Hamlet Blog 5

"That, on the view and knowing of these contents, / Without debatement further, more or less, / He should those bearers put to sudden death, / Not shriving time allowed" (5.2. 49-52)

Hamlet intercepted the letter and was able to change the contents of said letter. He rewrote it so that it told the receiver to kill Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. This act exhibits two important qualities of Hamlet: his cleverness and his sanity. Hamlet was aware that Fortinbras would believe that the letter was from Claudius and that any request would thus be carried out without hesitation. Hamlet wanted Rosencrantz and Guildenstern out of the way for their insubordination. His sanity is also exhibited because an insane man would not be able to replicate the seal and the handwriting of a servant successfully. He probably would not have been discreet with the letter, and he probably would have given it away in the letter. The fact that he planned this out so well and followed through with it successfully exemplifies what makes Hamlet such an appealing protagonist.

Hamlet Blog 4

"Imperious Caesar, dead and turned to clay, / Might stop a hole to keep the wind away. / O, that that earth which kept the world in awe / Should patch a wall t' expel the winter’s flaw!" (5.1. 220-223)

Hamlet finds it interesting that even the mighty Caesar has now been reduced to dust. Hamlet uses this and the comparison with Alexander the Great to show how definite death is. No matter who a person is in life, everyone is equal in death. He finds it extremely interesting that death is the end to life, and to the end of advancement. Once a person dies, they are the same as others who have died, no matter their status. This is significant because Hamlet had been pondering what comes after death and this kept him from killing himself. But now he relies that death is the ultimate equalizer. It isn't really the end, it just brings everyone back to the same level.

Hamlet Blog 3

"There’s fennel for you, and columbines. / There’s rue for you, and here’s some for me; we / may call it herb of grace o' Sundays. You must wear / your rue with a difference. There’s a daisy. I would / give you some violets, but they withered all when / my father died. They say he made a good end" (4.5. 204-209).

The delivering of flowers by Ophelia is sarcastic. Normally, giving flowers would be a nice gesture, but in this situation, the flowers symbolize certain things that actually mock the receivers. The fennel that she gives to Gertrude symbolizes deceit. She is alluding to the fact that she is a liar and does what she wishes to get her way. She then gives a rue to Claudius which symbolizes repentance. She is indirectly telling Claudius to apologize for his sins and everything he has done. The violets are a pleasant looking and smelling flower. By saying that they all withered when her father died, is a way to say that there can no longer be happiness now that her father has been betrayed.

Hamlet Blog 3

"To be or not to be--that is the question: / Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer / The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, / Or to take arms against a sea of troubles / And, by opposing, end them" (3.1. 64-68).

This quote is one of the most, if not the most, famous quote of Shakespeare and of all of literature. It has been repeated countless times in movies, literature, tv, and in everyday life. However, when this quote is used, most people have no idea what the quote is referring to. If they did, they most likely wouldn't repeat it. Hamlet is considering suicide when he says, "To be or not to be--that is the question". Hamlet is considering whether or not life is worth living after suffering so much betrayal and heartbreak. He is wondering if it's worth suffering the pain to live within a royal family with great wealth. He believes that he may want to combat all of the wrong that has been done to him, even if he knows that will mean his death. Hamlet is not afraid of dying, which has positive and negative effects. On one hand, he can avenge his father's death with no remorse. On the other hand, not being afraid of death will affect his judgment. Fear inspires great things, so if Hamlet is not afraid of death, he will be destined to make poor decisions.

Hamlet Blog 2

"Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, / With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts— / O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power / So to seduce!—won to his shameful lust / The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen." (1.5. 49-53)

The ghost of King Hamlet tells Hamlet that he was killed by his brother: Claudius the king. This could be seen as suspicious because Hamlet already despises Claudius for taking his father's throne so easily and without mourning. He also does not like the fact that his mother acted in somewhat the same manner. The ghost tells Hamlet that it wasn't his mother's fault that she was not very upset over the death of King Hamlet. It was Claudius who tricked her into loving him. Claudius could have seduced the queen so that she wouldn't suspect anything. The main thing that the ghost brings up, is that Claudius killed him. But because Hamlet already had issues with Claudius and society for overlooking his father once he passed away, this conversation with the ghost who claims to be his father could be suspicious. Hamlet's confirmation bias could easily cause him to hear only what he wants to hear. The information given by the ghost can not be truly believed yet because Hamlet was the only one to hear it, and he has an incredible confirmation bias.

