The Alchemist

A Draft of the Term Paper

Of Destiny, Dreams and Life Journeys

Submitted by:

Raian B. Razal

IV- Narra

I. INTRODUCTION

At a certain point of our lives we may realize: "What is the purpose of our life?" Then, we remember our dreams in our life, our aspirations, and the things we have wanted to be. However, it would be very late to change the course of our lives we have tracked down. We may blame ourselves for not being conscious on what our destinies wanted us to be. According to Undrai Fizer, "When you have discovered your destiny in God, you have just found the compass of life. Your destiny is the purpose or intentions of God for your life." (http://ourworld.cs.com/audio7795/id39.htm?f=fs)

Therefore, an understanding of our destiny is important to improve our stay here on Earth. Those who consider life as useless and senseless are the ones who do not believe in their destinies. They are the apathetic and ignorant ones. For them, destiny seems an illusion and a figment of the imagination. But what they believe is wrong. Destiny is a supreme force that changes the course of life. Destiny leads journeys and is relayed through our dreams. And this is what both books The Alchemist and The Fifth Mountain are trying to prove. Both books share the themes of destiny, dreams and the journey through life.

Background of Study

Writers write and readers read. Although vast information has been shown recently in the Internet, the human race is still devoted to reading. Personally, I always try to read at least five books a month, either old, new or a classic. For me, books relieve me of the stress in school, and problems brought up by assignments, quizzes and tests. Books serve as a recreation. From the various books I have read, two books eventually made me realize the importance of life. The Alchemist and The Fifth Mountain are both books from an international bestseller Paulo Coelho.

Paulo Coelho is a man from Brazil. He was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the year of 1947. He is not only a writer; he is also a songwriter, theater director, actor and journalist. He is a recipient of many awards and his works have been considered bestsellers and is translated in more than 66 languages. (www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/bio.shtml)

Being first published in Brazil in 1988, The Alchemist is a Fable about Following one's Dream. And up to now, the book is still recognized worldwide as a literary gem. The Alchemist probably is the most famous book of Paulo Coelho. It attracts readers to follow and believe in their dreams. The book has also been translated in more than 66 languages. According to statistics, the book has sold more than 40 million copies in more than 150 countries. "Many have compared The Alchemist to Saint-Exupйry's The Little Prince a children's book about another boy, the Prince, who leaves his home in search of greater things, learning valuable lessons about life and love on the way." The plot of the story revolves around Santiago, a young Andalusian Shepherd who is in search for his treasure. He meets various characters on the way that will help him search his treasure, primarily, the alchemist who teaches him the Soul of the World. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alchemist_%28novel%29)

On the other hand, The Fifth Mountain, being published in 1996, is a prose on the subject of Elijah's journey to Akbar, his triumph despite suffering and the various trials. Similar to The Alchemist, The Fifth Mountain shows us the power of listening to our destiny as well as following what our hearts desire in order to achieve a meaningful journey in life. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fifth_Mountain)

The reason I chose both novels to study in this term paper is that personally I consider these novels significant in the literary world. These novels can indeed change the course of life of persons. Personally, these novels touched my heart and opened my hearts in the real world. I would like to share these realizations I have made upon these two novels.

Statement of the Problem

The problem I would like to study is "How do the similarities of themes of the novels The Alchemist andThe Fifth Mountain affect the main characters Santiago and Elijah?" The study analyzes how the characters react to the themes of both novels. The study will be done using an exposition method by a thematic comparison of the novels, then afterwards a familiar-to-unfamiliar study on how the characters dealt with the themes of the novels.

Significance of the Study

The study aims to present the themes in both novels which have significance in our lives. The study may inspire young people to continue their dreams, follow their destiny, take courage and believe in their selves. A realization of the importance of life may also be synthesized by the youth. A famous quotation tells us that life is indeed a journey, not a destination. Upon the realization of the character, we may pattern the way how they confronted those themes and use it in our daily lives. Therefore, we may change the way we live right now in a path that will lead us to a better future.

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

According to the Times, "His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people." (http://www.readinggroups.co.uk/guides/Recommended.aspx?id=34943&ar ticleid=5254)

And indeed, what he has said is entirely true. A lot of proofs were found in the Internet. They believe that the themes of the novels of Paulo Coelho have affected the course of lives of his characters - and much interesting, his readers also. A lot of reviews were made appraising the simplicity of his novels and its significance to the human race. Three significant themes were given importance in both novels - these are destiny, dreams and life journeys. Destiny and dreams are said to be things which control the journey of life.

A review of The Alchemist by Anna Hassapi tells us the importance of searching our own destiny. Our destiny could be reached and analyzed through accomplishing religious missions. These religious missions will eventually bring us satisfaction and utmost realization of our importance here on earth. (http://bookreviews.nabou.com/reviews/thealchemist.html)

This review of Anna Hassapi is the same with the analysis made by Wikipedia.com.