The oasis were very appealing to those traveling.
5. The Englishman did not respond good when
Santiago explained he learned very less from the
books.
Historical Perspective: Pick one of the following
Four Wall Discussion: For the following lines
topics, research it, and explain your findings. Make
connections to the text, and be sure to cite your sources in
MLA format.
-African geography
-Paulo Coelho
-The Great Pyramids
inspired by the novel, write if you strongly agree, agree,
strongly disagree, or disagree:
1. There is a universal language, and it does not involve
words.
2. You are in control of your own destiny, not fate.
3. The universe sends us signs. We just have to look for
them.
4. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you should give
up.
Part Two- Pages 96-130
1.
What does the vision of the hawks reveal to Santiago?
2. Why is Santiago hesitant about continuing on with his personal legend?
3. What do you predict the Alchemist will tell Santiago is the one thing he has left to learn?
Find or create an image that
represents the alchemist, as
Santiago meets him after
delivering his vision to the
elders. Past your picture
below:
Summarize what happens in
these chapters:
Explain the meaning and
significance of this quote:
“Remember that wherever
your heart is, there you will
find your treasure.”
1.
Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “Now, my present has arrived,
and it’s you.”
The alchemist explains that one learns through actions.
Explain how this relates to your own learning style, and
how you best learn new information:
2. Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “She would have to send her
kisses on the wind...hoping that the wind would
touch the boy’s face and tell him that she was
alive.”
Part Two- Pages 131-179
1.
What does Santiago try to do, but fears that it may be treasonous?
2. Explain the following proverb: The darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn.
3. What does the alchemist tell the tribesmen Santiago will do in three days?
4. How does nature assist in saving Santiago’s life?
5. What does Santiago learn once he reaches the pyramids?
Find or create an image that
portrays the wind scene with
Summarize what happens in
these chapters:
Explain the meaning and
significance of this quote:
Santiago. Place your image
below:
1.
“It is not love to be static like
the desert, nor is it love to
roam the world like the wind.
And it’s not love to see
everything from a distance
like you do [sun]. Love is the
force that transforms and
improves the Soul of the
World.”
Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “It’s the point at which...one dies
of thirst just as the palm trees have appeared on
the horizon.”
Santiago explains: When we strive to become better than
we are, everything around us becomes better too. Explain
how this quote relates to your own life, and how you can
apply it to your present and future:
2. Identify and explain the meaning of the following
figure of speech: “The alchemist fell as silent as
the desert.”
A Recap- as told by Storyboard
Summary: Write a summary for this part of the book. Be sure to include all key events and use proper mechanics.
Respond to the following activity.
Complete the following questions.
Compare and contrast the following poem with the novel.
Be sure to mention at least one similarity and one
difference between the two pieces:
(Drag to enlarge)
Directions: Create FIVE original sentences, inspired by the
text, which use quotations and commas correctly. You must
have at least one sentence where quotes are introduced at
the beginning, one sentence where quotes are introduced at
the end, and one sentence where quotes are used with an
interrupter in between.
1.
Quotes introduced at the beginning:
2. Quotes introduced at the end:
3. Quotes used with an interrupter:
4. Your choice:
5. Your choice:
Historical Perspective: Pick one of the following
Favorite Quote: This book contains a wealth of quote-
topics, research it, and explain your findings. Make
connections to the text, and be sure to cite your sources in
MLA format.
-Andalusia
-Gypsies
-Pantheism
worthy text. Find your favorite quote from this book, and
write it here, being sure to cite appropriately. Explain the
significance of the quote as well. (Please choose a quote
NOT already referenced in this packet)
Explain the universal theme of the Alchemist, how you can apply it to your own life, and whether or not you would
recommend this book to a friend based on the lesson learned:
This story is about understanding the power of the journey, instead of the destination. Watch this TED talk about the
journey, and compare and contrast the speaker’s viewpoints with that of Paulo Coelho’s message.
Complete the following:
Final Assessment/Activity: Create a salt map, demonstrating Santiago’s journey. You must include all relevant
locations mentioned in the story, along with characters and events along the way. While your map itself with be 3D, your
other elements can be painting on, or in 3D format. Your maps will be due by the end of the day Friday, and you should
take a picture of your map tp place on your portfolio. You will be sharing your maps with your class, and presenting your
various aspects, so be prepared to do so.
