The Alchemist - Part One by https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc Daniel Tong, Leonid Zhang, Andrew Yao en-us 2023-06-05 00:06:02 UTC 2025-11-18 20:24:29 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f58b.png Personification zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615514427 Personification is a literary device that makes abiotic and nonhuman organisms have human characteristics. The commonest example is to let them have human actions and emotions.
Example: the falling leaves are dancing in the sky.
Leaves are nonhuman organisms that cannot dance. However, in this sentence, they were endowed with the feature of humans to show the beauty of leaves falling.
Example in The Alchemist: "The boy felt jealous of the freedom of the wind, and saw that he could have the same freedom." (p.29)
"Freedom" is a thing that humans have, and the wind doesn't have. So, it is personification because the wind has the feature of humans.]]> 2023-06-06 06:31:23 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615514427 Foreshadowing zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615534424 Foreshadowing is a kind of literary device in that the author uses a series of clues and cues to help the readers predict the things that might happen in the following plot.
Example in The Alchemist: "He had had the same dream that night as a week ago, and once again he had awakened before it ended."(p.4)
At the very beginning of this book, it was written that Santiago had a dream twice. This predicts what would happen in the rest of the book. So, it is a foreshadowing. Because as we all know, this dream leads him to find the treasure and the whole book revolved around this theme.]]> 2023-06-06 06:55:25 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615534424 Flashback zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615556522 Flashback is a kind of narrative method that makes the plot from the current back to the past. It usually uses to add an important plot.
Example in The Alchemist: "He was planning, on this visit, to explain to the girl how it was that a simple shepherd knew how to read. That he had attended a seminary until he was sixteen."(p.8)
In this sentence, it is talking about the planning of Santiago, which happens in current. Then, it adds a sentence that happens before (probably a year ago), to explain why Santiago can read as a shepherd. Because it inserts a past event in the current plot, it is a flashback.]]> 2023-06-06 07:18:25 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615556522 Analogy zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615579104 It is a direct comparison between two things. It is usually used when introducing an unfamiliar topic, comparing it to an acquainted thing can make the reader better understand it.
Example: He is as smart as Einstein.
By comparing him to Einstein, we can understand how smart he is. Because Einstein is a renowned and familiar scientist with a high IQ that almost every person knows.
Example in The Alchemist: "They1 worked hard just to have food and water, like the sheep." (p.8, They1 are Santiago's parents)
In this sentence, the writer contrasts Santiago's parents with sheep to show that all they worked for was just to sustain themselves. Because sheep are mentioned in the previous plot all their lives are seeking food.

