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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Alchemist
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The Crucible
The AP-Kateers, 2008-2009
- Belknap, Laura
- Bueno, Aaron
- Cruickshank, Chelsea
- Del Carmen, Julio Cesar
- Disch, Samantha
- Dunbar, Christina
- Florendo, Anna
- Garcia-Angel, Maria Socorro
- Hua, Hayley
- Idika, Nneka
- Kane, Holly
- Kass, Gina
- Mc Cormick, Maddy
- Mejia Aceituno, Jennifer
- Mikkelsen, Stevie
- Minjoe, Mari
- Ocampo, Vianey
- Pham, Benjamin
- Randazzo, Samantha
- Reyes, Alejandra
- Riveros, Felipe
- Rodriguez-Ruiz, Manuel
- Samano, Nayda
- Shafer, Allison
- Stojanov, Tatiana
- Tiffany, Connor
- Winslow, Myles
- Yuasa, Tomomi
Summer Reading Assignments
The Scarlet Letter
If only Hester had majored in English...
The Alchemist
The Alchemist
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39 comments:
"[...]It's this:that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie. (COELHO 18)"
This is one of the turning points for Santiago. After Melchizedek explains about personal legends and the greatest lie, Santiago decides to sell his sheep and go in search of his own personal legend. This sentiment sets the
tone for much of the book as Santiago goes in search of his own
treasure and serves as a reminder never to become too complacent in his journey and to be alert.
This is my comment in regards to Nneka's entry:
I'm going to have to agree with what Nneka just said. This part was indeed one of the turning points for Santiago, because he decided to leave everything he had to pursue his treasure. He decided to leave the stability and the comfort of being a shepherd so that he could follow his personal legend.
"The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil in the spoon.” (Coelho 32)
In this quote taken from the story that Melchizedek told Santiago, the wise man advised the boy to enjoy the beauty of his environment and to relish the splendor he saw in everyday life. At the same time, the wise man also told the boy to not forget the ‘drops of oil’ in his life, and if he was able to attain these actions, then he will be able to achieve true happiness. Melchizedek knew that the moral of the story could be used by Santiago, because he and the boy were going through the same ordeal. Santiago understood that even though he was going to travel around the world and see all of its majesty, he will never forget where he started from. He will always remember his sheep and his family who made him a much better person. He learned from the story that he will always look back at where he came from, but not dwell upon it too long or else he would not be able to fulfill his Personal Legend.
This is in response to Anna's comment.
I agree that Santiago has to remember what the sheep and his family taught him, but he also has to remember his responsibilities in life. He has to fulfill his Personal Legend, which is the oil, while paying attention to the world. He can't just wander around like a tourist in an art gallery, but he also can't focus purely on his mission like a horse with blinders.
"'This candy merchant isn't making candy so that later he can travel or marry a shopkeeper's daughter. He's doing it because it's what he wants to do,' thought the boy" (Coelho, 45-46).
After reading this, the reader may wonder why the author had chosen to write about the boy instead of the candy merchant. The author chose the boy because selling candy is boring compared to finding treasure. Some people may find the candy fun to read about, but most prefer to eat it while reading about something far more grandiose.
I agree with Holly. The life of a treasure hunter is far more interesting than that of a candy merchant.
Santiago reflecting upon the reasons the merchant makes candy shows that he recognizes that doing something for the sole purpose of doing something else isn't the most attractive way to live.
I hope that made as much sense
as it did in my head.
"People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them. We, their hearts, become fearful just thinking of loved ones who go away forever, or of moments that could have been but weren't, or of treasures that might have been found but were forever hidden in the sands. Because, when these things happen, we suffer terribly. (Coelho 130)
Although I enjoyed this novel for several reasons some being Coelho's unique writing style, his many references to the beliefs of other cultures, and the spiritual messages dripping from the novel's pages, I have to admit I found it hard to completely fall head-over-heels in love with it. I think my reluctance to "bond" with this novel stems from the fact that I am not a deeply spiritual person and although the tales of his travels and encounters with the sun, wind, the Alchemist, etc. were captivating to read, I'm still young and haven't had the chance and certainly wouldn't know how to go about experiencing these types of things. Therefore, it was hard for me, at first, to connect with the novel and its very complex characters.