How do you make a salt map?
Poem Analysis: This poem relates to the novel in that understanding love is not simple, but rather something that
is transformative. It is so powerful that it has the ability to change the outcome or the lives of those involved.
Quote Analysis: Santiago has to work very hard to follow his personal legend. He sacrifices many times along the
way, works hard to gain back money and strength, and continues on until he has found what he is looking for. In
the end, he did not let anyone limit his dream of finding the treasure.
Vocabulary Terms:
Proprietor- the owner of a business, or a holder of
property.
Levanter- a strong easterly wind in the Mediterranean
region.
Favorability- The quality or degree of being viewed
favorably or in your odds
Abashed- make (someone) feel embarrassed, disconcerted,
or ashamed.
Infidel- a person who does not believe in religion or who
adheres to a religion other than one's own.
Omen- an event regarded as a portent of good or evil, it
has prophetic significance
Ruefully- in a way that expresses sorrow or regret,
especially in a wry or humorous manner.
Obligations- an act or course of action to which a person is
morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.
Incessantly- without interruption; constantly.
Conspires- make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful
or harmful act.
Elixir- a magical or medicinal potion.
Profound- (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or
intense.
Capricious- given to sudden and unaccountable changes of
mood or behavior.
Intuition- the ability to understand something immediately,
without the need for conscious reasoning.
Nostalgia- a sentimental longing or wistful affection for
the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal
associations.
Treacherous- hazardous because of presenting hidden or
unpredictable dangers.
Manifestation- an event, action, or object that clearly
shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an
abstract idea.
Prognostication- the action of foretelling or prophesying
future events.
Arrogant- having or revealing an exaggerated sense of
one's own importance or abilities.
Commence- begin; start.
Contemplate- think profoundly and at length; meditate.
Nourish- provide with the food or other substances
necessary for growth, health, and good condition.
Invoke- cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an
authority for an action or in support of an argument.
Generosity- the quality of being kind and generous.
Superstition- a widely held but unjustified belief in
supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of
an action or event, or a practice based on such a belief.
Dignity- the state or quality of being worthy of honor or
respect.
Preconceive- to form a conception or opinion of
beforehand, as before seeing evidence or as a result of
previously held prejudice.
Cease- bring or come to an end.
Foreword-Part One:
1. He is an optimist, and sees the best in a situation. He appreciates what he has and is careful to complain
about anything, as there is value in what he possesses.
2. To figure out and live out their personal legend.
3. They are rocks/stones that the old man gives to Santiago. They will help Santiago read the good and bad
omens and help him to accomplish his personal legend.
4. He is defeated. He realizes he will not be able to make it to Egypt, and so instead, he asks to work so he
can buy sheep and do what he has always done.
Image: Student creations or findings should include Santiago with his sheep in one of the settings mentioned in
this section.
Summary: The foreword gives the reader information about how at first no one wanted to buy his book, but he
was determined to have people understand his story, and so he finally found success. The author hopes that the
reader will find similarities in seeing that the main character Santiago represents each and everyone reading the
book, and also hopes that the book itself will instill hope and unity. The prologue opens with the legend of
Narcissus, who was in love with his reflection and died after looking at it in a lake, falling in, and drowning. A
goddess appeared, asked the lake why he was crying, and he explained that he never recognized Narcissus’
beauty, but rather was sad he could not admire his own reflection in the eyes of Narcissus. In part one the reader
meets the main character Santiago, who has just ushered his sheep into safety and has found shelter in a church
for the night. He wakes up wishing he slept longer so he could finish his recurring dream, and talks to his sheep
about a girl from the village, who he met a year earlier while selling wool to her father. Santiago steers his naive
and complacent flock around Andalusia, thinking of how he was going to tell the girl about his wanting to travel
the world instead of become a priest. He reflects how his father tried to tell him “the grass was not always