Hamlet Blog 1

"Why should we in our peevish opposition / Take it to heart? Fie, 'tis a fault to heaven, / A fault against the dead, a fault to nature, / To reason most absurd, whose common theme / Is death of fathers, and who still hath cried, / From the first corse till he that died today, / 'This must be so.' We pray you, throw to earth / This unprevailing woe, and think of us / As of a father" (1.2. 104-112)

The King is claiming that Hamlet is committing a crime against heaven, nature, and the dead by mourning the death of his father. It is completely natural to be upset when one's father dies, and his brother, King Claudius, seems to not care that his son is upset. He might as well have told Hamlet to stop crying like a bitch; it would have had the same effect. In this sense, "unprevailing woe" means, "mourning is useless". One would think that if a man, whose father had just passed away, was told to stop being a baby and stop whining about his father's death, that man would most likely be pretty pissed. The King also commands Hamlet to think of him as his new father. This could also anger a man: if he was told to replace his father in his mind with another man. Claudius is trying to force Hamlet to yield to him and follow his orders. These assumptions could depict a "blind" character, who is unaware of another who could bring an end to his rule.

P & P Blog 9

“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever" (307).

Mr. Darcy regards Elizabeth as a headstrong woman who is smarter than to argue about petty things. When he refers to Elizabeth's past feelings, he wants to know if Elizabeth is still indifferent in her feelings towards him. He admits that he is still in love with her and if she were to mention that she feels the same way, he will continue to love her unconditionally. If she told him she did not love him, then he would cease pursuing her. The fact that Elizabeth then responds with "common awkwardness" and "not very fluently", suggests that she is for the first time experiencing feelings for anyone that causes her to become incoherent, which is rare in Elizabeth's character. Her propensity is usually quick to respond and not be indirectly laconic. She is not in this case, and the reader can truly understand Elizabeth's love for Darcy.

P & P Blog 8

After Jane and Mr. Bingley become engaged, Lady Catherine appears at the Bennet's home. Elizabeth immediately has no idea what would call Lady Catherine to her home. She quickly learns that Lady Catherine believes that Darcy has proposed to her. She admits that he hasn't. Lady Catherine claims that Darcy and her daughter are engaged. Elizabeth is no longer intimidated by Lady Catherine if she ever was and actively combats her. She points out that if her daughter and Darcy are engaged, then there should be no reason for her to be concerned that Darcy will propose to Elizabeth. It is clear that even Lady Catherine expects a proposal to Elizabeth from Darcy, even though it would greatly damage her felicity. Lady Catherine's haughty attitude is overshadowed by Elizabeth's confident retorts. The more Lady Catherine hints to Darcy's looming proposal, the more confident Elizabeth becomes. Elizabeth may not wholeheartedly believe that Darcy will propose, but she does not fail to seize the opportunity to put Lady Catherine in her place. Lady Catherine's malice and disdain for Elizabeth becomes prominent when she realizes that Elizabeth could possibly take Darcy away from her daughter.

P & P Blog 7

After receiving a letter from her Aunt, Elizabeth comes to the realization that Mr. Darcy still has feelings for her. He had originally described all that he has overcome to pursue his feelings for her and this becomes prominent once again in this letter. Mr. Darcy takes it upon himself to track down Lydia and Wickham. He also pays the amount necessary for the marriage to take place. He even pushes past his immense disdain for Wickham to pull this off. Mrs. Gardiner hints that the reason he has done these things is because he loves Elizabeth so much. She might be convinced that Darcy still has feelings for her, but she still implicity believes that there is no way that Darcy will ever marry into a family that now includes Wickham. This was most likely Wickham's plan when he decided to marry Lydia, and if Darcy doesn't marry Elizabeth, then his plan would have worked. Darcy is not one to be vexed by another's actions so much that he makes irrational decisions. Darcy's actions allow Elizabeth to see how far he will go for her and her family and that if they were to marry, how much he would take care of her.