This quote transformed and helped reel in the story so I could watch it from a closer distance and analyze it. Mostly, because this quote is honest. I believe, or like to believe, that everyone has felt this way at least one time in their life. The honestly found within this quote helped ease my mind and helped me enjoy the novel in its entirety.
Well done, Coelho!
Okay, so im not sure if it will make sense, but here you go...
“If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own” (Coelho, 16).
Through the many travels that Santiago faced, he met many new people and saw many new faces which made his job of being a shepherd very appealing to all of his senses. Before his travels, however, Santiago’s’ job was in the seminary to become a priest. This quote expresses the discouragement he had for being at the seminary, because it caused the many same and boring faces he constantly saw, to plan his life for him. One example of this was his father who persistently kept wanting him to be a priest for the family. Santiago’s uneasiness allowed him to one day tell his father that for a change he was going to do what he wanted, not what others wanted him to do. He kept with his dream of being a shepherd and decided to travel all around and search for his own self while doing so. Through the book, Santiago meets three very important people who ironically help lead Santiago to his Personal Legend, which they, themselves have already found. These three figures go against the depths of the quote, however, help him in his life search and allow him to grow as a character. I feel this quote hurts but also helps Santiago because at first he is a boy who was told what to do with his life, but then once he got on his own life path, he was able to get advice and learn from new people around him.
"At that moment, it seemed to him that time stood still, and the Soul of the World surged within him...he learned the most important part of the language that everyone was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love." (Coehlo 92)
When Santiago first laid eyes on the unveiled girl at the well, he experienced a feeling that was completely new to him. He had been searching to discover the universal language that connects everyone, no matter where they are from. He originally became aware of this incredible knowledge at the candy stall in Africa, when he had helped the vendor set up his stall and conversed with him although they spoke two different languages. That was really just the very tip of the iceberg. He thought he had experienced love before too, when he spent just a short time with the merchant's daughter. But neither of these experiences compared to what he felt as he spoke to Fatima. It was as if all he was searching for was laid out in front of him as plain as day. He had found true love, which he realizes is what the universal language is based upon. He sees that it is possible to find what you yearn for, and he gets renewed hope that he can still discover the treasure in his Personal Legend, what that is he still is not sure. As he feels true love for the first time, he sees that now that he knows it exists, he cannot continue to pursue his dreams without his love by his side or in his heart. He now has someone he wishes to share his treasure with.
"But there were certain of them who took a bit longer to awaken. The boy prodded them, one by one, with his crook, calling each by name. He had always believed that the sheep were able to understand what he said." (Coehlo 6)
At the risk of getting too religious, I think that in this passage Coehlo is making a direct comparison between Santiago and God. God is often likened to a shepard, and we his sheep, whom he call individually and by name to him. Santiago is doing his best to guide his sheep, to urge them towards safety and to poke and prod them when they need it to get back on course, just as the Christian faith tells us that God does for us.
“ ’And this is my interpretation: you must go to the Pyramids in Egypt. I have never heard of them, but, if it was a child who showed them to you, they exist. There you will find a treasure that will make you a rich man.’” (Coelho, 14)
Santiago went to the old Gypsy woman to see if she could interpret his dream of a child transporting him to the Pyramids and trying reveal the location of hidden treasure. The boy’s adventure really takes flight at this point in the story, since the old woman convinced him that the treasure will be at the Pyramids—she does not tell him whether or not the treasure will consist of rubies, ancient gold, diamonds, or emeralds. Perhaps the treasure that will make Santiago, in a sense, a rich man, will be knowledge; an understanding of the world; wisdom that will earn him respect.
In response to Sam Randazzo's comment:
I have agree with Sam in that the book discussed in this blog does have a considerable amount of monotheistic religious references like the Christian God and the Islamic Allah.
