Fate In The Alchemist

Roman Emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, long ago articulated, “Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart”(Aurelius VI, 39) . Many believe that events experienced throughout life are inevitable due to predestiny. In other words, the universal principle or “fate” does not allow the eluding of chance. The tenacious theme of fate is prominent in the novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. It narrates the journey of a boy’s travel through the Egyptian desert to fulfill his recurring dream of discovering treasure in the Great pyramids. Throughout, the thoughts of others echo through the mind of Santiago, the main character whose journey is being told through

While working for the crystal merchant he makes changes to the shop to gain more business and earn money faster. Once he has earned enough money to buy a new flock of sheep he decides to leave however the crystal merchant asserts; “You brought a new feeling into my crystal shop. But you know that I’m not going to Mecca. Just as you know you’re not going to but your sheep” (76). The crystal merchant’s strong statement resonates with Santiago, and he understands that it is his best interest to not miss out on achieving his dream of going to the pyramids, much like the crystal merchant missed his dream of going to Mecca. Once trekking through the desert Santiago end up in the company of an Englishman, who is in search of the Alchemist. The englishman acquainted himself with Santiago during their ride through the desert by caravan. While in each others presence both Santiago and the englishman shared their dreams with one another. The englishman aftering hearing of Santiago’s dream of going to the pyramids explains, “all things are the manifestation of one thing only” (97). By saying this he means that the manifestation of Santiago’s literal dream is due to fate. This causes Santiago to dig deeper into the meaning of his literal dream and seek out the Alchemist, a person who can turn lead into gold and heal illnesses, as well. Once in association with the Alchemist, Santiago seeks guidance on how he will be able to fulfill his Personal Legend, with fear that he will suffer greatly travelling the rest of the Sahara desert. The Alchemist instructs him: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s with God and with eternity” (152). Santiago is comforted by these words and feels as though he can achieve his