P & P Blog 6

Elizabeth's disposition regarding Darcy has almost completely changed. She is realizes that if Darcy were to propose to her again, she would gladly accept. She is also aware that because of the affronting nature of her refusal, there is a very good chance that such a proposal will not arise. She now understood that "he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her" (261). She originally found his manners abrasive and implacable, but she now believes that she was originally mistaken about his personality. She thinks that maybe if they were to marry, her personality would soften him up and he would be come very affable. She is, however, disappointed by that fact that because Lydia is to marry Wickham, there would be no chance that Darcy would want to deal with such a family. She is now confident in her feelings about Darcy, but now she has doubts about Darcy's feelings towards her.

P & P Blog 5

Elizabeth receives a set of letters from Jane that fastidiously describe a terrible truth: Lydia has run off with Wickham. This especially angers Elizabeth because she knows of his shady past with Georgiana. She's also aware that it is imminent that the Bennets' reputation will be completely ruined. She doesn't exactly blame Lydia for this, in fact she blames herself for not exposing Wickham for the scumbag that he is. After telling Darcy, he is also upset with himself for not exposing Wickham. Elizabeth assumes that Lydia is implacable at this moment, and would be difficult to locate and pull out of this predicament. What's interesting about this situation is that she holds Lydia with no responsibility, she is only disappointed in herself for not realizing that Lydia was an easy target for Wickham. She is also having trouble understanding why Wickham would want to marry Lydia, because he should be aware that the marriage would bring him no wealth, and it has been proven that he specifically cares about his wealth and status. Elizabeth believes that doing what she can and stopping the marriage if possible is incumbent and extremely important for her family's posterity to prosper.

Mr. Collins' Proposal Essay

Peter Sanfacon

Mr. George

World Lit Honors

13 February 2011

Mr. Collins, The Loser

            Mr. Collins, the unusual cousin of the Bennet sisters, enters the story with a unique aspiration: to find a wife. He is not searching for a soul mate, but for someone to “complete” his life. Elizabeth Bennet peaks his interest after realizing that Jane is unavailable. Mr. Collins, once he decides that he wishes to marry Elizabeth, brings his proposal to her, but not in the most planned or heart felt way. Mr. Collins’ proposal is absolutely pitiful because it lacks sincerity, love, passion, and honesty; he lacks the principles of a proposal that make it so appealing.

            Mr. Collins’ proposal lacks merit from the start, considering his original reasons for marrying in the first place. According to Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine told him “a clergyman like you must marry” (Austen 92). Mr. Collins, being the buffoon he is, automatically believes that getting married is something he must do simply because someone with a high reputation, such as Lady Catherine, told him to. Most women wouldn’t think it too sincere to propose simply because someone advised it. He also believes that it is important for a clergyman “to set the example of matrimony in his parish” (92). Instead of marrying because it’s his heart’s desire, he wishes to marry because it will raise his reputation. This is a fairly selfish pursuit. Elizabeth is smart enough to recognize that this reason alone would mean that Mr. Collins does not view Elizabeth as a person, but as property. Although that is the custom, Elizabeth is a headstrong woman who wants nothing but a unique relationship filled with love. This is evidence that Elizabeth wasn’t necessarily Mr. Collin’s specific choice for a spouse, thus the lack of sincerity and passion.

            His following statements systematically contradict any sign of sincerity and honesty he may show. He says that the marriage would “add very greatly to my happiness” (92), but directly after that, he says, “perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier” (92) which implies that the latter statement is more important than the former. The latter statement is that Lady Catherine recommended the marriage. According to Mr. Collins, someone else’s opinion is more important than his own when it comes to a decision that should involve love.

            The relentless proposal continues even after being rejected several times by Elizabeth.  She says it is “impossible for me to do otherwise than decline [the proposals]” (93). Elizabeth is bluntly stating that there is no way in hell that she will ever marry Mr. Collins. Again, he makes a foolish mistake, but this time attributes her rejection to a “typical” female flaw: “it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept” (94). There are several insults to Elizabeth in this statement. First, he is putting Elizabeth in the same category as other women, which Elizabeth prides herself in not being a part of. Second, he does not take Elizabeth’s rejection seriously, which to Elizabeth is a big deal because it also means that he doesn’t respect Elizabeth, or women for that matter, enough to warrant trusting her opinion. Third, Mr. Collins automatically thinks that Elizabeth is playing a game with him, again calling into question his respect for women.

