The Alchemist: Discussion Questions

1. The novel is titled The Alchemist. How is alchemy used as a metaphor and overarching theme in the novel?

We meet the alchemist in the Prologue, but nothing much is revealed about alchemy in the beginning. We later learn about the discipline from the Englishman, and much later from the alchemist himself. One of the core principles of alchemy, which the novel repeatedly focuses on, is that transmutation will not be successful unless the person conducting it is pure. Santiago is destined to be an alchemist, but he can fulfill this destiny only after overcoming several challenges; indeed, the challenges are an integral part of the quest. Notably, Santiago attains his ideal state when, in the book’s climax, he disappears into the wind and becomes one with God.

The Englishman and the alchemist both discuss alchemy with Santiago, and in both their accounts the specifics of alchemy are presented such that they symbolize larger life lessons. The Englishman mentions that the pursuit of the Master Work, in which students of alchemy spend years carefully studying and purifying metals, actually also purifies the practitioners themselves. Santiago also realizes that one may gain knowledge from the “alchemy of life.” Alchemy achieves its culmination only when the alchemist can be one with the creator, as exemplified by Santiago’s miracle.

2. Why does the author choose to begin the book with an adaptation of the myth of Narcissus, and how does this retelling reflect the action of the novel?

In the traditional myth of Narcissus, a preoccupation with one’s self is not seen as a virtue; in fact, a very thin line separates preoccupation from self-obsession. The prologue, however, refers to Oscar Wilde’s interpretation in “The Disciple.” Here, the lake in which Narcissus drowns as he admires his own reflection in turn falls in love with its own reflection in Narcissus’ eyes. The alchemist declares this thought to be a beautiful one. This hints at the book’s approach to the question of self. As we read the novel, we find that it stresses on the importance of self-knowledge and intuitive skills, which can only emerge when one focuses earnestly on the self.

3. Give an example of a character who achieves his or her Personal Legend, and one who does not. Why does one succeed where the other does not?

Santiago is a character who fulfills his Personal Legend. He succeeds in his endeavor because he follows his heart, even if that meant becoming a shepherd. Furthermore, he focuses deeply on the question of self and trusts his intuitions. In fact, though he does consider abandoning his quest, he does not give up even under the most difficult circumstances.

The crystal merchant would be an example of a person who does not fulfill his Personal Legend. He dreams of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca, but never fulfills his dream. Though he achieves success in life, he is beset by anxiety and worry. He is unable to trust anyone enough to seek help managing his shop. He also believes that should he achieve his Personal Legend at this stage in his life, there would be nothing to look forward to thereafter. Unlike Santiago, he does not follow his dreams.

4. How is “love” defined and measured in the novel, and how does it conflict with or complement a Personal Legend?

At the beginning of the novel we see Santiago reminiscing about the merchant’s daughter, whom he had met a year ago and had wanted to marry. However, that was not destined to be. He later falls in love with Fatima, the woman of the desert. It is through Santiago’s interaction with her that the author conveys his ideas of true love. According to the novel, the pursuit of one’s Personal Legend should be the sole focus of one’s life. Love is secondary, and true love will never be an impediment to the attainment of one’s Personal Legend. This is epitomized in Fatima’s relationship with Santiago. When Santiago says that he will abandon his journey because he has fallen in love with her and doesn’t want to leave her, she urges him on. She says that she, too, is now a part of his journey and he must fulfill it. She would wait for him, he’s assured. At the end of the novel, when Santiago achieves his Personal Legend, he decides to return to Fatima. It wouldn’t be amiss, therefore, to anticipate a happy conclusion.

5. When the story begins, Santiago is a shepherd and his sheep are very important to him. Discuss the significance of sheep and shepherding in the novel.

In this book, in stark contrast to the extraordinary journey one undertakes in pursuit of one’s Personal Legend, the sheep represent the mundane and the routine. For Santiago, the alternative to continuing his arduous journey is a return to his life as a shepherd. They symbolize a sanctuary for him, a place of comfort. In Santiago’s depiction as the shepherd, readers can infer a direct allusion to how Jesus refers to himself and his followers in the Bible (Jesus being the shepherd and his followers the sheep). At other times, Santiago appears frustrated with their obedience and complete dependence on him. He thinks, “If I became a monster today, and decided to kill them, one by one, they would become aware only after most of the flock had been slaughtered. . . They trust me, and they’ve forgotten how to rely on their own instincts, because I lead them to nourishment.” The sheep, in this sense, are also symbolic of those who have forgotten or are no longer in touch with their “instincts.” Santiago’s father would be a relevant example in this context. Notably, his father, having once abandoned his own Personal Legend, finds himself envying Santiago’s decision to become a shepherd and embrace travel as a central aspect of his life.