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.

The Alchemist Blog 3

Fatima is a girl that Santiago meets at a well at the Oasis. Originally, she seems uninterested. She somewhat dismisses everything that Santiago says. It seems like she doesn't want to be rude to Santiago. Santiago tells Fatima that he loves her, and she doesn't seem too excited, but she is startled by the news because she drops the water jug. Santiago tells her that the war is a blessing in disguise because he has met Fatima. She automatically looks for a reason to convince him otherwise. She says that "the war is going to end someday", as if the only reason he loves her is because of the war.

The Alchemist Blog 2

"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. I've already imagined a thousand times crossing the desert, arriving at the Plaza of the Sacred Stone, the seven times I walk around it before allowing myself to touch it. I've already imagined the people who would be at my side, and those in front me, and the conversations and prayers we would share. But I'm afraid that it would all be a disappointment, so I prefer just to dream about it" (Coelho 55).

The crystal store owner tells Santiago that he doesn't really want to pursue his dreams, but that he is perfectly happy just dreaming about them. This illustrates the point that not everyone's life goals are the same. Whatever makes a person happy should be what they decide to do. If Santiago feels like something in his life is missing and that searching for the treasure is his only way to improve his life, then he should go for it. Melchizedek had said, "never stop dreaming" (62). He never said that people must follow their dreams. Just because "life wants you to achieve your Personal Legend" (52), that doesn't mean that one must achieve one's Personal Legend to be happy.

The Alchemist Blog 1

"It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie" (Coelho 18).

The old man is telling Santiago that no matter what may happen to him in life, he will always be able to make his own choices. I believe this to hold true in my life as well. I strongly disagree with the idea that everyone has a destiny. It's partially because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my own life. Coincidence should never be confused with providence. Although, many people who believe in God believe that their lives are controlled by Him specifically. However, because I'm an atheist, it doesn't make sense for me to believe in this ideal. I can't grasp a concept of a higher being controlling my life when I don't believe in a higher being altogether. This quote may not be related to God or faith in general, but it may be a warning to make sure that one's dreams are followed instead of not being followed because it's believed that one is not in control of his or her life.

Othello Essay: Iago Greatest Villain

Peter Sanfacon

Mr. George

World Lit Honors

2 December 2010

Iago: Evil Personified

            William Shakespeare has always been known for creating notable characters, who through sheer will and perseverance greatly affect the structure of their respective story worlds; Iago is no exception. He is widely considered to be one of the most prolific villains in all of Shakespeare. This is no mistake. Not only is Iago one of the greatest villains of Shakespeare, he is also one of the most clever. If Iago had used his incredible abilities for good, he would most likely be considered one of the greatest heroes in all of Shakespeare, instead of the greatest villain. However, this is not the path he choses. Iago’s motives are vague throughout the play and seem to change frequently, but his demeanor and goals never alter. This brings about a very important question: is Iago considered the greatest villain solely because of what he did to the characters of Othello, or because he is pure evil and continues to exact revenge just for the pleasure? However, this is not the only thing that makes him villainous. Iago is considered to be one of the greatest Shakespearean villains because he uses his incredible logic to deceive many characters in the play, his goals never change no matter how many times his motives might, and he does not stop until everyone in his way has been eliminated.

            Without a doubt, Iago possesses a gift: the ability to instantly assess any situation he is in and then adapt to the situation to twist it in his favor, thus being able to deceive anyone without much trouble. This skill is first revealed in his first soliloquy: “After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear / That he is too familiar with his wife. / He hath a person and a smooth dispose / To be suspected, framed to make women false. / The Moor is of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, / And will as tenderly be led by th' nose / As asses are” (1.3. 338-445). Iago hadn’t already thoroughly organized his revenge at this point. He was only beginning to plot. He exhibits masterful thinking by devising a plan to destroy Othello on the spot. His goal quickly becomes to bring Cassio’s affection towards Desdemona to light. The realization that Cassio is a perfect target of Othello’s jealousy only furthers Iago’s enthusiasm. He understands that Cassio is a well-spoken and handsome gentleman, and it would seem completely natural that Desdemona would fall for him. Then Iago makes a crucial discovery: Othello’s weakness. Othello is straightforward and never thinks twice about what he believes. Iago thinks that because Othello trusts men that seem honest without question, he can easily befriend him with his ability to deceive. After Iago has spoken to Othello about Cassio and Desdemona, he has another revelation and delivers yet another soliloquy: “will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin / And let him find it. Trifles light as air / Are to the jealous confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ. This may do something. / The Moor already changes with my poison. / Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons / Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, / But with a little act upon the blood / Burn like the mines of sulfur” (3.3. 369-377). His objective here is to cause Cassio to believe that Desdemona has feelings for him. When more than one person is deceived, the truth is much harder to find. Othello wouldn’t be able to detect a lie because Cassio was well convinced as well; the one person Othello believes could reveal the truth doesn’t even know the truth himself. Iago knew that if Othello hadn’t already been jealous, the handkerchief would not have been a successful endeavor. However, Iago points out here that the smallest thing to a jealous man can blow up in his face, leaving him scarred with hatred.

