The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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Description

Translation of "O Alquimista"

Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis

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Summary

When Santiago, a young shepherd boy from the Spanish countryside of Andalusia , has a dream that reveals the location of a hidden treasure buried at the Egyptian Pyramids his simple life is suddenly torn in two. Part of him wants to take the chance to go searching for it and the other part of... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Cast of Characters/Important People

Santiago: Santiago is the main character in “The Alchemist”. He is a young sheperd boy who has a dream about buried treasure in Egypt. Instead of passing it off as “just a dream” Santiago decides to follow his heart and go in search of the treasure. Along the way he begins to grow up and become wise in the ways of the world.
Melchizedek: the old king- The old king comes to Santiago the day after his prophetic dream, and tells him that he has succeeded in discovering his Personal Legend. He assists Santiago in making the decision to go searching for his treasure, and although Santiago does not know it the old king is a god.
The Crystal Merchant: The Crystal Merchant hires Santiago after he is robbed in Africa. Santiago has given up on his treasure and begins to transform the crystal shop. The merchant is a kindly man who is fair to Santiago, and even though he is afraid of change he takes Santiago’s advice about the shop. The money begins pouring in, and the shopkeeper is very grateful to Santiago.
The Englishman: Santiago meets the Englishman on the caravan across the desert. The Englishman has spent many years and many fortunes in pursuit of his own Personal Legend to learn alchemy, and is not on his way to find an alchemist at an oasis in the desert. He and Santiago strike up a friendship on the way.
Fatima: Fatima is a young girl at the oasis. She is very beautiful, and as soon as Santiago sees her he loves her, and never wants to leave the oasis. She loves Santiago as well, and convinces him that he needs to go searching for his treasure, that she will wait for him to come back.
The Alchemist: The Alchemist is a wizard at the oasis who helps Santiago on the second-half of his journey across the desert. He helps teach Santiago about the Soul of the World, and also tells the boy that right before he’s about to discover his treasure he will be tested hardest. He also performs alchemy for Santiago just to show him it’s possible to turn minerals into gold.

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Memorable Quotes

“"its all written"”
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.”
“Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”
“Nuo vėjo keičiasi kopų forma, bet dykuma visuomet išlieka tokia pati.”
“Kai tikrai ko nors trokšti, visas pasaulis slapta padeda tau įgyvendinti tą troškimą.”
“When you want something the whole world conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
“People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want.”

Setting & Important Places

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Organizations

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First Sentence

Alchemikas paima į rankas knygą, kurią jam atnešė kažkas iš karavano.

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Glossary

Language of the Universe: Omens, coincidences and dreams are the means by which the universe seeks to communicate. By remaining open to these omens, Santiago is able to learn more about the world and about himself.
Levanter: The name of the wind that blows off of Africa into Spain. So called because it comes from "the Levant." It is related to the conquest of Spain by the Moors. Santiago thinks that it brings the scent of exotic women and adventure.
Sacristy: Room where the vestments of the church are kept.