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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Study Guide Language and Literature Mrs. Koplik Pre-Study Discussion, Reflection and Writing Activities: 1.Coelho states that “simple things are the most valuable and only wise people appreciate them.” Produce a written or artistic response (or bring something to class) which depicts something that is “simple” yet valuable to you. Be prepared to explain specifically why/ how the item is valuable. 2.The alchemist (in the form of Melchizedek) says to Santiago, “When you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true.” Write or create a response which captures a time in your own life when you had a wish, and you felt that the whole universe conspired for OR against you. What happened to make you feel that way? Did your wish come true? 3.Santiago is guided by his dreams and by omens which appear to him throughout his journey. Write about a noteworthy dream you have had, or about an omen which guided you somehow during the course of your life. How did you interpret the dream or omen, and how did it influence your life? 4.The old man states that the “world’s greatest lie….is that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate.” Do you, like the old man, believe this is a lie, and that we are always in control of our destinies? Why/ why not? Why do you think people believe the “World’s greatest lie”? Or…..Write about/explore artistically a time in your life when you felt as though you had “lost control,” and your fate was being determined by other forces. Why did you feel that way? Did you regain control? 5. Santiago is told that “people are afraid to pursue their most important dreams because they feel they don’t deserve them, or that they’ll be unable to achieve them.” Create a written or artistic response to the following: Do you have a goal or dream which intimidates you? Why do you feel unworthy or fearful of it? What practical steps might you take to make the goal more accessible or easier to accomplish? On the other hand, are there some dreams which we are correct to fear? Do you believe some dreams should simply remain as dreams? Why/why not? Geographical Locations in the Novel: Andalusia Al-Fayoum (oasis in Egypt) Tarifa El Cairum (p.76) Salem (Jeru”salem”) Nile Tangier (p. 44) Coptic Monastery Ceuta (p. 44) Moors (p.27) Mecca (p. 54) Sahara Desert (36) Regional, Cultural or Spiritual Allusions and Terms: Narcissus (Prologue) Esperanto (p.66) King Melchizedek (Genesis14, “King Most High”) Helvetius, Elias, Fulcanelli, Geber (p.82) Koran (p. 54) Scarab (p.161) Muslim Simum (p.148 Mecca Coptic (153,154) Allah (p. 71, 97) Tiberius (p.158) Levanter (p.27) hookah (p. 114) “Maktub” (p. 59) The Alchemist’s Terms/Expressions: The Soul of the World Philosopher’s Stone ((p.66) The Unspoken Language Elixir of Life (p. 66) The Language of the World Master Work (p.81) Personal Legend Emerald Tablet (p. 126) Principle of Favorability (p. 29) Urim and Thummin (p. 30) Vocabulary: scabbard (37) treasonous (129) conspire elixir (133) scimitar (112) contemplate (134) brandish (112) fixedly (136) dialect (106) flourish (145) prognostication (111) sirocco (146) monotony (124) tether (151) tracts (126) recount (153) agitated (128) disciple (153) centurion (158) avidly (159) scarab (161) sacristy (163) alchemy infidel (34) Preliminary Notes About the Novel: The Alchemist is written in a fable format.
Approximate Word count = 2243
Approximate Pages = 9
(250 words per page double spaced)
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