greener on the other side”, yet gave him money in his pursuit to become a shepperd. He goes to an old woman in
Tarifa that interprets dream: a child playing with his sheep transports him to the Egyptian pyramids to show him
hidden treasure. The woman tells him to go find the treasure, and Santiago is irritated she did not “interpret” the
dream in any detail. Santiago leaves, begins to read a new book, and is interrupted by an old man who explains
that the world’s greatest lie is having people believe they are controlled by fate. The old man introduces himself
as the king of Salem, Melchizedek, and asks Santiago for one tenth of his sheep in return for leading Santiago to
the treasure. He explains that he helps people realize and find their dreams and passions, and that he will meet
Santiago back at the very spot tomorrow. The boy contemplates his choices, sells some of his sheep to a friend,
gives the old man the rest, and receives two stones symbolizing no and yes in return. The old man explains that
Santiago must follow the omens to complete his personal legend. The old man watches Santiago sail away,
realizing he will never see him again. Santiago makes it to Tangier, observes the strange customs and meets
someone who says he will take Santiago to Egypt, and takes his money claiming they need two camels. But the
man steals the money and leaves Santiago in the market. After sulking, he uses the stones to calm his panic, and
tries to see optimistically. Santiago falls asleep, wakes up in the market, helps a candy stand set up shop, and
realizes that he can communicate without verbal language. A crystal merchant reflects on his career choices and
how he wishes he could do something else. Santiago enters his shop, cleans his glasses for him, and that results in
customers coming in to purchase crystal. The merchant buys Santiago lunch, and Santiago explains that he will
work for him to get money to go to Egypt. After the merchant laughs at his incredulous dream, Santiago still
agrees to work for him, this time though, so he can buy sheep.
Quote: The old man tries to explain to Santiago that his life is not controlled by fate, that he is in control of his
own destiny.
Figurative Language and Literary Elements: Alliteration- painting the picture of the sun defeated for the day, and
retiring. Repetition and Anaphora- using the repetition of the word no to show the negation of his dream and his
ultimate defeat.
Relevance to your life: Answers will vary but should address the prompt, relate to the text, and contain personal
experience/narratives/examples/information.
Part Two pg. 53-95:
1. Traveling to Mecca, as it is part of his religion, and he feels it is an obligation and something he would
really love to do, but he knows he will not actually go.
2. He decides instead to follow his dream to visit the pyramids, rather than return to being a shepherd.
3. He is trying to figure out the universal language, among other things, and in doing so needs to find an old
Arab alchemist who will be able to explain the concepts to him.
4. People are afraid of loss, but once they understand that their lives were already written out for them,
they will begin to lose the fear of what will inevitably happen. He also explains that everyone’s lives play a
larger role in the world around them, and once you understand that your tragedies serve a higher purpose,
you begin not to fear them.
5. All things are the manifestation of one thing.
Image: Student creations or findings should depict the travel through the desert.
Summary: Santiago works for the merchant, putting money aside when he can to eventually buy some sheep. He
learns that the crystal merchant wants to travel to Mecca as part of his religion, and because of this dream
agrees to buy a display box for the crystal as Santiago requested, in order to make more money to possibly help
Santiago live out his dream. After a while, the merchant agrees to let Santiago sell tea to customers in the
crystal glasses. News of the shop spread, and it became very popular. Santiago awakes one day and readies
himself for his next mission. He has enough money to go buy his sheep and return home, and asks for the
merchant’s blessing. The merchant thanks him, but explains that Santiago will not end up buying the sheep, as it is
written he will do otherwise. Santiago packs his belongings and stumbles upon his stones, which remind him of his
dream. Putting his shepherd bag away with the rest of his cargo, we left the crystal shop without saying goodbye,
fearing that it would make him cry. Santiago traveled to the same bar he was robbed in a year prior, sat down to
drink some tea and contemplate his next move. He remembered a man that supplied crystal to the merchant by
way of a caravan from the desert, and Santiago sets out to ask him how much it would cost to travel with him. An
Englishman who is trying to become an alchemist sits on a bench thinking about his journey, sacrifices, and future.
