The Alchemist / Paulo Coelho

Question 1

Symbol : Wind

Answer 1

Signifies change ; freedom - shown when Santiago realizes he is capable of his journey ; powerful - shown when Santiago feels powerful and confident

Question 2

Symbol : Sheep

Answer 2

Represent the past and holding back

Question 3

Symbol : Desert

Answer 3

Represents the challenges he faces

Question 4

Symbol : Stars

Answer 4

Represents guidance

Question 5

Symbol : Tree

Answer 5

Represents life ; signifies the 3 imponderables (seen in the roots, trunk, and branches)

Question 6

Character : King Melchizedek

Answer 6

• Originally poses as an old man when introduced to Santiago
• Claims to be the king of Salem
• Persuades Santiago to pursue his journey by “nudging” him through selling his sheep
• Gives Santiago Urim and Thummim

SIGNIFICANCE
-Melchizedek translates to “King of Righteousness” which in the bible is Jesus, perhaps representing his supernatural abilities and presence in the story

Question 7

Character : Narcissus

Answer 7

• A character in a story told by the Alchemist at the beginning of the book
• He dies after falling in a river admiring himself
• The river ends up crying because he missed admiring itself in narcissus’ eyes

Question 8

Term : Maktub

Answer 8

• First introduced by the crystal merchant
• The crystal merchant defines it as “it is written” meaning something along the lines of “this is how it should be”
• Santiago continues to use this term along his journey to remind himself that his future is in his hands

Question 9

Term : The Unspoken Language

Answer 9

• The human or animal connection expressed through emotions and common beliefs
• Everyone has the ability to speak it

Question 10

Term : the Language of the World

Answer 10

• the way the universe communicates

- Sometimes seen through omens and dreams

Question 11

Term : Personal Legend

Answer 11

• Personal destiny
• Your individual one and only duty
• Accomplishing your PL is equivalent to completing self happiness and understanding

Question 12

Term : The Soul of the World

Answer 12

• The world as a whole
• Made up of people’s happiness
• Everyone has a part in what makes up the soul of the world

Question 13

Term : Levanter

Answer 13

-Powerful Mediterranean wind

Question 14

Term : Principle of favorability

Answer 14

• The force that drives you to your personal legend gives you “beginners luck”
• Helps you have your way toward your goal and helps to focus you

Question 15

Term : Urim and Thummim

Answer 15

• Two stones given to Santiago by the King
• The black stone represents yes and the white stone represents no
• They help to read omens for guidance

Question 16

Term : Koran

Answer 16

-The word of God written in Arabic

Question 17

Term : Emerald tablet

Answer 17

-A tablet of texts very important to Alchemy

Question 18

Term : Master Work

Answer 18

• Part liquid:elixir of life

- Part solid:philosophers stone

Question 19

Term : Philosophers Stone

Answer 19

-Has the ability to turn metals into gold

Question 20

Term : The elixir of Life

Answer 20

• Keeps alchemists from growing old

- Cures all sickness

Question 21

Term : Coptic

Answer 21

In the text : Coptic Monastery

-Type of ancient Egypt civilization church that believes in Christianity

Question 22

Symbol : Sun

Answer 22

Source of enlightenment