“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelo is an extremely popular story that was published in 1988. This book includes philosophical and spiritual themes throughout the story. Santiago is a young shepherd who has a recurring dream about a treasure that is located at the base of the Egyptian pyramids. The shepherd decides to sell his flock of sheep and start his journey to the pyramids. Santiago goes to Melchizedek, King of Salem, to figure out what his personal legend is. During his journey he encountered many obstacles along the way, like being robbed and taken by a warren tribe. Once he makes it to the pyramids, he realizes that the treasure is not buried there and it is buried at home under a tree. He realizes that this journey was meant to happen to reveal his personal legend. Santiago’s journey in “The Alchemist” is significant because it shows the importance of pursuing a personal legend and the inclusion of the spiritual themes, Greek myth, the Narcissus, and many symbols. In this story, Santiago takes a huge journey to the Egyptian Pyramids to find the treasure that was recurring in his dreams. During this journey, Santiago discovers himself and what he is …show more content…
The Soul of the World is the spiritual theme of everything in the world that is pursued by the Soul of God. It makes all living and nonliving things in the world. In the book it says “Listen to your heart”. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day” (Coelho 132). The meaning of this quote from the book is that it is telling Santiago to listen to his heart because the Soul of the World decided his quest. Santiago also discovers that the Soul of God is also his very own soul. He realized that he could make his very own miracles, just like the Soul of God. The Soul of the World showed Santiago that he has a true destiny like everyone