Santiago is a shepherd to his sheep, just as God is to all of His creations; although, if we compare God to Santiago, then God would not be a very good shepherd considering the fact that Santiago sells his sheep to pursue his selfish desires of everlasting riches.
...That actually might good Family Guy episode. xD
Ok so this is it. Santiago just leaned about his personal legened and basiclay started a new life to follow it. He did it because he wanted to follow his personal legened. But not thinking to deep is i think he did it because he final got bored and wanted something new. This is a big turning point in the novel. It is him leaving his routine life to do something new.
In response to Sami's entry:
The quote you selected is very honest and can be applied to real life. It seems that some people are so worried about decisions others make, they forget what they love, and who they wish to become.
I think the reason Santiago has such success in his travels is that he is always reminded of what he wants out of life. When he begins to doubt his decision to leave his sheep in order to seek treasure, he has people guide him and remind him of what is important to him. His determination and sureness in himself and his abilities seem to be his greatest attribute.
“Suddenly, one of the hawks made a flashing dive through the sky, attacking the other. As it did so, a sudden, fleeting image came to the boy: an army, with its swords at the ready, riding into the oasis.” (pg. 100)
This was the omen that took place in the desert with the two hawks, warning Santiago about the invading army coming. This is one of the many examples that demonstrate how omens affect the boy’s journey. Also by him telling the tribal chieftains about the omen, it demonstrates his control over fate. While the old king stated that fate would eventually control what happens, Santiago is able to alter the situations. Another example of this is when the boy manages to turn himself into the wind which saved himself, and the alchemist from a situation which seemed to be in fates complete control.
this is a comment to holly:
Yes what you say is true, but I think you also forget to see what else the author is trying to say. The merchant who is selling candy isn't looking for treasure, yet he is happy nonetheless.
The author tries to show that as long as one does what one enjoys, if that is selling candy or going on grandiose adventures, as you put it, one will be happy. Or at least that is what I think.
"The secret to happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and to never forget the drops of oil on the spoon."
I find this to be profound to say the least. In general terms it means that no matter where you go, what you do, what you achieve, if you can appreciate all this, but at the same time not forget the things that are close at heart, you will be happy. Your roots, your people, your home. These things will stay with you forever no matter what. You have to appreciate both equally. Otherwise you can never truly be happy.
This is probably the most important quote I will take away from this book. It really teaches me that no matter what I plan to do with my live, I cannot forget what gave me the tools to apply myself.
This is a response to Sam's entry:
I never really realized or saw Santiago as a form of God, until reading this entry. Now realizing it I see many things in which Santiago is like God. I really liked how he cared for his sheep and treated them all as individuals, much like God and his followers.
One reason for me liking the character of Santiago, was becasue of his kind and caring persona to his animals and people around him.
I didn't really like the book either, Gina. My biggest problem with it was the way it was actually written. It seemed very juvenille, and I think that was because of the translation. Sometimes they should just leave the book in its original language. I hope it sounds more beautiful in Spanish...
P.S. Sorry, I'm not logged in right now, but I think because I'm on G-mail it'll show that it's Myles Winslow.....
I agree with Myles. I wish I could speak Spanish so I could see if it gets any better. It's not that bad of a story line, but all the mentioning of destinies and souls of the universe made it hard to enjoy. But in Coelho's defense, Santiago did find that Fatima was more of a treasure than the gold. But even that message was repeated so often it got annoying.
I enjoyed this book the most out of the three, but there's just a couple of things I didn't particularly like. For one thing, the kid falls in love with a girl just by looking at her. Maybe I just don't understand the whole "language of love" or whatever, but it just seems unrealistic and pretty naive to me. But the main thing that bothered me was what Gina said; his whole Personal Legend was about money. For a book that's so spiritual, I would think that it would be something that was a little less materialistic.
But yeah, I still prefered reading this book over the other ones. Even though it slightly bugged me, atleast it didn't want to make me punch someone in the face.
