The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
About the Author
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Born in 1947 in Brazil
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
1982
Hell Archives
1986
Practical Manual of Vampirism
1987
The Pilgrimage
1988
The Alchemist
1990
Brida
1991
The Gift
1992
The Valkyries
1994
Maktub
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
1996
The Fifth Mountain
1997
The Manual of the Warrior of Light
1998
Veronika Decides to Die
2000
The Devil and Miss Prym
2001
Fathers, Sons and Grandsons
2003
Eleven Minutes
2004
The Genie and the Roses
2005
The 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
About the Book
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The major theme is, of course, alchemy,
but exactly does “alchemy” symbolize?
Themes
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The major theme is, of course, alchemy,
but exactly does “alchemy” symbolize?
Change
Themes
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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
Santiago wants to experience change;
therefore, he gave up his studies to be a
shepherd and travel
Other Themes
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Following one’s “Personal Legend”
Fear of failure
What other themes can you think of?
About the Book
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What kind of narrator do we have in this
book?
Narrator
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What kind of narrator do we have in this
book?
Omniscient Narrator
About the Book
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What types of symbolism are present in
the book?
Symbolism
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Dreams represent the language of God
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 Old Kin represents Santiago’s need to
follow the omens
Symbolism
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What or who does Santiago symbolize?
About the Book
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Setting
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Andalusian region of Spain
Tangier
Al-Fayoum oasis
Pyramids in Egypt
Back to Spain
Present day
Characters
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Major
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Santiago
Gypsy woman
Old king
Crystal merchant
Englishman
Alchemist
About the Book
Omniscient Narrator
Why?