            Mr. Collins’ proposal is despicable because it is not truthful and he insults Elizabeth’s intelligence by continuously proposing even after being undisputedly rejected. Mr. Collins is a foolish individual for thinking that he would be successful; this simple fact exemplifies exactly what Elizabeth dislikes about Mr. Collins, and why she believes him to be an unfit husband.

P & P Blog 4

Mr. Darcy unexpectedly proposes to Elizabeth. Of course, she declines. She was already opposed to Darcy's haughty disposition, but after hearing some disturbing news from Colonel Fitzwilliam, she had become increasingly more infuriated with Darcy. Darcy then admits to Elizabeth that he intentionally sabotaged Jane and Bingley's relationship and kept him from marrying Jane. These odious words make Elizabeth wonder why in the world Darcy would think she would accept. Darcy later explains in a letter to Elizabeth that the reason he broke Jane and Bingley up, was because he wanted to save Jane heartbreak. If he were to have waited until the two were married, then the difference in class would surely destroy them both. After Darcy leaves, Elizabeth is shocked that someone of Darcy's class would even propose marriage to her. She knows that her family would be upset that she declined, but she isn't looking for a prudent marriage, she's looking for love and she is completely sure she wouldn't find it with Darcy.

P & P Blog 3

Elizabeth, while visiting Charlotte, is encountered once again by Mr. Darcy. This time, however, Darcy brings a cousin, Fitzwillaim along with him. Elizabeth at first is not too enthused about having to see Darcy, but one night after dinner, they have an interesting argument. Elizabeth uses her conversation with Fitzwilliam to deride Darcy while he is in the room, so it is obvious that Elizabeth is not trying to conceal her feelings from Darcy. In fact, she wants him to know, but she finds it more powerful if she condescends to him through his cousin. Of course, Darcy replies very laconically, and does not really give Elizabeth the benefit of the doubt. The following day, Mr. Darcy wanders off to Elizabeth's room and claims that he did not think her to be alone. However, instead of leaving, he stays and attempts to have a pleasant conversation with her. Elizabeth finds Darcy to be surprisingly amiable. However, their paltry conversation lacks any sort of concrete structure so their interaction suffers from quiet awkwardness several times. Once Darcy finally departs, Charlotte declares that Darcy must be in love with Elizabeth if he decided to specifically spend time with her. Elizabeth is not so easily convinced. Elizabeth is still suffering from a confirmation bias, and she will not allow her opinion of Darcy to change. Elizabeth begins to notice Darcy taking a sudden interest in her. But, Elizabeth find out from Fitzwilliam that Darcy "saved" a friend from an "imprudent marriage". Because of her confirmation bias, Elizabeth automatically believes this is referring to Mr. Bingley and Jane. Elizabeth is now convinced that Darcy intentionally sabotaged her sister's chance for felicity.

P & P Blog 2

Although Elizabeth originally thought Mr. Darcy to be quite implacable, she is starting to realize that he is more than meets the eye. Mr. Darcy is very picky when it comes to choosing a consort. He doesn't like the idea of conforming to society and choosing a wife just for financial or status fulfillment. Elizabeth, after being insulted by Mr. Darcy, wanted nothing to do with him and would speak openly without seeking his approbation. However, now that she is somewhat aware that he is interested in her, she is starting to be a little more open minded regarding her attitude towards Mr. Darcy. She is starting to respect his unique disposition. The fact that Mr. Darcy is looking for something other than what is expected from him is a very endearing quality. But Mr. Darcy's straightforward and honest attitude sometimes leaves Elizabeth befuddled. Elizabeth mentions that the two are similar: "We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room" (Austen 80). Mr. Darcy is quick to disagree with this assertion. He basically says outright, "no". This type of person can be seen in today's society quite often. If someone is speaking ironically and trying to be funny, but the other doesn't have the greatest sense of humor, their reaction will most definitely resemble, "what the hell are you talking about?". If someone so readily shoots down something that is truly believed by another, then the conversation can become tense. The person who was embarrassed by this comment will most likely experience immediate disdain for that person. So even though Elizabeth thought she was starting to understand Mr. Darcy, there is still one thing she must overcome for them to have a more intimate relationship: his abrasive disposition.

