What does the cobra symbolize in the Alchemist?
Cobra: The cobra is a symbol of danger and strength, especially male potency. Desert: The desert is symbolic of all the obstacles and hardships that stand between people and their dreams. In The Alchemist, characters learn to accept the desert, even listen to it.
What does Santiago see in the desert?
Summary and Analysis Part 2: Oasis Episode. The next morning, Santiago awakens to see rows of date palms stretching across the entire desert where previously he had seen only stars. The Englishman is relieved to have reached the oasis; he can now find the alchemist.
Why does the alchemist tell the tribesman that Santiago is an alchemist?
Because they don’t believe the Alchemist when he says that he has the Elixir of Life and the Philosopher’s Stone. Why does the Alchemist tell the tribesman that Santiago can turn himself into the wind? Partly to stall for time, and that the Alchemist thinks that Santiago can do it.
What was Santiago’s treasure?
A voice in the wind says God wanted him to see the pyramids’ beauty. Soon Santiago finds a chest of gold coins and jewels. He removes Urim and Thummim and puts them in the chest. He plans to head to Tarifa and give the gypsy one tenth of his treasure, and as the wind blows he feels Fatima’s kiss on his lips.
What does Fatima teach Santiago?
She tells Santiago that as a woman of the desert, she will wait for his return. Her role here is to show us that love should not stand in the way of fulfilling one’s personal legend, that true love is unconditional and supportive in all matters.
What is Santiago’s purpose?
Santiago’s purpose is to travel. As a shepherd, he is a nomad. He goes from place to place, and never settles down. When Santiago was younger, his father told him that only rich people and shepherds were able to travel.
Why does the crystal merchant say Maktub?
Maktub. Many of the characters that Santiago meets during his journey use the word maktub, which as the crystal merchant explains, means “it is written.” The word typically appears just as Santiago is about to turn to a new chapter in his quest, usually by taking a big risk or abandoning a comfortable situation.
What is the moral of the Alchemist?
The constant theme in The Alchemist is to pursue your dreams by following what your heart desires. During the young boy’s journey, he learns to listen to the heart and to follow the language of omens. Each lesson teaches the young boy that he must always follow his heart, as it is the language of God.
How old is the alchemist supposed to be?
200 years old
Why does the crystal merchant feed Santiago?
That day, the crystal merchant sees Santiago looking around his shop. When Santiago finishes, the crystal merchant takes him to a café. He explains that Santiago didn’t need to clean, because the Koran orders him to feed the hungry. Santiago replies that they both needed to cleanse their minds of bad thoughts.
How long does Santiago work for the crystal merchant?
After eleven months and nine days in Tangier, Santiago has earned enough money to buy one hundred and twenty sheep, a return ticket to Andalusia, and a license to import products from Africa. The crystal merchant has made enough to travel to Mecca, one of his own life’s aspirations.
What is the main problem in the Alchemist?
major conflict The major conflict of the book is Santiago’s personal tension between completing his Personal Legend to travel all the way to Egypt to find a treasure at the pyramids and settling along the way for the treasures he has already earned.
Why is it significant to the story that Santiago’s treasure is not buried at the pyramids?
Why is it significant that Santiago’s treasure is buried not at the Pyramids but back in Spain at the abandoned church where his journey began? the significance is that the treasure are quite often right in front of us and we must travel far and wide in order to realize this.