“He realized that he had been distracted for a few moments, looking at the sword. His heart squeezed, as if his chest had suddenly compressed it. He was afraid to look around, because he knew what he would find.”
(Page 38)
Santiago’s unfortunate encounter with a thief on the first day of his Personal Legend journey refers back to the words of the old king. Earlier, he told a story of a boy who could not balance a teaspoon of oil while simultaneously noticing the marvels of the world. His tale directly relates to Santiago, who took too much time admiring a sword and therefore was not aware that a man took off with his money. His experience demonstrates the power and the knowledge of the king, and it also foreshadows the influence that he will have on Santiago’s journey. He had already given him all the guidance he will need on his trip; he just needs to become accustomed to applying it to his life.
In response to the Gina/Myles/Mari conversation:
I actually have to disagree with you (except on the fact that the language is pretty simple).
The materialism really didn't bother me, because I interpreted it just as sort of a vessel for the book's real message (if that makes any sense...)
This book made me think about just how many people don't follow their heart. In fact, as we are all in sort of a transitional point in our lives - getting ready to go away to college and thinking about careers - it made me really rethink my plans for my own. I'm not sure if I can really believe that "When you really want something, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it," but I would like to believe it. I was also very inspired by the idea of taking action while luck is on our side. Overall, this book made me reflect on the way that I live my life.
Amen, Sister Sam.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting…”
This is by far my favorite sentence in the entire book (yes, the entire thing). It is almost my mantra. Whenever I want to just give up on something when the going gets tough, I think about all the great things that can potentially happen to me in the long life I have ahead of me. For example: as Miss Randazzo knows, I have a very stubborn parental unit who refuses to allow me the right of painting my walls buttercup yellow. This is one of my many dreams, however small it may be. I think of my dilemma as a good thing (sometimes…); if I am continually denied buttercup yellow walls up until the time I graduate, I will soon have my own living quarters with my own boring walls ready for some painting. Another one of my dreams, though I do not know exactly I will accomplish it (occupation-wise) is simply being a successful person in most aspects of life. That’s pretty broad, but I’m going to stick around to see how it turns out.
I agree With Myles.I found the book very inspirational as well as motivational.The books message to keep pushing yourself to suceed and never give , along the lines of Myles following her dreams,all tied together forming one main theme.In addition,I also use the book as a reminder to never give up on my dreams,for example,one of my biggest dreams in life is to become an anchor women on a top newscasting station.I am glad that someone else found the book as inspirational and motivational as i have.
"You must understand that love never keeps a man pursuing his personal legend.If he abandons that pursuit,its because it wasnt true love...the love that speaks the language of the world."
The Alchemist erased the circle in the sand, and the snake slithered away among the rocks.The boy remebered the crystal merchant who had always wanted to go to Mecca, and the Englishman in search of the alchemist.He thought of the woman who had trusted him in the desert.and he looked out over the desert that had brought him the woman he loved.
"Im going with you."Said the boy and he immediately felt peace in his heart."(Coelho pages 120-121)
This quote represents a major turning point for Santiago because he is given two options on how to live the rest of his life.For example,his first option is to live the rest of his life in wealth,be married to Fatima,and he will live happy until guilt overcomes him for not seeking his personal legend.Also,His second option being that he can go ahead and live out his personal legend even though he will not be able to see Fatima for a long time.At first,the first option seems most appeasing to him,but when he realizes that he would have to live with the guilt for the rest of his life,he decides to listen to the alchemist wise words and go with the second option.As i was writting this,i also realized somthing else intresting about the quote.I believe by Santiago choosing the second option , the author was trying to convey a message that good things happen to those who wait.As Santiago goes on the journey to the pyramids to accomplish his personal legend , he understands that he will not be able to see Fatima for some time,but also understands that he will come back to her soon and will live a very happy life.In conclusion,the quote serves as a turnign point in Santiago's life as well as one of the important messages of the book.
“What’s the world’s greatest lie? the boy asked, completely surprised.