P & P Blog 1

It is very clear that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet greatly disagree when it comes to their daughters. Mr. Bennet does not try to conceal the fact that he is sometimes disappointed in his daughters as he calls them "silly". Mrs. Bennet however quickly disagrees and tells her husband that it is okay to make light of other's children, but not his own. But Mr. Bennet basically says that he shouldn't lie about something like that and that he's not really making fun of his daughters, he's just pointing out a flaw. This problem between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet seems to be larger than what is given to the reader. I don't believe that they simply disagree about how their daughters present themselves, I think they have two completely conflicting personalities. One has trouble omitting the truth, the other has no problem disregarding others but glorifies anything that may cause ruin to her if she were to mock it. I find it hard to believe that these two characters could ever meet and find each other appealing enough to get married and then raise five children together. It seems quite plausible that Mr. Bennet would have decided to not omit the truth if Mrs. Bennet had ever asked him the question, "Do I look fat in this dress?". Mrs. Bennet seems too proud of a person to let Mr. Bennet get away with anything, especially being completely honest in inappropriate situations. Mr. Bennet does not think that doing this is rude, but it certainly seems as if Mrs. Bennet can't tolerate it. So I am unsure that two people with these pronounced traits would be able to coexist for so long without killing each other in reality.

The Alchemist Essay

Peter Sanfacon

Mr. George

World Lit Honors

4 January 2011

Prompt: Although Santiago gains spiritual perspective by following his Personal Legend, his original motive was monetary gain. Through the story of The Alchemist, what is Coelho trying to say about the relationship between material wealth and spiritual wealth?

The Quest for Wealth: Material or Spiritual?

            In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, one of the recurrent motifs is Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Wealth. This concept is evident in Santiago’s pursuit of his Personal Legend, which happens to be a treasure. After a recurring dream, Santiago is told to seek out a treasure at the Egyptian Pyramids by a gypsy. He is skeptical until a man named Melchizadek tells him that it is his Personal Legend and that he must pursue his dream to find true happiness. Originally, Santiago believes that what Melchizadek is referring to is that he will find happiness from the wealth he discovers at the pyramids. He eventually finds out that coveting greed does not lead to happiness on its own. What Santiago eventually finds is contentedness once he has overcome obstacles and has reached the place he has dreamed of. Coelho uses this story to derive from it an internal meaning: finding spiritual satisfaction. Coelho delivers to the reader the message that Santiago is not in jubilation because he finds treasure, but because he finds what he is looking for. Through the narrative of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho asserts the idea that what is most important about a journey is not what is wanted, but how badly it is wanted, and whether or not one is willing to do anything to achieve his goal.

            Santiago originally covets traveling, the thought of marrying the daughter of a merchant, and learning more about his treasure. However, Santiago doesn’t truly want any of these things; his heart is not in it. Melchizadek tells Santiago that one’s Personal Legend is his “mission on earth” (22). Santiago then asks, “Even when all you want to do is travel? Or marry the daughter of a textile merchant?” (22) Santiago does not yet believe that he has a higher purpose or an ultimate goal. Melchizadek goes on to say, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” (22). Melchizadek is trying to tell Santiago that when he truly wants something, he will get it. He is never completely committed to traveling or marrying the merchant’s daughter, that it is why he ceases to pursue those dreams. Santiago then meets a boy who is seemingly willing to help him travel to the Pyramids. However, while the boy is inspecting Santiago’s money, a beautiful sword distracts Santiago. He then has a painful realization: “He was afraid to look around, because he knew what he would find. He continued to look at the beautiful sword for a bit longer, until he summoned the courage to turn around” (38). The boy who Santiago thought to be a new friend runs off with all of his money, leaving the possibility of achieving his dream slim to none. If what Melchizadek was saying were true, then Santiago would have succeeded in continuing on his path to the Pyramids. If “all the universe conspires in helping [one] achieve” one’s goal something is desired, then this means that Santiago doesn’t want it enough. His heart is not in it. Thus, he is not yet ready to continue on his journey to achieve his Personal Legend.

