The Alchemist: Short Answer Questions - Part 1 (through page 25)
Answer each of the following in complete sentences on your own paper. You may write or type
the answers. Answers are due at the end of each reading assignment; please staple your answers
to the questions to submit.
1. Who is the main character of this novel and what is his job in this part of the novel?
2. While sleeping on the stone floor, who does Santiago think about?
3. What does Santiago want to do with his life?
4. Where does Santiago get three ancient Spanish gold coins and what does he do with
them?
5. What does Santiago believe will keep life interesting?
6. Santiago visits the gypsy before he goes to see the merchant’s daughter. What does the
gypsy do?
8. Who visits Santiago in his dreams?
9. Where is Santiago transported in his dreams?
10. What is Santiago looking for in his dream that he never finds?
11. Where does Santiago meet the old man?
12. What does the king describe as the only real obligation in life?
13. What demand does the king have if Santiago is serious about learning more about his
hidden treasure?
14. How many golden coins did Santiago's father find in the field?
15. How many times has Santiago had the dream about the child?
16. Where does Santiago's father think he will end up after he has seen the world in his
travels?
17. What fields does Santiago travel with his flock of sheep?
18. In what building does Santiago spend the night before heading into the village to meet
the merchant's daughter?
Hero’s Journey:
Which steps of the hero’s journey does Santiago take in this section of the book? For
each step, explain what happens.