"The Alchemist" by Madelyn Kellum https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4 Literary Journal en-us 2020-03-31 18:29:47 UTC 2024-12-17 22:44:48 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f631.png Paulo Coelho mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495353209

-Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947

-Sought his own path after being raised in a Roman Catholic household, his passion for travel and writing facing opposition (Coelho was committed to a psychiatric ward, and later imprisoned for alleged subversive activities against the Brazilian Government)

-The spiritual undertones and heavy symbolism in his stories are part of why he is regarded as one of the most influential authors in the world.


]]> 2020-04-06 17:18:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495353209 Overview of "The Alchemist" mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495389546
-The story follows an Andalusian shepherd boy as he follows his passion and travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert, in search of a "treasure" he has seen in a recurring dream. Different characters from different walks of life all direct him towards this unknown treasure. This story explores the power of manifestation, trust, and self-discovery.

-"The Alchemist" was extremely unsuccessful for its first twelve months, and dropped by the initial publisher. Today, over 150 million copies of Coelho's work have been sold, and this novel has stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for over three hundred weeks.

-Coehlo only needed two weeks to write "O Alquimista."

-The novel became a global phenomenon after being translated from Portuguese to English--icons such as Bill Clinton, Will Smith, and Madonna helped give it traction as people from all different walks of life began starting the conversation about it.

Sources
-The Foreword (2014)]]> 2020-04-06 17:36:36 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495389546 Exposition mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495470452

Setting
-Andalusia, an area located in Southern Spain
-Spanish town of Tarifa
-Sahara Desert

Time Period
-Early 1900s (1920s or 1930s)

Characters
-Santiago, the shepherd boy
-Melchizedek, the king of Salem
-The gypsy/old woman/dream interpreter
-Santiago's love interest, the merchant's daughter

Situation
-A young shepherd boy travels from place to place with his herd in pursuit of an unknown "treasure" that has come to him in a dream. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people with different viewpoints, opening his eyes to the importance of his "Personal Legend," and maintaining the balance between responsibility and fulfillment.



]]> 2020-04-06 18:16:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495470452 Why This Book? mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495470578

-My stepfather had this book in his collection of spiritual and religious writing. He had recommended it to me before, and I completely trust his judgement, but for one reason or another had never gotten around to it. I was glad to see it on the list of choices because it was the motivation I needed to finally start.

-I highly value symbolism, imagery, and spiritual undertones within stories. I love the simple and concise way this novel incorporates all of these elements so far in my reading. I'm so happy with my choice and am finding it hard to pace myself instead of reading this story in one sitting.



]]> 2020-04-06 18:16:34 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495470578 Setting mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495622808 Describe the setting(s). Is it symbolic? What mood is created? Would you want to visit or live there? Provide an image to help visualize the setting of your novel.
-Because Santiago begins his journey as a traveling shepherd, the setting constantly shifts; the towns he visits are commonly on the rural side, even once staying in an abandoned shed with a roof so old the sky was exposed. There are symbols in each of these places, including the changes of weather relating to the highs and lows to be experienced in life, and his jacket for serving as both a burden and essential item.
-Within the town of Tarifa, the bakery and loaf of bread represents his first contemplation of whether ignorance is bliss, and how much is too much in relation to one's past, present, and pursuit of future.
-The Egyptian pyramids are commonly referenced, and are important to Santiago for an unknown reason (up until the final pages), symbolizing discovery, blind faith, desire, and passion, and ultimately understanding.
-A whimsical mood is created from the magic and mystery within each of these places, and I would love to visit many of these locations that are safe to travel to.


-The pastures of Spain]]> 2020-04-06 19:43:10 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495622808 Narrator mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495624631
-Third-person omniscient narration

-This narration style was most likely chosen for this story so that Santiago's thought process is clear, making it easier for the reader to follow his mindset and spiritual transformation as the plot develops. I enjoy seeing how his surroundings influence his thoughts, because the perspectives of the guides, companions, and antagonists in the story raise many points and questions I may not have considered.



]]> 2020-04-06 19:44:26 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495624631 Melchizedek (King of Salem) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495625357
-Melchizedek, the king of Salem, is a wise old man that makes Santiago an offer that will force him to give up a bit of the responsibility he is accustomed to, pushing him forward on his journey. Further in the novel, this character is embodied by the alchemist, offering guidance and showing transformation within Santiago as he refers back to the old man's words in nearly every situation he finds himself in. I love this character and what he represents, especially the irony of how Santiago first perceives him as an annoyance that is wasting his time.
-I would love to have a mentor figure in my life similar to Melchizedek, who guides me in a direction of growth but gives me the space to figure out what it is that I am searching for.]]> 2020-04-06 19:44:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495625357 Text to World Connection mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495673370
-An overriding theme I have picked up on is how happiness is not an end destination, but is found along one's personal journey. This is true for Santiago as he searches for his ultimate treasure at the Pyramids of Egypt, while in reality he was collecting his treasure along the way. 
-This relates to every individual in the world, each in their own way. Different things bring different people happiness, but it is in everyone's nature to desire something greater and take temporary things, and people, for granted. While these patterns are incredibly easy to fall into, focusing on being present and serving the truest version of yourself is a message I am picking up on. This literal story, filled with imagery and symbols, relates to the gems we may overlook in everyday life, and the deep understanding we are all capable of picking up on from every physical thing we come into contact with.

