The Alchemist Q&A
- 1
Why does Santiago in The Alchemist mistrust Melchizedek when he first meets him in Tarifa?
TSantiago meets a dream interpreter in Tarifa before meeting the old man at the plaza. The woman reminds him of the gypsy women that he had been scared of as a child, and he becomes suspicious when she doesn't ask for any payment but a tenth of his treasure when he finds it. So when the old man asks for a payment in terms of his sheep, Santiago begins to believe that the old man is perhaps the husband of the gypsy woman. He assumes that they are attempting to swindle him, but the king then reveals to Santiago the names of his parents and many other things that he had never told anyone.
- 2
In The Alchemist, Melchizedek talks about the "principle of favorability." How does this principle relate to Santiago's experience in preparing for his journey?
Melchizedek explains the principle of favorability as something akin to beginner's luck, since getting closer to one's Personal Legend creates a positive force. He tells Santiago that when someone wants something then the whole universe conspires to help them achieve it. In Santiago's preparation for the journey, he is able to secure a buyer for all of his sheep in less than a day, and Santiago is readily able to access a ship to Africa that very day.
- 3
How does Santiago's choice to become a shepherd instead of a priest begin the exploration of the theme of free will versus fate in The Alchemist?
Santiago is on track to become a priest. An occupation that promises a respectable life for him and his family. It also offers a more comfortable means of living than the work of a shepherd. Santiago goes against the desire of his parents, and the general viewpoint of society to pursue a more difficult way of life but one he desires.