            Iago is pure evil because once he loses his main motive for revenge he continues the path of destruction anyway. He begins the play jealous of Cassio because Othello promoted Cassio to Lieutenant instead of him. Iago then goes about getting Cassio drunk so that he will be seen as unfit as a Lieutenant (2.3. 40-43). Once Othello had demoted him, Iago’s quest for revenge should have stopped there. Instead, Iago decides to ruin Othello. He also goes about ruining Desdemona and Cassio even further. Iago seems to be having too much fun with himself to stop at this point. He leads Othello on and convinces him that his wife is cheating on him (4.1. 190-196). This ruins Desdemona’s reputation to Othello as being pure and faithful. Desdemona will eventually be ruined beyond repair when a jealous Othello finally murders her. Iago apparently didn’t have enough with Cassio once he had gotten him demoted. Iago brings Cassio aside within earshot of a hidden Othello as he gets him to “admit” to sleeping with Desdemona. He is actually talking about Bianca when he says, “I marry her! What? A customer? Prithee bear / some charity to my wit. Do not think it so unwhole- / some. Ha, ha, ha!” (4.1. 138-140). He calls Bianca a whore, but Othello believes that he is talking about Desdemona. So not only does Othello believe that Cassio has slept with Desdemona, he also thinks that Cassio doesn’t even respect her so he would turn around and cheat on her as well. He then vows to kill Cassio.

            Iago plans to eliminate all opposition. Othello approaches Iago and says, “How shall I murder him, / Iago?” (4.1. 188-189). Othello is willing to get rid of Cassio for Iago. Othello also plots to kill Desdemona. Othello gives the task of murdering Cassio to Iago who then gives the task to his loyal and naïve friend Roderigo. Roderigo fails and is killed by Cassio, but Iago stabs Cassio and flees without being seen. When Othello tells Desdemona that Cassio has been killed, she weeps for him: “Alas, he is betrayed, and I undone” (5.2. 96), which is the last straw and Othello makes up his mind. He then smothers her to death. Emilia begins to realize what is going on and tells Othello that Iago only spoke of lies. To shut her up, Iago stabs her; he kills his own wife. Only true evil could possess someone to kill their own wife only to preserve their own self-image.

            There is no character more evil than Iago. He will do anything and everything to get what he wants and he does not care who he hurts in the process. He also has basically no motive for the majority of the play. He might’ve realized that what he was doing reached a point where it no longer had a meaning, but he simply shrugs his shoulders as if to say, “I might as well finish what I started”. This mentality when incorporated with jealousy can only stem from a truly evil and disturbed man.

Character Description: Iago (Othello)

Peter Sanfacon

Mr. George

World Lit Honors

1 December 2010

Character Description: Iago

            Iago is the personification of evil as he selfishly destroys Othello and Cassio’s lives to systematically gain the pride he lost from his jealousy of the two.

            Before the play began, Othello had announced that Cassio would be his new Lieutenant. Iago, believing that he should have been promoted in place of Cassio, decides to go on a crusade to rectify this injustice; he begins to lie and stretch the truth mercilessly. When he tells Brabantio about his daughter’s lies, he uses sharp racism to convince him that Othello is in the wrong. This works out for Iago because Brabantio is the one to plant the seed of jealousy (1.3. 333-334). Later, Iago convinces Cassio to drink in celebration of Othello’s marriage. Cassio becomes drunk and starts a fight, which Othello must break up. Cassio is then demoted (2.3. 264-265). At this point, there would be no need for Iago to continue his path of destruction because his original goal has been accomplished. However, he is pure evil, so he continues his crusade. He eventually convinces Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. Othello’s jealousy drives him to kill Desdemona, his true love (5.2. 152-153).

            Iago possesses the hatred of the devil. His plots for revenge will not be stymied, like the boxer who doesn’t give up until he has won. He is the son who is overlooked and his thirst for attention burns like the fires of hell as his will to inflict pain increases like hot air trying to escape the tightest space.

            In an episode of Chappelle’s Show, Silky Johnson hates on people at the Player Haters ball not because he wants revenge, but because he is a hater and he enjoys it.