]]> 2020-04-06 20:18:26 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/495673370 Track 1 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505557566 SUPERPOSITION- Daniel Caesar ft. John Mayer

"'Why don't you go to Mecca now?' asked the boy.
'Because it's the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That's what helps me face these days that are all the same... I'm afraid that if my dream is realized, I'll have no reason to go on living.'"

There is a major conflict in the story, reflected in Santiago and  the crippling fear he sees in others: personal fulfillment vs. responsibility. Many characters discard their dreams for a practical and tame life. However, Santiago feels that a healthy balance can be maintained, and the world will always conspire to help those pursuing their Personal Legend; he contrasts the shop owner because of his learned optimism and courage, ultimately leading him to the Soul of the World.

In SUPERPOSITION, Caesar expresses this difficulty within the catch-22 of pursuing his own Personal Legend; "Isn't it an irony/ the things that inspire me/ they make me bleed, so profusely?/ I'll still ride, that's just the risk I'll take." Pain and suffering is inevitable, and he figures that experiencing this while following his dream will have a much greater payoff than the alternative of setting aside his desires for practicality. His attitude of perseverance reflects that of Santiago's as he undergoes major tests of his faith and courage.

]]> 2020-04-14 03:06:03 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505557566 Track 3 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558256 Ordinary Pleasure- Toro y Moi

'"The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity."' -The seer (106)

After Santiago's vision of an army approaching (foreshadowing of the coming events), he goes with the camel driver to tell others, and a Seer within the oasis shares this wisdom when grilled about knowledge of the past and future. He elaborates on the importance of staying in the present moment, and how this can enrich/reveal everything that someone could possibly want to know.

The song Ordinary Pleasure is about letting yourself feel the happiness that's inside of you at any given moment, no matter what situation you find yourself in. "Maximize all the pleasure/even with all this weather/nothing can make it better." This is similar to the lesson that Santiago is taught, and he actively tries to improve his understanding of the world to unlock this eternity that each day has the potential to bring.

]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:02 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558256 Track 4 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558344 Revelation- Prince

"There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one's dreams would have no meaning." (96)

As Santiago understands love on a deeper level, and everything that it encompasses, he feels incredibly sure of himself after discovering the reason behind everything he is pursuing (character development). Love is the center of the Soul of the World, and the driving force of the flow of the universe. Fatima mirrors, and is symbolic of, unconditional love through her physical traits (notably smile and eyes).
In Revelation, Prince sings, "It seems like you've always been here/ Now that you are/ Stay with me forever, my dear.
...If ever/ There was ever, such a thing as time/ It's useless, so useless to me now."
These words reflect the incredible power that allows the physical and spiritual worlds to cross paths.





]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:09 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558344 Track 5 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558414 Love Comes Quickly- Pet Shop Boys

"At that moment, it seemed to him that time stood still, and the Soul of the World surged within him. When he looked into her dark eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke--the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. ...with no need for words, she recognized the same thing." (95)

Before Santiago had spoken a single word to Fatima, he knew that he loved her, and that she would be the only woman in his life. Love Comes Quickly expresses the immediate and intense connection that Santiago feels, and its importance.

]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:16 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558414 Track 6 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558621 Death with Dignity- Sufjan Stevens

"'It is I who dared to do so,' he repeated, and he lowered his head to receive a blow from the sword. ...It didn't even occur to the boy to flee. In his heart, he felt a strange sense of joy: he was about to die in pursuit of his Personal Legend. And for Fatima. ...the Soul of the World awaited him, and he would soon be a part of it." (114)

Santiago prepares to sacrifice himself for the lives of the people of the desert, even without completing his journey, and feels a sense of pride for having lived his truth. This moment turned out to be a test by the alchemist, who wanted to measure the boy's courage. This necessary step in Santiago's journey deems him worthy of apprenticing the alchemist, which leads him to his treasure.
I interpret this song to be about the courage it takes to live freely and die freely, which Santiago possesses.