He prepares to meet an old Arab with alchemy powers, and plans to accompany the same caravan as Santiago,
both bound for the desert. Santiago takes out his stones, and the Englishman strikes up a conversation with him,
showing that he has two similar stones. They speak of omens, the universal language, and they are called outside
for orientation and they board their camels. They travel through the desert, quiet in parts, treacherous in others,
and occasionally they would encounter Bedouins, and Santiago thinks of his sheep, his new adventure, and
“Maktub” or “it is written”. Santiago talks often with one of the caravan guides, and how people fear the
unknown, but shouldn’t. The men all learn that there is impending war, and travel quickly. The Englishman explains
to Santiago that everything in the world has a soul, and the two agree that Santiago needs to read more books
and the Englishman needs to watch more closely at the desert. (Possibly foreshadowed by the King’s story of the
boy who tried to carry the oil and look at the tapestries) Santiago reads the alchemy books, but doesn’t gain
much out of them and only irritates the Englishman with his lack of appreciation for such things. The Caravan
guide tells Santiago to focus only on the present and be patient, as they arrive at the oasis. The alchemist sees
the caravan approaching and knows he must teach one of the men his secrets, he just has to figure out who that
man is. The caravan is required to stay at the oasis until the war stops, and they must rid themselves of all
weapons. The Englishman handed over his revolver, the men all rest and then the Englishman and Santiago head
out to find the alchemist. Through searching, Santiago meets and instantly falls in love with a woman named near
the well.
Quote: Making a decision is like knocking down one domino in a series of many. It is what creates an effect that
may lead the decision maker to places never once thought of.
Figurative Language and Literary Elements: Metaphor- comparing the forcefulness of a river to life’s inevitable
circumstances. Metaphor- the desert can be very dangerous, and men can lose their lives if they do not
understand it properly and act accordingly.
Relevance to your life: Answers will vary but should address the prompt, relate to the text, and contain personal
experience/narratives/examples/information.
Review Foreword-pg. 95:
Summary: The foreword gives the reader information about how at first no one wanted to buy his book, but he
was determined to have people understand his story, and so he finally found success. The author hopes that the
reader will find similarities in seeing that the main character Santiago represents each and everyone reading the
book, and also hopes that the book itself will instill hope and unity. The prologue opens with the legend of
Narcissus, who was in love with his reflection and died after looking at it in a lake, falling in, and drowning. A
goddess appeared, asked the lake why he was crying, and he explained that he never recognized Narcissus’
beauty, but rather was sad he could not admire his own reflection in the eyes of Narcissus. In part one the reader
meets the main character Santiago, who has just ushered his sheep into safety and has found shelter in a church
for the night. He wakes up wishing he slept longer so he could finish his recurring dream, and talks to his sheep
about a girl from the village, who he met a year earlier while selling wool to her father. Santiago steers his naive
and complacent flock around Andalusia, thinking of how he was going to tell the girl about his wanting to travel
the world instead of become a priest. He reflects how his father tried to tell him “the grass was not always
greener on the other side”, yet gave him money in his pursuit to become a shepperd. He goes to an old woman in
Tarifa that interprets dream: a child playing with his sheep transports him to the Egyptian pyramids to show him
hidden treasure. The woman tells him to go find the treasure, and Santiago is irritated she did not “interpret” the
dream in any detail. Santiago leaves, begins to read a new book, and is interrupted by an old man who explains
that the world’s greatest lie is having people believe they are controlled by fate. The old man introduces himself
as the king of Salem, Melchizedek, and asks Santiago for one tenth of his sheep in return for leading Santiago to
the treasure. He explains that he helps people realize and find their dreams and passions, and that he will meet
Santiago back at the very spot tomorrow. The boy contemplates his choices, sells some of his sheep to a friend,
gives the old man the rest, and receives two stones symbolizing no and yes in return. The old man explains that
Santiago must follow the omens to complete his personal legend. The old man watches Santiago sail away,
realizing he will never see him again. Santiago makes it to Tangier, observes the strange customs and meets
someone who says he will take Santiago to Egypt, and takes his money claiming they need two camels. But the
man steals the money and leaves Santiago in the market. After sulking, he uses the stones to calm his panic, and
tries to see optimistically. Santiago falls asleep, wakes up in the market, helps a candy stand set up shop, and
realizes that he can communicate without verbal language. A crystal merchant reflects on his career choices and
how he wishes he could do something else. Santiago enters his shop, cleans his glasses for him, and that results in
customers coming in to purchase crystal. The merchant buys Santiago lunch, and Santiago explains that he will
work for him to get money to go to Egypt. After the merchant laughs at his incredulous dream, Santiago still
agrees to work for him, this time though, so he can buy sheep. Santiago works for the merchant, putting money
aside when he can to eventually buy some sheep. He learns that the crystal merchant wants to travel to Mecca
as part of his religion, and because of this dream agrees to buy a display box for the crystal as Santiago requested,
in order to make more money to possibly help Santiago live out his dream. After a while, the merchant agrees to
let Santiago sell tea to customers in the crystal glasses. News of the shop spread, and it became very popular.
