Leal to Gold The process of alchemy is “the medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter. It was concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir. And a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.” In the book The Alchemist, Santiago's journey is like alchemy because alchemy is the process of turning lead to gold and this is what Santiago did with his life when he had his personal legend and he transformed his life. Santiago went through many obstacles, like losing his money and battling his way to the end of his journey. Not all of his obstacles were bad. Some good obstacles also helped him go along with his personal legend like meeting Fatima and working for the crystal merchant. “You must not let up, even after coming so far”(111). This quote explains that that Santiago has come so far and shouldn't give up, he needs finish his journey in order form him to fulfil his personal legend. If Santiago had stopped then at that moment and gave up then he would have never fulfilled his personal legend. He would have never transformed his life the way he did on the journey home. …show more content…
Santiago has learned a great deal though his journey and he is not just rewarded by the treasure he is rewarded by the endless knowledge he has taken from the actual journey itself. He has spent a lengthy time in the desert, Santiago now has more knowledge than he knows what to do with because he transformed his life going through these obstacles and not giving