Hi!
Which statement is a theme of The Alchemist?
To be happy, one must pursue one's dreams.
How does the Englishman develop the theme that one can only realize one's Personal Legend by overcoming challenges?
When the Englishman asks the alchemist how to turn lead into gold, the alchemist tells him that he must keep trying.
How do the trials Santiago experiences in the desert develop the theme in The Alchemist?
Santiago must overcome external and internal obstacles; this develops the theme that we must face new challenges to realize our true purpose.
By the end of the text, Santiago learns that the journey of self-discovery was his true treasure.
Which excerpts from the text present evidence to support this statement?
Select each correct answer.
"If he hadn't believed in the significance of recurrent dreams, he would not have met the Gypsy woman, the king, the thief, or..."
"'If I had told you, you wouldn't have seen the Pyramids. They're beautiful, aren't they?'"
How does the allegory in The Alchemist develop the theme that happiness can only be realized by following one's Personal Legend?
By the end of the story, Santiago learns that his treasure is not just gold coins but also the experiences he has had.
Which statement describes what Santiago realizes after he becomes the wind?
Santiago discovers that the Soul of the World is within everyone and everything.
What does Santiago realize when he returns home to find his treasure?
The true treasure was not the gold, but the journey itself.
Read the passage.
excerpt from The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
"I have watched the caravan as it crossed the desert," he [the boy] said. "The caravan and the desert speak the same language, and it's for that reason that the desert allows the crossing."
How does personification affect the meaning in this excerpt?
It reinforces the idea that all things in the universe are one.
How does the symbol of the sheep affect the story in The Alchemist?
Select each correct answer.
The sheep motivate Santiago to take a risk and pursue his Personal Legend.
The sheep represent those who choose not to follow their ultimate purpose.
How does the symbol of the thieves affect the meaning in The Alchemist?
Select each correct answer.
The thieves represent all those who try to take a short cut on their journey and who, in doing so, fail to realize their Personal Legend.
The thieves harm the boy, but they are also an important part of his journey; Santiago would not have found his treasure without them.
~Courtney