Santiago awakes one day and readies himself for his next mission. He has enough money to go buy his sheep and
return home, and asks for the merchant’s blessing. The merchant thanks him, but explains that Santiago will not
end up buying the sheep, as it is written he will do otherwise. Santiago packs his belongings and stumbles upon his
stones, which remind him of his dream. Putting his shepherd bag away with the rest of his cargo, we left the
crystal shop without saying goodbye, fearing that it would make him cry. Santiago traveled to the same bar he was
robbed in a year prior, sat down to drink some tea and contemplate his next move. He remembered a man that
supplied crystal to the merchant by way of a caravan from the desert, and Santiago sets out to ask him how much
it would cost to travel with him. An Englishman who is trying to become an alchemist sits on a bench thinking
about his journey, sacrifices, and future. He prepares to meet an old Arab with alchemy powers, and plans to
accompany the same caravan as Santiago, both bound for the desert. Santiago takes out his stones, and the
Englishman strikes up a conversation with him, showing that he has two similar stones. They speak of omens, the
universal language, and they are called outside for orientation and they board their camels. They travel through
the desert, quiet in parts, treacherous in others, and occasionally they would encounter Bedouins, and Santiago
thinks of his sheep, his new adventure, and “Maktub” or “it is written”. Santiago talks often with one of the
caravan guides, and how people fear the unknown, but shouldn’t. The men all learn that there is impending war,
and travel quickly. The Englishman explains to Santiago that everything in the world has a soul, and the two agree
that Santiago needs to read more books and the Englishman needs to watch more closely at the desert. (Possibly
foreshadowed by the King’s story of the boy who tried to carry the oil and look at the tapestries) Santiago reads
the alchemy books, but doesn’t gain much out of them and only irritates the Englishman with his lack of
appreciation for such things. The Caravan guide tells Santiago to focus only on the present and be patient, as
they arrive at the oasis. The alchemist sees the caravan approaching and knows he must teach one of the men his
secrets, he just has to figure out who that man is. The caravan is required to stay at the oasis until the war stops,
and they must rid themselves of all weapons. The Englishman handed over his revolver, the men all rest and then
the Englishman and Santiago head out to find the alchemist. Through searching, Santiago meets and instantly
falls in love with a woman named near the well.
Written response: Student responses will vary but should include an embedded narrative and a creative rendition
of personal legends.
Grammar and Mechanics: 1. Santiago accepted his fate as a shepherd. 2. He sold a lot of crystal, and did his job
very well. 3. Santiago and the Englishman spoke to each other on their journey through the desert. 4. The oasis
was very appealing to those traveling. 5. The Englishman did not respond well when Santiago explained he
learned very little from the books.
Historical Perspective: Student response will vary but should fully address one of the options presented.
Four Wall Discussion: Student responses are opinionated and will vary based on their own ideas and beliefs, but
they should mark a reply for each statement given.
Part two- pgs 96-130:
1. An approaching army invading the oasis.
2. He has found and fallen in love with Fatima, who he believes is better than treasure.
3. Student answers will vary.
Image: Student creations or findings should represent the alchemist as described in his first meeting with
Santiago: white horse, dressed in black, with a sword, etc.
Summary: Santiago and the woman at the well experience love at first sight. Santiago asks her about the
alchemist, she points to the south to indicate that is where he lives, and she leaves. Santiago returns to the well
the next day, and the Englishman explains he saw the alchemist and the alchemist only told him to try again,
instead of offering him any new advice. Fatima shows up, and Santiago expresses his interest to marry her. He
shows up at the well everyday and speaks to Fatima, both of them explaining their gratitude towards finding each
other. Fatima tells Santiago to continue with his dream and treasure hunt, and she will wait for him to return.