]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:23 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505558621 Track 7 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505559009 Iscariot- Walk the Moon

'"Everyone has his or her own way of learning things," he said to himself. 'His way isn't the same as mine, nor mine as his. But we're both in search of our Personal Legends, and I respect him for that."' (86)

The Englishman tells Santiago his purpose for traveling, which is to become an apprentice to the Alchemist and learn the Soul of the World that governs all things. He occupies himself with ancient studies, and books explaining the physical aspects of alchemy.
Santiago parallels him by also searching for the Soul of the World, but looks for knowledge through his surroundings and dialogue with his heart. They do not see eye-to-eye on their methods of learning. Santiago still highly regards his friend, which isn't fully reciprocated. This is a large reason why Santiago is chosen as the apprentice to the alchemist-- his tolerance and will to understand.
"That's what you want, but it's not what you're asking for/ That's what you're asking, but you're going to get more than you bargained for." Iscariot relates to the pieces of the puzzle that the Englishman is missing, but that Santiago possesses--knowing what he wants, and knowing how to pursue it. 

]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:29 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505559009 Track 2 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505559086 Moonlight on the River- Mac Demarco

'"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself."' (134)

The personification of Santiago's heart and its dialogue with the boy shows his inner conflict in a straightforward way, and his struggle with acceptance/being at peace with its "dodges and tricks". Many of these feelings are brand new to him, and he finds his heart to be full of fear, and confusing, overall. The song Moonlight on the River ponders this inner conflict with the heart, as it relates to any significant situation: "It's so strange, deciding how to feel about it/ It's such a strange emotion, standing there beside it."

]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:35 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505559086 Track 8 (Santiago) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505559135 There for You- Damian Marley

"It's true; life really is generous to those who pursue their Personal Legend, the boy thought. Then he remembered that he had to get to Tarifa so he could give one-tenth of his treasure to the Gypsy woman, as he had promised." (171)

Early in his journey, the shepherd boy asked a gypsy to analyze his dreams about the Pyramids. She told him to travel to where his dreams had shown him, and asks for one-tenth of the treasure in return.
During the resolution of the story, he keeps his word. While many others would be dishonest and keep the treasure for themselves, not bothering to go out of their way to pay someone they would otherwise never see again, Santiago's simple decision is a testament to his honesty and true connection with the world around him. This is represented by the symbolism of the physical treasure, and in the song There for You; "Unconditional love is scarce/...You've always done right by me/ So I will do right by you."

]]> 2020-04-14 03:07:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/505559135 Literary Criticism: Symbolism mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524069129 Coelho uses symbolism heavily throughout the novel to create a universal relatability, enrich the imagery, and include philosophical/religious undertones within his writing. Some strong examples of this are the omens the shepherd boy comes across, including the faithful but high-maintenance sheep he cares for and eventually lets go of. Santiago thinks to himself, "A shepherd may like to travel, but he should never forget about his sheep." (33) The symbolism relates "sheep" to the responsibility an individual has within their life, and "travel" to pleasure. It takes trial and error for Santiago to understand the careful balance that needs to be maintained to reach fulfillment. This is a very strong point of view, and can relate to anyone's life -- prioritization and time management are essential to success, which is a great reminder to have while reading this novel.]]> 2020-04-22 19:52:18 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524069129 Literary Criticism: Irony mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524069465 Irony ultimately ties the beginning of Santiago's journey to its end. Coelho has mastered the technique of bringing a story to life, relating to a reader of any background, and clarifying his message in an upfront and almost comical way. At the resolution, as Santiago explains to hostile thieves he has traveled to Egypt to dig for treasure, they tell him, "'You'll learn that a man shouldn't be so stupid... I had a recurring dream, too. I dreamed that I should travel to the fields of Spain... But I'm not so stupid as to cross an entire desert just because of a recurrent dream.'"(167) The boy laughed as they left, even after getting beaten to a pulp, because this solidifies the extent of the treasure he has found, while others do not have the strength to follow their own Personal Legend. The irony that lies in someone condemning another for reaching towards fulfillment, while that individual does not have the courage to do this his/herself, is extremely relatable for people in all avenues of life who have faced opposition of all kinds, adding to the relatability and enjoyment of the text.]]> 2020-04-22 19:52:29 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524069465 Literary Criticism: Parallelism mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524069799 The ways in which the characters intersect and relate to one another adds to a sense of humanity and commonality that Coelho encourages the reader to find within themselves and others. In different stages of his journey, Santiago converses with the old king and the alchemist, both giving profound wisdom and motivation for the boy to interpret. "'When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it,' the old king had said." (64)
The Alchemist later tells him, "You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his personal legend. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love... the love that speaks the Language of the World." (124) Santiago allows both of these characters to influence his thoughts and decisions, and is able to find the common themes/omens they convey. Coelho includes these parallel characters in a successful attempt to show the reader how the world opens to you if these connections are sought after. ]]> 2020-04-22 19:52:39 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524069799 Literary Criticism: Contrast mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524070197 The rich symbolism of having a flock of sheep to take care of, while also feeling drawn to travel the world, shows the duality of human nature and universal desire. There are two contrasting truths that are present within everyone pursuing their legends; suffering and happiness. As the boy's last lesson, the Alchemist tells him, "What you still need to know is this: before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that we learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we've learned as we've moved toward that dream. That's the point at which most people give up... one dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon." (137). I have grown up knowing the phrase "To whom much is given, much is tested," which I relate to this passage. The contrast is extremely effective during the resolution of this story, giving an explanation for the hardship the boy faces. Overall, this is extremely important to understanding the extreme highs and lows of what a "personal journey" can look like, and will look like, which is an honest truth that I can appreciate; the contrast of suffering and happiness exist to compliment each other.



