Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
By: Raevon

1. How does the story of Narcuissus relate to the extensive message of the Alchemist?

2.What attitude does the alchemist take toward romantic love? why does the alchemist feel this way about it?

3. What is the function of magic in the alchemist and what does the ability to practice magic symbolize? explain why its important.

4. In Santiago's journey what "role" do the weakness of nature such as wind and the sun play?

5. While Santiago stays in Tangier, what does he teach the crystal merchant and what does the crystal merchant teach Santiago? why is this so significant? 

Discussion Questions
By: Aliya

1. How do omens affect the way people make their decisions during this time and how do they play a part in Santiago's journey?

2. What was Santiago's perspective on how his sheep led their life and how did it compared to him?

3. Why does Santiago's past with his dad and grandfather affect his way of thinking?

4. Santiago is informed of his dream which described his Personal Legend and how he can achieve this dream. What type of message did Santiago receive from both the Gypsy and Melchizedek and whose was thought to be more effective?

5. Describe how Santiago is able to find the positive side to things during his journey in several occasions.

Discussion Questions
By: Moira Gesland
1. What weaknesses does Santiago see in his flock of sheep? How would you compare those weaknesses to those who fail to achieve their personal legend?
2. What is the alchemist's opinion on material wealth? Why do you think he feels this way about it?
3. How would you compare Santiago's spiritual journey to the alchemist's practice of turning metal into gold? How are they similar/different?
4. Do you think one can live a fulfilling life without achieving their personal legend?

5. Why do you think the Alchemist was divided into two parts? Was there a significance behind the division?

Discussion questions
By: Nicole Massad
1. How do the personalities of the English man and Santiago differ from eachother? Do you think your personality matches more with santiago or the englishman? Explain why.
2.What did the Camel driver tell Santiago about life and how to live it happily? Do you agree or disagree with his statement? Explain. 
3. Name one positive and one negative thing that have interfered with Santiago's journey. How do you think they will affect the story?
4. How does Santiago view omens? Name 3 omens seen in the story.
5. In your own words, explain what a "Personal Legend" is. 



3 comments:

  1. by: nicole massad
    1. How do omens affect the way people make their decisions during this time and how do they play a part in Santiago's journey?

    Omens affect the way people make their decisions during this time because they believe there is an important meaning behind them whether it is negative or positive. The omens play a part in Santiago's journey because they appear quite often along his journey. He believes there is something significant and looks at it as almost a fortune teller. For us, it foreshaodws the outcomes during his voyage. He takes the omens seriously and allows them to help him with his quest.

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  2. By: Aliya Najarali

    4. In Santiago's journey what "role" do the weakness of nature such as wind and the sun play?

    The forces of nature in the novel allow one to realize the true power it has when it affects a person's way of thinking. In Santiago's journey the sun's role is to correctly guide Santiago in the right direction to where he needs to go. He is able to calculate the time of day it is and if he is headed in the right direction by looking at the sun. The sun therefore, is a helpful source of nature when Santiago travels to various places. Santiago used the wind to prove to the chief that he was an alchemist and could turn himself into wind itself. The sun, wind, and the heaven, were some of the parts of nature that communicated with Santiago to achieve this. It is evident that the forces of nature in this novel played a role in Santiago's journey.

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  3. Personal legend in Alchemist is suggesting that one should whole heartedly follow their quest of the dream. Personal legend is something that realtes to one own destination and desires to achieve in this life.

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