Santiago tries to get clarity by walking around the desert, and sees a vision of an approaching army ( in the form
of two hawks fighting). Santiago heads back to the oasis, tells the camel driver about his vision, and he sends him
to tell the chief. The chief explains that he will allow everyone to use their weapons tomorrow to prepare for
battle, but if the weapons do not need to be used, Santiago will be killed for bringing them a false vision. On the
way back to his tent, Santiago encounters an arab on a white horse demanding who Santiago was to question
Allah. He explains how he was just reporting what he saw. The man tells Santiago to come find him if he is still
alive tomorrow, and Snatigao realizes that the man was the alchemist. The next morning the oasis was invaded,
and the soldiers were all killed, including the commander who was hanged after explaining they were trying to
obtain food and water. Santiago is summoned to the chief who gives him fifty pieces of gold for his vision, and dubs
him the oasis counselor. Santiago visits the alchemist, who explains he will help point Santiago in the direction of
his treasure. The alchemist tells Santiago to sell his camel and buy a horse, rest up, and come back tomorrow.
The next night, the two men mount their horses, go out into the desert looking for life, and Santiago leads the
alchemist to a cobra. Understanding the positive omen, the alchemist agrees to take Santiago to his treasure.
Santiago is hesitant, as he wants to stay with Fatima, but the alchemist explains that if he doesn’t complete his
personal legend, it will always haunt him. The boy agrees to go in the morning. Santiago visits Fatima in the
morning to explain his leaving but commitment to return and be together. Fatima is saddened by the oasis now
that her lover is gone, but she looks to the desert for hope of his return. Santiago and the alchemist head
towards the pyramids, and the alchemist applauds him for following his dream. The alchemist tells Santiago he has
one thing left to learn, and references the Emerald Tablet.
Quote: Real treasures in life, and what people truly treasure are not material things, but rather emotional,
spiritual, and mental. Treasures are found within.
Figurative Language and Literary Elements: Metaphor- comparing the arrival of Santigao to a gift for Fatima.
Personification- giving the wind the ability to speak, and explaining that she hoped the wind would send her scent
and love to Santiago while he was away.
Relevance to your life: Answers will vary but should address the prompt, relate to the text, and contain personal
experience/narratives/examples/information.
Part Two pg. 130-179:
1. Listen to his heart. Although it gives him conflicting emotions and thoughts, he continues to listen to his
heart as the alchemist advised him to do so.
2. Before you complete your goal and fulfill your personal legend, you will be tested, put through an obstacle
or tribulation of sorts.
3. He will turn himself into the wind and destroy their village.
4. It works together, through conversations with Santiago, to prove Santiago’s “power” and convince the
army to let him go.
5. That his treasure is back in Spain, at the church near a sycamore he had already visited.
Image: Student creations or findings should represent the textual information during the wind storm involving
Santiago, the dessert, wind, sun, and God.
Summary: The alchemist explains to Santiago that the Emerald Tablet cannot be understood by reading alone, but
he must first immerse himself in his surroundings and listen to his heart. They continue to travel through the
desert, and Santiago listens to his heart, as it tells him many different things, emotions, feelings, etc. Santiago
feels fear as they pass armsmen, and questions the idea of listening to your heart. The alchemist calms Santiago’s
fears and his heart by explaining that most people are afraid of the unknown, but that the journey leads them
closer to their treasure and makes them more spiritual. The boy asks his heart to stay close to him and always
speak to him. The alchemist tells Santiago that he will be tested one more time before he reaches his goal, and to
continue onward. They encounter men who search them for weapons, and allow them to pass, humored by the
alchemist. Santiago’s heart continues to talk to him and explain how he has helped him through different times in
his life, and the men come upon another camp where the alchemist uses the power in his eyes to allow the two of
them to continue traveling. He explains that the eyes show the power of your soul, and Santiago should not
concern himself with turning metal to gold, as it is not his personal legend. Santiago’s heart tells him there is
danger nearby, and they are surrounded by tribesmen. They are brought to the military camp where the alchemist
gives the leader Santiago’s gold coins and explains that Santiago is an alchemist who will turn into the wind and
destroy the camp in three days. He offers Santiago’s life if he is unable to complete his mission. Walking around
