Critical Analysis of The Alchemist

“My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” The boy tells the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky. The alchemist replies “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse that the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a seconds’ encounter with God and Eternity.” (Pg. 130) This is one of the many passages from The Alchemist, an inspiring tale about realizing your dreams and fulfilling your destiny. Paulo Coelho paints the reader’s mind with surreal settings, a fascinating storyline, and a simple style of writing chock full of meaningful insights that will leave the reader feeling warm-hearted, inspired, and ready to shoot for the stars. The settings in this book are so vividly described that the reader can feel the lush, cool grasses of the Andalusian fields; the soft glow and warmth emanating f

rom the buildings of the towns; as well as the burning sands, the hot wind, and the overbearing sun of the Sahara. This classic theme has been rejuvenated into a new meaning that the reader instantly takes to the heart, and treasures deeply. Coelho makes such seamless transitions between these diverse locations that if Coelho had not mentioned it himself, the reader would not have realized that these settings, which seem worlds apart, are only two hours away from each other. This is the message that The Alchemist portrays, and no recommendation is necessary to know this is an excellent book. This theme of The Alchemist reaches every heart, and even if for a little while, connects us closer to ourselves, to our own memories, and as the alchemist put it "" to God and Eternity. All through the story, the reader has a feeling that there is more than what is shown, through the omens, in the flight of the hawks, in the burning sands, and in countless other places, that leaves the reader enthralled to find out what this mysterious force is. The Alchemist is a book that the reader won"tmt want to put down, and will leave the reader feeling openhearted, complete, and awed. The Alchemist"tms themes have inspired millions to find their dreams, to follow the omens, and realize their own Personal Legends in a way that few other books have. To many, realizing your dreams and fulfilling your destiny may seem like wishful thinking, but Paulo Coelho makes accomplishing these goals seem so simple and so easy that all the reader has to do is try. Instead, he allows the reader to become lost in the timeless and ancient allure of the desert, filling the reader"tms mind with mystery and awe, which sparks the imagination into filling in all the details with the aura of Arabia. " (Pg 130) Another major theme throughout The Alchemist is the feeling of superstition, mystery, or a hidden magic of sorts. Only a handful of books do not pale in comparison to the settings of The Alchemist. Also, Coelho never makes a direct mention to the time period. Realizing your destiny is easy if you remember to listen to your heart and follow your dreams.