The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

     Many people are stuck in a life that is boring to them, but they do not want to keep trying after they face obstacles. Santiago in Paulo Coelho’s, The Alchemist is not one of these people. He left his homeland of Spain to find a treasure he had dreamt of in the Pyramids of Egypt. In his journey, he gets robbed of all his gold and money three times, but shakes it off and continues. Throughout the story the theme, perseverance results in success, is presented through proverbs & character thoughts.

     Paulo Coelho incorporates deep messages about sticking to your dreams in proverbs. Santiago comes across many challenges, but learns to keep going; “the darkest hour of the night came just before the dawn.” (132). This proverb explains that before good there is bad. The greatest obstacle will be faced before getting to the treasure. When a person follows their heart, they cannot expect to have a struggle free journey. Santiago learns from his experiences that to find his treasure he has to face hardships.

     Coelho intertwines the theme of the story through Santiago’s thoughts. At one point in the story, Santiago was taking a caravan with many people through the desert. As they came across obstacles he thought, “… no matter how many detours and adjustments it made, the caravan moved toward the same compass point. Once obstacles were overcome, it returned to its course, sighting on a star that indicated the location of the oasis.” (75). When Santiago thought this, he was thinking about a caravan that was taking him to Egypt, but the deeper meaning is similar to the proverb; no matter how many obstacles you face, remember your destination and there will be something bright to look forward to.

Santiago and the reader learn that on a journey, there are many stops. Just like when traveling on a public bus or train, there will be stoppages, but if you stay on the bus or train you will get to your destination in the end. Throughout the story Santiago faces many challenges, and even though it might seem like his journey came to an end without him discovering his treasure, he will persevere until he gets there. Paulo Coelho wants readers of “The Alchemist” to understand that perseverance results in success.