the village, the alchemist calms the boy and explains that fear of failure is the only thing keeping Santiago from
completing his journey. Santiago is still stressed, trying to figure out how to turn himself into the wind. On the
third day, Santiago brings the tribesmen to a cliff, and begins to have a conversation with the desert. He talks to
the desert, and then to wind, and finally to the sun. The desert offers its sands, the winds blow the sand around to
block the sun, and the sun shone more brightly causing the wind to blow even harder. Santiago then prays silently,
and feels as if he becomes one with God. Once the storm finished, the chief and alchemist were pleased, and
everyone else feared Santiago. The chief bade them farewell and gave them an escort to accompany them the
rest of the way. They arrive at a monastery and the alchemist shows Santiago how to turn lead into gold. He
explains it was his personal legend, and that it was only for him to do. He gives some of his gold to the monk,
some to Santiago, and keeps some for himself. He also gives the monk some to hang onto for Santiago. The
alchemist tells Santiago about a dream: A man who had two sons, one a poet and one a soldier, was told that one
of his son’s words would be remembered forever. The man dies, goes to heaven, and learns from an angel that his
son who was in the military left a lasting impression with words to the son of God: “My Lord, I am not worthy that
you should come under my roof, but only speak a word and my servant will be healed.” He uses this story to
explain how everyone impacts the world in ways they may not even realize. The alchemist leaves Santiago three
hours from the pyramids, explaining he must finish his journey alone. Santiago finally reaches the pyramids, begins
digging where he sees an omen (beetle), only two men found him, stole his gold, and beat him. The men leave, but
before so tell him that they once had a dream of traveling to Spain to a sycamore tree to find treasure. This
explains to Santiago where his treasure is and he laughs. Epilogue- Santiago travels back to the church in Spain,
using the money the monk set aside for him. He dug until he found a treasure chest. He feels the wind bring him a
kiss from Fatima, and states that he is coming to get her.
Quote: Love does not stay the same, it doesn’t sporadically jump around, nor does it remain far from others.
Instead, it is present and active and it has the ability to transform or change the world for good.
Figurative Language and Literary Elements: Metaphor/Proverb/Symbolism- explaining that people usually give
up right before they would have reached their goal, when they are so close to completion. Simile- explaining the
silence that betook the alchemist and comparing it to the quiet desert.
Relevance to your life: Answers will vary but should address the prompt, relate to the text, and contain personal
experience/narratives/examples/information.
Review pg. 96-179:
Summary: Santiago and the woman at the well experience love at first sight. Santiago asks her about the
alchemist, she points to the south to indicate that is where he lives, and she leaves. Santiago returns to the well
the next day, and the Englishman explains he saw the alchemist and the alchemist only told him to try again,
instead of offering him any new advice. Fatima shows up, and Santiago expresses his interest to marry her. He
shows up at the well everyday and speaks to Fatima, both of them explaining their gratitude towards finding each
other. Fatima tells Santiago to continue with his dream and treasure hunt, and she will wait for him to return.
Santiago tries to get clarity by walking around the desert, and sees a vision of an approaching army ( in the form
of two hawks fighting). Santiago heads back to the oasis, tells the camel driver about his vision, and he sends him
to tell the chief. The chief explains that he will allow everyone to use their weapons tomorrow to prepare for
battle, but if the weapons do not need to be used, Santiago will be killed for bringing them a false vision. On the
way back to his tent, Santiago encounters an arab on a white horse demanding who Santiago was to question
Allah. He explains how he was just reporting what he saw. The man tells Santiago to come find him if he is still
alive tomorrow, and Snatigao realizes that the man was the alchemist. The next morning the oasis was invaded,
and the soldiers were all killed, including the commander who was hanged after explaining they were trying to
obtain food and water. Santiago is summoned to the chief who gives him fifty pieces of gold for his vision, and dubs
him the oasis counselor. Santiago visits the alchemist, who explains he will help point Santiago in the direction of
his treasure. The alchemist tells Santiago to sell his camel and buy a horse, rest up, and come back tomorrow.
The next night, the two men mount their horses, go out into the desert looking for life, and Santiago leads the
alchemist to a cobra. Understanding the positive omen, the alchemist agrees to take Santiago to his treasure.