It’s this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.” (Coelho, 18)
Not everyone agrees on whether or not fate exists. However, this quote indicates that fate does not exactly have control over our lives. We might have a true destiny, but we do have to put in our own work in order to achieve that destiny. A person can’t just sit back and rely on fate to bring them their dreams and destinies. They much follow their own journey and keep their goals in mind in order to reach the destiny that they want. Fate cannot lead someone to their destiny if that person does not work to get it. In the story, this lesson is important for Santiago to learn because he needs to understand that in order to follow his dream, he can’t rely on fate to bring him there. He must follow the omens and bring his own dream to reality by believing in himself, and having faith that he can succeed.
I agree with Chealsea, the book does imply that one has control over his or her own fait, and that one can not just sit around and wait for destiny and fait to take care of their future, rather you have to go out and do things for your self and take charge of your destiny. the story shows us how Santiago goes in search ofa treasure that is in his destiny, he does not wait for fait to bring it to him, instead, he goes after it.
"It was my fear of failure that first kept me from attempting the Master Work. Now, I'm beginning what I could have started ten years ago. But I'm happy at least that I didn't wait twenty years". (Coelho 98-99)
Sometimes it's our fear that keeps us from doing many things. We might fear failure and we stop ourselves from doing what we have always wanted to do, but there comes a time when we realize that it is not to late to start doing it. As the Englishman said it is never late to start working towards achieving our goals. After all, we learn that life is about failing but learning something new so that next time we do it, we won't fail again.
This is my response to Anna's comment:
I agree with you Anna because Santigo has learned to pay attention to the marvels of the world, but at the same time his was really focused on his goal to find his personal legend.
I have to agree with Sam about the book. While the language is simple it actually did make me think about how I'm going about my life more. It also made me think about how while if you do not take any risks, while it is a safe choice, you will never really get anywhere. Kind of like how the merchant never went to Mecca.
"'I'm like everyone else - I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does.'"
(Coelho 40)
Santiago is talking about how we see something and think we understand what is happening, but we base it upon our desires rather than looking at it objectively. Although the characters in the book constantly talk about omens and such, he is saying that he relies to heavily on those- it is as if the universe revolves around himself. And just by realizing his blindness he takes a step towards enlightenment.
And on the whole simplicity of the text issue, i feel that it could be reflecting the fact that life itself is simple, that the force that governs it is all that matters. Your personal legend is all that matters, and that needs to be made clear for some people.
I'm not a procrastinator. I promise. (My internet has issues...)
I really wanted to say something about the simplicity of the text as well. I know it is probably getting a little boring hearing all about it, but I just wanted to say as well that this is a translation (which I think Myles said, but thats ok...). When things are translated, they get simpler. But also, the author wrote the story it seems like in a really simple way. It seemed important for him to show the readers that sometimes the important things in life and the things you cherish most truly are the simple things. As kayla said, people don't really realize the importance of simplicity, and they just needed a wake up call from all of that complicated "dig deeper" symbolicalness. I thought it was kind of a nice break from all that old English and stuff. but it still definitely got the meaning across to me in a good way.
ok, I know it is totally cliche to use quote from the last page in the book (be thankful I didn't use the last line...) but I thought this one was very interesting.
"The boy took out Urium and Thummim from his bag. he had used the two stones only once, one morning when he was at a marketplace. His life and his path had always provided him with enough omens." -(pg. 166)
I thought this was a very interesting quote, in that it really showed the whole moral of the story. Although the text and story line were simple, it was also a representation of how he had grown as a person. I know this might be a terrible example, but the whole rock situation is a bit like when you are a little kid and you need your parents there to make the decisions for you. but as you get older and find where you belong and what you want to do, you don't necessarily need to go to your parents for directions. they are always there for you, but you know enough now to make some decisions for yourself.
I just thought it was a very interesting idea, the fact that he knew what he wanted and where he was going. It showed a huge difference in his views and personality from the beginning to the end of the book.
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