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Who Is The Protagonist In The Alchemist

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Many people often credit their success to an influential person like a coach or teacher. In The Alchemist, several individuals help the protagonist, Santiago. The first person that helps him is the crystal merchant. Another person who guides him is the alchemist. Finally, the King of Salem, Melchizedek, helps Santiago achieve his personal legend by helping him understand that the universe conspires to help those who pursue their dreams. With the help of the crystal merchant, the alchemist, and the king of Salem, Santiago shows that a person must take control of his or her life to achieve success. To begin, the crystal merchant is the first to contribute to his personal Legend. When Santiago is robbed in the marketplace in Tangier, he loses …show more content…

Santiago receives guidance, information, and support from the alchemist. The Alchemist becomes an important part of Santiago's journey and guides him on his path to self-discovery. Another way the alchemist helps Santiago is by showing him that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. When the alchemist says “...before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way…master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream” (Coelho 132). The alchemist is suggesting that these tests are designed to help the person learn and grow, so they can become better equipped to achieve their ultimate goal. He is emphasizing the importance of mastering the lessons learned during the journey toward the dream so that when the dream is finally realized, the person is ready and capable of handling the responsibility that comes with it. The alchemist is referring to the idea that when a person is pursuing their dreams, they will encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way. These challenges are tests from the Soul of the World, which is believed to be the spiritual force that governs the universe. This message is a central theme in the novel, as Santiago learns to trust his intuition and follow his heart, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. Ultimately, it is this trust in himself and his own desires that lead him to discover his personal …show more content…

Santiago is assisted in completing his own particular legend by Melchizedek, the King of Salem. Santiago is guided by Melchizedek, who gives him beneficial information and input. His guidance is essential for Santiago, who is struggling to comprehend his soul's true goals and what his own unique legend actually incorporates. The Urim and Thummim, which Melchizedek also provides Santiago as a practical tool to help him on his journey and can be used to interpret the omens. Melchizedek presents Santiago the Urim and Thummim so that he can interpret the messages the universe is sending him, ultimately bringing him closer to his own particular legend. Santiago is able to tap into his inner strength and courage, overcome his doubts and fears, and ultimately fulfill his destiny. Melchizedek not only assists Santiago in finding his treasure but also teaches him a few life lessons along the road. Santiago was discussing the riches with Melchizedek near the beginning of the story. However, Melchizedek stated that he needed to be rewarded for his services, so he requested one-tenth of Santiago's flock, but Santiago refused and asked if he could give him one-tenth of his fortune after it was discovered. Melchizedek goes on to say, "When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it" (Coelho 64). This quote demonstrates the alchemist's belief that the

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