]]> 2023-06-06 07:40:08 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2615579104 Allusion zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2616761748 The allusion in a literary device means referring to something or events that are well-known by people.
Example in The Alchemist: "They are called Urim and Thummim. The black signifies ‘yes,’ and the white ‘no.’ When you are unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always ask an objective question." (p.31)
In this sentence, the old king gave the Urim and Thummim to Santiago. These two rocks appeared in Bible, which was used to judge if a person is guilty. Since it is from Bible, a book that almost every knows. So, it is an Allusion.]]> 2023-06-07 06:32:05 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2616761748 Personal Legend danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2618705376 The personal legend, in other words, the dream, is the most significant and obvious theme throughout the first part of the book.
The concept of the personal legend is introduced by the conversation between Santiago and Melchizedek. However, much before that, a dream that Santiago had twice already foreshadows it. The dream gives a solid incentive for the protagonist to begin his "hero's journey". Because of the dream, Santiago decides to find the Gypsy woman in Tarifa, moreover, meets the old king. "He had suddenly remembered that, in Tarifa, there was an old woman who interpreted dreams" (11)
According to the sentence from the old king Melchizedek, the personal legend is "what you have always wanted to accomplish" (22) Like some of the other people around the world, Santiago is on his way to realizing and chasing his own personal legend all through the whole story. In the story, the treasure, which is his personal legend, seduces the boy Santiago to leave Andalusia, where he feels comfortable, and begins his journey.
Nevertheless, unlike the boy, there are still many people who give up and even forget their personal legend. For example, the old king mentions a baker in Tarifa. The baker once had a dream of traveling, but now he may be already forgotten it, living a happy life as a bakery owner. As the story goes on, the boy will meet more people who have abandoned their personal legend or are in the wrong way pursuing it.]]> 2023-06-09 00:14:56 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2618705376 Fate & Nature danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2618705442 When Melchizedek meets Santiago for the first time, he says that "at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate" (18) This line basically indicates that all the decisions people make are already written by the God, instead of basing on their free will.
However, Santiago tries several times to avoid being controlled by fate. "'That’s never happened to me,' the boy said. 'They wanted me to be a priest, but I decided to become a shepherd.'" (18) Before he becomes a shepherd, he refuses to become a priest. After he sees the omen of the dream, he decides to pursue his personal legend instead of living the life that he is familiar with. Later on, he chooses to continue finding the treasure rather than going back to Andalusia.
Another key element that plays a big part in the whole story is nature. The definition of nature in the story is complicated. People refer to it as the God, but it is not as simple as a deity that controls everything. It can be understood as a combination of all the spirits on Earth, and this combination is called the soul of the universe, just like what the old king says to the boy, "All things are one" (22)
Another important sentence that Melchizedek speaks to Santiago is that "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" (23) It gives an explanation of the beginner's luck, as well as tells the boy why he needs to follow the omens.
According to the old king, the mysterious force is also something that appears as a part of nature. "It’s a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend" (22)]]> 2023-06-09 00:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2618705442 Spirituality danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2618705564 Spirituality is one of the most important concepts that the author Paulo Coelho wants to introduce in the book. It underlies the plot of the story.
The theme of spirituality is based on the idea of the soul of the world. In this idea, everything around the world is connected, even they are deemed to be distinct and independent. In the giant net that holds everything on Earth, people can listen and understand all the things with the universal language and reading omens.
At the beginning of the story, the coincidence of the boy having the same dream twice is absolutely meaningful, and it is an example of the omens as well as the demonstration of the spirituality in the story.
The omens can also be the symbolization of the protagonist. “Before the boy could reply, a butterfly appeared and fluttered between him and the old man” (30) In that part of the story, the butterfly is a token of the transformation of Santiago.]]> 2023-06-09 00:15:12 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2618705564 danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619667392 The Good Life. “Finding Your Personal Legend.” Medium, 9 May 2017, https://medium.com/@thegoodliife/finding-your-personal-legend-333965abe2b5.]]> 2023-06-10 01:38:06 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619667392 danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619776649 Course Hero. "The Alchemist | Themes | Paulo Coelho" YouTube, YouTube, 16 Aug. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2-M1D4wNP8.]]> 2023-06-10 08:53:45 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619776649 The Call andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619823924 The story started with the boy driving his flock into the abandoned church. At the church, a dream has rewinds. The reason why the dream is so important is that the dream revealed an omen for him. And that omen leads him to his personal legend. On the way to his personal legend, he met the Gypsy and an old man named Melchizedek. He had thought that the Gypsy fortune-teller would interpret his omen dream. At last, the Gypsy told him that if he goes the Pyramid, he will find the hidden treasure. He also met the old man later. The dream itself is a crucial motivation for starting those plots.

]]> 2023-06-10 11:59:20 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619823924 The Refusal andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619824441 There are two things about ‘the refusal’:

The first one is that he needs to sell his sheep flocks in order to get enough money for the journey to Egypt. But he didn’t really want to sell those because he knows that his sheep cannot live without him.

The second one is that he met a girl, the daughter of the merchant. That was his first time considering staying in one place forever instead of being a nomadic shepherd. That shows somehow, he didn’t really want to jump out of his comfort zone-Andalucía.

]]> 2023-06-10 12:01:31 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619824441 The Mentor andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619825024 An old man appeared, claiming he is the king of Salem, and he could help him find the treasure if he promises to give him 1/10 of his flock. The boy started to wonder if this old man is a cheater. The old man told him the boy has found his Personal Legend-the thing that people always wanted to accomplish. The old man also told him that sometimes, people could forget or give up their personal legend. So that the protagonist should read those omens and follow them.

