Rabbit Proof Fence And The Alchemist

Journeys, whether forced or chosen, can enhance new opportunities, perspectives, experiences and insights for a traveller. However, for these to occur, the traveller must overcome difficult obstacles to develop their sense of self and identity, as well as increasing their self-knowledge and understanding of themselves and the world around them. Phillip Noyce’s 2002 film, Rabbit Proof Fence and Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist, both illustrate that journeys teach us about ourselves and the world through the difficulties of physical and emotional journeys.

Phillip Noyce’s film, Rabbit proof fence, explores two physical journeys in which the girls undertake. The first journey is the journey of separation where the three Aboriginal girls:

The recurring motif of different omens are used throughout The Alchemist as a guidance and pathway for Santiago to find his treasure. Particularly the first omen is a butterfly. The quote, 'Before the boy could reply, a butterfly appeared and fluttered between him and the old man' shows how the first omen appeared right in front of Santiago when he was deciding whether he should pursue his personal legend. The arrival of the butterfly represents change and freedom which causes Santiago to finally decide to follow his personal legend. This is the beginning of Santiago's journey to find his personal legend which demonstrates how Santiago's spiritual growth is developing. Symbolism is also used throughout the alchemist, particularly with the stones Urim and Thummim. These stones are very symbolic as they are a reminder that one can still ask for help every once in a while. This means that Santiago does not always have to be independent and make decisions by

This is also evident in Rabbit Proof fence when Molly has to leave her childhood behind and mature to progress in her journey.

It is through overcoming the obstacles that are left behind that develops your sense of self and identity and self knowledge of the world. Santiago's sheep are symbolic as they represent the people who have failed to achieve their personal legends. When Santiago says that he is 'between his flock and his treasure', it means that he is stuck in between and finds it difficult to choose whether he should continue to find his personal legend or give up. Although Santiago loves his sheep and is devoted to them, they hold him down and stop him from fulfilling his true potential of achieving his personal legend. Sheep are obstacles in Santiago's emotional journey because he has to detach himself from something that has always been there for him. Through this emotional journey, Santiago learns that you have to sacrifice things in the past to gain more satisfaction in the future, which shows that journeys teach us about ourselves and the world. Personification is also utilised in The Alchemist and is shown in the quote, '...and that a certain shrub was a sign there was water in the area. The sheep had taught him that'. Sheep cannot teach anything, however through the gestures and actions of the sheep, Santiago has learnt that he can look