Santiago is hesitant, as he wants to stay with Fatima, but the alchemist explains that if he doesn’t complete his
personal legend, it will always haunt him. The boy agrees to go in the morning. Santiago visits Fatima in the
morning to explain his leaving but commitment to return and be together. Fatima is saddened by the oasis now
that her lover is gone, but she looks to the desert for hope of his return. Santiago and the alchemist head
towards the pyramids, and the alchemist applauds him for following his dream. The alchemist tells Santiago he has
one thing left to learn, and references the Emerald Tablet. The alchemist explains to Santiago that the Emerald
Tablet cannot be understood by reading alone, but he must first immerse himself in his surroundings and listen to
his heart. They continue to travel through the desert, and Santiago listens to his heart, as it tells him many
different things, emotions, feelings, etc. Santiago feels fear as they pass armsmen, and questions the idea of
listening to your heart. The alchemist calms Santiago’s fears and his heart by explaining that most people are
afraid of the unknown, but that the journey leads them closer to their treasure and makes them more spiritual.
The boy asks his heart to stay close to him and always speak to him. The alchemist tells Santiago that he will be
tested one more time before he reaches his goal, and to continue onward. They encounter men who search them
for weapons, and allow them to pass, humored by the alchemist. Santiago’s heart continues to talk to him and
explain how he has helped him through different times in his life, and the men come upon another camp where the
alchemist uses the power in his eyes to allow the two of them to continue traveling. He explains that the eyes
show the power of your soul, and Santiago should not concern himself with turning metal to gold, as it is not his
personal legend. Santiago’s heart tells him there is danger nearby, and they are surrounded by tribesmen. They
are brought to the military camp where the alchemist gives the leader Santiago’s gold coins and explains that
Santiago is an alchemist who will turn into the wind and destroy the camp in three days. He offers Santiago’s life
if he is unable to complete his mission. Walking around the village, the alchemist calms the boy and explains that
fear of failure is the only thing keeping Santiago from completing his journey. Santiago is still stressed, trying to
figure out how to turn himself into the wind. On the third day, Santiago brings the tribesmen to a cliff, and begins
to have a conversation with the desert. He talks to the desert, and then to wind, and finally to the sun. The
desert offers its sands, the winds blow the sand around to block the sun, and the sun shone more brightly causing
the wind to blow even harder. Santiago then prays silently, and feels as if he becomes one with God. Once the
storm finished, the chief and alchemist were pleased, and everyone else feared Santiago. The chief bade them
farewell and gave them an escort to accompany them the rest of the way. They arrive at a monastery and the
alchemist shows Santiago how to turn lead into gold. He explains it was his personal legend, and that it was only
for him to do. He gives some of his gold to the monk, some to Santiago, and keeps some for himself. He also gives
the monk some to hang onto for Santiago. The alchemist tells Santiago about a dream: A man who had two sons,
one a poet and one a soldier, was told that one of his son’s words would be remembered forever. The man dies,
goes to heaven, and learns from an angel that his son who was in the military left a lasting impression with words
to the son of God: “My Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only speak a word and my
servant will be healed.” He uses this story to explain how everyone impacts the world in ways they may not even
realize. The alchemist leaves Santiago three hours from the pyramids, explaining he must finish his journey alone.
Santiago finally reaches the pyramids, begins digging where he sees an omen (beetle), only two men found him,
stole his gold, and beat him. The men leave, but before so tell him that they once had a dream of traveling to Spain
to a sycamore tree to find treasure. This explains to Santiago where his treasure is and he laughs. EpilogueSantiago travels back to the church in Spain, using the money the monk set aside for him. He dug until he found a
treasure chest. He feels the wind bring him a kiss from Fatima, and states that he is coming to get her.
Written response: Student responses will vary but should show a direct comparison between the poem and the
novel, and least at least one similarity and difference between the two pieces.
Grammar and Mechanics: Student sentences will vary but should vary in the way in which they include commas
and quotations in the sentences, and the sentences should be inspired by the novel.
Historical Perspective: Student response will vary but should fully address one of the options presented.
Favorite Quote: Student quotes will vary, should not include any of the quotes previously covered in the packet,
and should elaborate on the significance of the quote.
*Final thoughts and activities will vary