]]> 2020-04-22 19:52:50 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524070197 Literary Criticism: Direct Dialogue mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524070559 This book is full of meaningful dialogue between characters- Santiago conversing with the crystal shop owner, the Englishman, the old king, the Alchemist, the sun, and the wind- but the dialogue that makes the most incredible statement is between Santiago and his own heart. "Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place. So we, their hearts, speak more and more softly. We never stop speaking out, but we begin to hope that our words won't be heard: we don't want people to suffer.'" Santiago processes this and asks his heart, "Please, never stop speaking to me." (136) Humans are often guided by fear and opt to think more rationally as a result, disregarding the true desires and goals their heart speaks of; although this direct dialogue is fictional, this is a beautiful and emotional communication that many individuals do not know they have the strength for. I am thankful that this was included by Coelho-- it is possibly the most impactful line in the novel that takes the story to such a deep and personal level, really presenting the boy's growth as an inner-conflict despite the outside influences that may show this as Santiago vs the world.]]> 2020-04-22 19:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/524070559 Theme (Statement and Application to Characters) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/558209333 -From this novel, many themes have emerged involving the human connection with spirituality and unification with nature. A message that has been the most clear to me, one that I mostly reflect on days after reading, has regarded the way your only limitations are those that you set for yourself.

-Each character within the novel has undergone unique experiences that help to explain the ways their mindsets have developed, some significantly more than others. For example, the crystal shop owner's life-long dream has been to travel to Mecca, although he expresses his fear of change, the unknown, and 
disappointment that will forever keep him from doing so. The juxtaposition of this man and Santiago being in the same place at the same time, one about to embark on the journey he has been called to while the other pushes away the opportunity, perfectly encapsulates how one's state of mind (in relation to fear invoked by the world) is at the forefront of all war. Self-induced limitations, being so easy to develop, become an increasingly harmful and restrictive way to live as time goes on and opportunities pass. Although Santiago recognizes the promise of pain and suffering ahead of him, he accepts this knowing he must prioritize his personal legend above all things. He experiences constant evolution, and ultimate satisfaction-- all due to his strive and boundary-pushing nature.]]> 2020-05-07 18:13:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/558209333 Theme (Personal Connection and Importance) mk02206 https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/558244714 -By reading this book, I have witnessed a very dramatic and unrealistic story unfold, without having any prior knowledge of the deserts, pyramids, magical stones, or obsession with alchemy that is talked about. However, the motivating forces and reality of the influence of spirituality are hard not to pick up on, both within the story and in the world that we live in.
I think that the prominence of money, in all of society, can be seen at the root of conflict and suffering in almost any scenario. I feel drawn to attending art school in New York, because I'm confident I will thrive in this environment and work towards positively changing the world. The major obstacle in chasing this is money, as it will usually be. Even though I don't have nearly enough saved to pay for the cost of attendance, I'm going anyways and will figure it out as I go because this is my "personal legend," so to speak, and I will not let the fear of it not working out be the reason I give up on my journey so early. I see the limitation as a physical object, but in reality, the strongest limitations I face are my lack of confidence and fear that are always in the back of my head.

-The idea of creating, and pushing, your own limitations not only applies to the fictional shepherd boy and myself, but was included by Coelho to influence every reader to have this inner dialogue to learn more about themselves (and, in turn, influence others). Everyone has a unique perspective on religion, community, culture, and identity, which are differences but still commonalities between all people. I believe that he wanted to illustrate this in a simple but standout way, and I also believe that he succeeded in making this an incredible and relatable story. The importance of respect, healthy relationships, trust, and originality are all heavily referenced in this novel. These are some of the most important steps towards universal love and harmony, explained in a way that will not be brushed off as some hippie movement when it reaches more close-minded or resistant individuals. Overall, this novel is complex yet straightforward, accessible but still intriguing to people at any point on the spectrum of spirituality.]]> 2020-05-07 18:28:57 UTC https://padlet.com/mk02206/cr4te9zph1d4/wish/558244714