Symbolism In The Alchemist

What is one’s goal in life? It can be specific or vague, personal or professional, realistic or unreachable. In Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist, the goal of Santiago, the main character, is to find his Personal Legend, for which he experiences a long and arduous journey, traversing through the scorching desert. Throughout this journey, he meets many individuals who help him progress through it. In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho shows that the ability to transform and recreate oneself, allows an individual to achieve their goals in order to live a complete life, as he demonstrates through: 1. the settings of challenges Santiago faces and his entire journey, 2. the conflicts of Santiago vs. himself and Santiago vs. fate, and 3. the symbolism

The author uses symbolism in this novel to effectively show that the transformation of one’s personality helps them reach their goal through the symbolism of the sycamore tree and Santiago’s entire arduous journey. The following quote depicts the moment Santiago arrives back at the sycamore tree under which he sleeps 2 years ago: “The sycamore was still there in the sacristy, and the stars could still be seen through the half-destroyed roof. He remembered the time he had been there with his sheep; it had been a peaceful night…” (Coelho 165). Santiago knows that his journey is ending the moment he sees the sycamore tree because he knows that the treasure for which he has been searching is buried under it. The novel starts with Santiago having a recurrent dream under the sycamore tree, and it ends with Santiago arriving back at the same sycamore tree to his reward; the sycamore tree marks the start of his journey and the end of his journey when he finds the treasure and has changed into a different person. Therefore, the sycamore tree symbolises Santiago’s change throughout the novel, showing that one’s ability to change and recreate themself is crucial to completing their goals. The next quote is spoken by the alchemist to Santiago while they cross the desert: “‘There is only one way to learn,’ the alchemist answered. ‘It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey,’” (Coelho 125). The alchemist tells Santiago that through his journey, he acquires knowledge and gains valuable experience, as well as wisdom. The experience Santiago gains through his development and transformation during the journey is his genuine reward, aside from the treasure. His journey effectively symbolises this reward of experience, knowledge, and self-change, demonstrating again that transforming and recreating the personality of oneself leads them to