The Alchemist Critical Analysis

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Delaney McMillen 3/15/11 Zuhl Critical Analysis 1. Title: The Alchemist 2. Author: Paulo Coelho 3. First Publication Date: 1988 4. Genre: Adventure Fiction 5. Santiago- Santiago, the main character, is a young shepherd. He is kind and caring. The reader knows this because he provides for his sheep at the beginning of the book and thinks they are part of his soul. Over time he sells his sheep and finds Fatima who he loves even more. Right from the start the reader also notices his desperate need for adventure and change. His desire for adventure develops Santiago as a character. Through his journey Santiago learns about life. As a character he is relatable and easy for the reader to care for. The Crystal Merchant- The Crystal Merchant helps Santiago realize he must continue with his dream to find his treasure. This is why the Crystal Merchant is such a crucial character. Being an older man he is accustom to his routine and does not welcome change. He shows his fear by expressing he does not want to go to Mecca and achieve his life dream He demonstrates this by refusing the alterations to his store which Santiago suggested. As time progresses the merchants accepts the changes to his store, however the reader never finds out if makes it to Mecca. Santiago- Traveler, The alchemist- Wiseman, Crystal Merchant- dreamer, the Englishman-the student, Melchizedek- Leader, Fatima- patient. 6. Paulo Coelho reveals each of his characters when they meet Santiago. The author briefly introduces the reader to the thought processes of some of the characters such as the Englishman. The characters, which are viewed as they interact with Santiago, do provide a crucial part of the story because the author uses them to develop Santiago, particularly the alchemist. 7. There are many settings in The Alchemist the most important being the

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