IBDP

Language B 11 (HL)

Name : ____________________________________________ Score:

26
Section: _______________ Date: ____________________

NOVEL STUDY : The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

CHECK-POINT. Task #1
Answer the following questions in your own words. Include sufficient supporting details for your
explanation.

The number of marks are indicated in the bracket.

1. The novel opens with Santiago thinking about his sheep. What does he observe about their
existence? [2]
How might the sheep symbolize the way some people live their lives? [2]
How does his observation that they “have forgotten to rely on their own instincts” foreshadow later
events in the story? [2]

2. How does Santiago’s father react when his son tells him that he wants to travel?(p.9) [2]
If you were his father, would you react the same way? Discuss. [2]

3. To what degree is his father’s observation about travelers (“They come in search of new things, but
when they leave they are basically the same people they were when they arrived.”) true about
Santiago? Do you agree or disagree with that observation? Explain. [4]

4. Why does the old fortune teller say that Santiago’s dream is difficult to interpret?(p.12-14).
Why is Santiago suspicious of her? [4]

5. Why does the shepherd decide to see the Gypsy woman? [2]

6. According to the old man, what is the world’s greatest lie? [1]
To what extent do you agree or disagree? [2]

7. According to the old man, what is the one great truth on this planet? [1]
To what extent do you agree or disagree? [2]

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo Page 1