The Alchemist
By: Paulo Coelho
Summary
• An allegory (characters or events
represent or symbolize ideas and
concepts)
• Santiago is on a journey to Egypt, after
having a recurring dream of finding
treasure there.
Main ideas
• Santiago is told about his Personal Legend
• "is what you have always wanted to
accomplish. Everyone, when they are young,
knows that their Personal Legend is”and that
"when you want something, all the universe
conspires in helping you to achieve it." In
other words, finding his personal destiny
• This is the core theme of the book.
Your personal purpose/legend
• (worksheet)
• the idea of a personal legend deals with the
fact the each of you are here for a purpose
and a reason. Think of all you’ve accomplished
and overcome so far and what you plan to do
in your future (your timeline)
• Think about what interests you and what your
future holds (I-Search)
Reactions and Impacts
• React to Will Smith’s interview on your
Personal Legend worksheet:
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckhbz4xu
LfM
“Everything happens for a
reason”
• Think about situations you may have
encountered in your life in which you
learned lessons. Do you believe these
happened for a reason? What was the
reason?
• Journal about one or two of these
situations on your worksheet (be as
specific or as broad as you feel
comfortable)
React to the quote below
• “There is only one way to learn . . . it’s
through action. Everything you need to
know you have learned through your
journey,” (125)
• Do you believe this to be true? Is there a
difference between being educated through
school and being educated through life or do
they go hand in hand? How so?
• http://yareviews.wikispaces.com/The+Alchem
ist+by+Paulo+Coelho