For most people, the purpose of having dreams is for them to have something to look forward to beyond what is before them
now. Oftentimes, dreams act as sustenance in lieu of the actual victuals; the centripetal forces, if you will, to many who are currently in despair. Without dreams, it is like you being a novice adventure-seeker bivouacked in the midst of a violent storm where you have neither the prop nor the inspiration to survive. The Alchemist is all about dreams and their literal and figurative interpretations.
Masterfully woven by Brazilian novelist and lyricist Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist is described as ‘a symbolic story that urges its readers to follow their dreams’; and this novel is, indeed, all about following one’s dreams. It chronicles the life of Santiago, an Andalusian boy who dreams of
treasures buried under the great
pyramids of Egypt and then literally follows that dream; giving up everything that is proverbial to him.
The story is riddled with symbols, omens, and obstacles in following one’s ‘Personal Myth’. Think about the adventures of Indiana Jones; however, instead of impressively comedic and devil-may-care stunts this story relates the tragic consequences of wars and youthful fancies, the incarceration of dreams, and the absolute exultation of the human spirit. To The Alchemist’s followers, this novel is both a biography and a bible because from its personae they see their own trials and triumphs; from its passages they glean wisdom and enlightenment.
It also drives home the point that your inherent and most crippling enemy is yourself. You fear for yourself, by yourself, and within yourself. One of the novel’s characters, the crystal merchant, poignantly relates: “I am afraid that great disappointment awaits me, so I prefer to dream.” But later on, through its vibrant pages, the novel assuages that fear; that “when you really want something to happen,” as the character of king wisely imparts, “the whole universe conspires so that your wish come true.”
At the end of the story, Santiago goes back to the church ruins where he has had his dream about the treasure; and finally finds the treasure right there at the base of the sycamore tree. But his perilous travel to distant lands is never futile. For in that journey he encounters remarkable individuals and is able to immerse himself into distinctive ethos that has made him a wise young man. Also, it is through it that he finally finds true love.
The novel’s significance is crystal clear: Treasures are not only those tangible things that give you fortune and fame; there could also be treasures that are invisible to the eye, but are no less than precious. They are not necessarily buried; all you have to do is to open your eyes a little wider. Knowledge, faith, experience, and love are prime examples of this. And it’s possible to stumble on these treasures even in the most trying of times; to find a kernel of gem even on roughest obstacles.
When you fail on your endeavor, you learn how to try harder the next time. When somebody caused you pain, you learn to be cautious. When you tread on people’s toes when you aim towards your goal, you learn to be more circumspect on your succeeding steps. Criticisms you take in stride; disappointments you acknowledge with a shrug then you carry on. This is how many readers empathize with Santiago, and anybody who has dreams and wishes can relate to this story. A must-read for dreamers as this novel’s message is universal and timeless; a goldmine of memorable characters and inspiring passages.