            Santiago stops trying to reach his goal because it may yield financial benefits, and instead continues to walk the path he chooses just because of the fact that it is his goal. Santiago is eager to return to Tarifa to see the merchant’s daughter when he thinks to himself, “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting” (Coelho 11). Even Santiago himself believes early on that the simple act of wanting something may improve his life. The very thought of his dream coming true pulls him from his monotonous existence into the realm of possibility. Santiago states that this possibility “makes life interesting”, which also refers to the fact that his life will cease to be stagnant and he will be free to enjoy his life. This is an example of Coelho’s thesis: Santiago is clearly content just by wanting something wholeheartedly. While Santiago is working for the crystal merchant, Santiago talks to him about his dream of going to Mecca. When Santiago asks the merchant why he doesn’t just go to Mecca, the crystal merchant describes to Santiago a very important revelation: “Because it’s the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That’s what helps me face these days that are all the same, these mute crystals on the shelves, and lunch and dinner at that same horrible café. I’m afraid that if my dream is realized, I’ll have no reason to go on living” (55). The crystal merchant doesn’t need to pursue his dream to be happy. He is perfectly content with just wanting to go to Mecca and never actually going. This is another crucial part of Coelho’s message: all that is important about one’s dream is to be content with one’s choices and oneself. Both the crystal merchant and Santiago are different when it comes to their pursuit of their respective Personal Legends, which is apparent when the crystal merchant says, “you dream about your sheep and the Pyramids, but you’re different from me, because you want to realize your dreams. I just want to dream about Mecca” (55). Through this statement, the crystal merchant teaches Santiago that it is perfectly fine not to pursue one’s dreams, as longs that person is content with the decision.

            By contrasting the concepts of material wealth and spiritual wealth, Coelho brings to light what is truly important about a person’s journey: to develop a stronger confidence in one’s abilities and to truly want something with one’s heart. After reaching a village, the alchemist tells the chief that Santiago can turn into the wind in three days. The chief vows to kill them both if Santiago is unsuccessful. On that third day, judgment day, something unbelievable occurs: “When the simum ceased to blow, everyone looked to the place where the boy had been. But he was no longer there; he was standing next to a sand-covered sentinel on the far side of the camp” (153). The alchemist is trying to teach Santiago to wholeheartedly believe in his dream and himself. This lesson also harkens back to what Melchizadek said: “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it” (22). If Santiago does not truly want to turn into the wind, then he will not; he will fail. What would await him would be death at the hands of the chief. However, this is not the case. He was successful in turning into the wind. This is because he believes he has to, to realize his Personal Legend. That makes him completely committed to the task at hand. The alchemist is left smiling “because he had found his perfect disciple” (153). He finds a person who undoubtedly believes in himself. This is most likely the alchemist’s Personal Legend: to help Santiago realize his own Personal Legend. This is why the alchemist was never afraid that Santiago would fail and then be killed by the chief. The whole world conspires to help the alchemist succeed in his pursuit of his Personal Legend, which happens to be Santiago’s success in pursuit of his own. So the alchemist knew that there was no way that Santiago wouldn’t turn into the wind, because he would be killed, thus failing his Personal Legend. If Santiago fails, then the alchemist fails; the alchemist cannot fail because he wholeheartedly believes that he can succeed in his Personal Legend.

            Coelho’s theory that everyone must be determined to be successful is discernible from the journeys of Santiago and the alchemist. Material wealth is gained through desire, but spiritual wealth is gained through undeniable yearning to succeed. Both the alchemist and Santiago benefit from spiritual wealth by the end of The Alchemist. This narrative is about staying true to one’s heart; both the alchemist and Santiago succeed in this endeavor.

The Alchemist Blog 4

"Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart" (159).

When someone is on a quest for something, their heart may or not be in it. If it is, and one succeeds, then the heart will be satisfied because the person knows that they tried their hardest to accomplish their goal. If they don't try, and they fail, they know exactly why they failed: they didn't try. When students get bad grades, there is never confusion. There may be frustration and disappointment, but there should never be confusion. If I get a bad grade on a test, I know exactly why I got that bad grade. Either I didn't study enough, or I never learned the material well enough, or I just didn't try. When someone tries their hardest and they fail, that is the ultimate disappointment, but in some way, they are satisfied because they gave it their all. So no matter what the "treasure" may be for Santiago, he will be satisfied because he saw his Personal Legend through to the end.