]]> 2023-06-10 12:03:47 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619825024 The Beginning andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619825514 The beginning of his journey started after he realized that he needs to work for years and sell his flocks for his ticket to the Pyramids. Once he sells the sheep that means his hero’s journey begins.

]]> 2023-06-10 12:05:33 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619825514 danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619861445 Modern Intuitionist. “The Alchemist: The Signs are speaking to you” YouTube, YouTube, 4 Nov. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3kA1rjOCgY.]]> 2023-06-10 13:59:43 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619861445 andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619865778 Smith, James Noel. “The Alchemist.” 2002. https://www.jamesnoelsmith.com/alchemist/alchem_02.htm.]]> 2023-06-10 14:10:11 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619865778 andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619866205 “Righteous Melchizedek, King of Salem.” Orthodox Church in America. 22 May 2012. https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2012/05/22/205365-righteous-melchizedek-king-of-salem.]]> 2023-06-10 14:11:23 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619866205 andrewbcyao https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619866867 “The Alchemist.” Daily Times. https://dailytimes.com.pk/785844/book-review-the-alchemist/.]]> 2023-06-10 14:13:24 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2619866867 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620042203 Phys.org. “DNA study rewrites genetic history of sheep.” Phys.org, 30 September 2015, https://phys.org/news/2015-09-rewrites-genetic-history-sheep.html.]]> 2023-06-11 02:50:47 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620042203 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620042334 The Mythologicon. “Urim and Thummim: Pieces of Earth.” The Mythologicon Blogspot, 7 July 2011, https://themythologicon.blogspot.com/2011/07/urim-and-thummim-pieces-of-earth.html?m=1.]]> 2023-06-11 02:51:27 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620042334 zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620099294 OSU School of Writing, Literature and Film. “'What is Foreshadowing?': A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers” YouTube, YouTube, 3 Sep. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc-2Jg6b0Dw.]]> 2023-06-11 07:34:13 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620099294 zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620100262 “Falling Autumn Leaf 5K Wallpaper.” HDQwalls.com. Web. Day Month Year of Access. 18 Oct. 2018,
https://hdqwalls.com/falling-autumn-leaf-5k-wallpaper.]]> 2023-06-11 07:38:02 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620100262 Interior Monologue zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620107592 Interior monologue is a kind of literary device that expresses the inner thoughts of a character.
Example in The Alchemist: "People said that Gypsies spent their lives tricking others. It was also said that they had a pact with the devil, and that they kidnapped children and, taking them away to their mysterious camps, made them their slaves." (p.12)
In this sentence, it illustrates the inner activity of Santiago, which is that Gipsys are evil and they kidnapp children. It revealed the fear of Santiago to Gipsys, so it is Interior Monologue.]]> 2023-06-11 08:10:15 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620107592 zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620108175 Gramer, Gipsy. “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves Part I.” Up For Anything, 2017, https://upforanything.net/gypsies-tramps-and-thieves-part-i/gipsy_gramer-624x832/.]]> 2023-06-11 08:12:48 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620108175 Imagery zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620113033 Imagery describes a scene that the readers probably never seen before to create a picture in their mind.
Example in The Alchemist: "The roof had fallen in long ago, and an enormous sycamore had grown on the spot where the sacristy had once stood." (p.3)
In this sentence, the reader don't know the appearence of the church. So, the writer described it in detail to let the reader imageine the look of the ruined church.]]> 2023-06-11 08:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620113033 zhangxiyan20070819 https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620113175 “Ruins of old church destroyed during Spanish Civil War in Belchite, Saragossa, Spain.” Freepik, 2018, https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/ruins-old-church-destroyed-during-spanish-civil-war-belchite-saragossa-spain_2731350.htm.]]> 2023-06-11 08:30:55 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620113175 danieltongleqi https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620181325 Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. Thorsons, 1995.]]> 2023-06-11 12:18:12 UTC https://padlet.com/danieltongleqi/hpnq493uuehyerpc/wish/2620181325