AN ANALYSIS OF SANTIAGO CHARACTER IN THE ALCHEMIST BY

PAULO COELHO

Debora Kawulusan1, Gregory Wahani2, Valeriana Dodengo3

204030641 214030262 214030443

English Education Department, Faculty of Language and Arts,

Manado State University

Abstract

“The alchemist” by Paulo Coelho is an inspirational story of Santiago, a youthful Spanish

shepherd in the rolling hills in Andalusia. The boy has deep attachment with hid flock but
realizing that they are devoid of aestetic sense and appreciation for nature which he
beholds, loves and admires, the course of his life changes. His parents life is associated
with struggle in country which people from far away fantasize and romantizise but for them
I’ts not the place of dream amd charm.
Keyword : the alchemist, dreams, hopes, legend, jouneys, fantasies
 1. Introduction their own life paths and the transformative

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho opens power of listening to one's heart.

the door to a world where the ordinary is The characters that Santiago encounters on

transformed into the extraordinary, and the his odyssey, from the crystal merchant to

mundane becomes a canvas for the magical. the Englishman, contribute layers of

This mesmerizing novel, set against the wisdom and symbolism, enriching the

captivating tapestry of the Spanish narrative with profound insights into the

countryside and the awe-inspiring human experience. Coelho's prose, marked

landscapes of the Sahara Desert, introduces by its lyrical simplicity, serves as a conduit

us to Santiago, a young Andalusian for universal truths, inviting readers to

shepherd whose life takes an unforeseen embark on an introspective journey of self-

turn when he begins to heed the whispers of discovery.

his recurring dreams. "The Alchemist" stands not only as a novel

From the very first pages, Coelho weaves a but as a guide for those who dare to dream,

tale that transcends the boundaries of urging them to overcome fear, embrace the

conventional storytelling, inviting readers unknown, and pursue their aspirations with

into a realm where dreams are not mere unwavering faith. This literary alchemy

figments of imagination but potent transforms the ordinary reader into an

prophecies calling individuals to discover alchemist of their own destiny, offering a

their true destinies. Santiago's journey timeless and inspirational tale that

unfolds as a spiritual quest, as he sets out to resonates across cultures and generations,

decipher the cryptic language of the continuing to captivate the hearts and minds

universe and pursue his Personal Legend — of those who seek the magic within the

the realization of his deepest desires and the pages of Coelho's masterpiece.

fulfillment of his soul's purpose. As Santiago navigates the physical and

As Santiago traverses the vast expanse of metaphysical landscapes of "The

the desert, encounters enigmatic characters, Alchemist," readers are drawn into a

and grapples with the profound teachings of narrative that explores the transformative

the alchemist, the novel unfolds as a power of personal legends, the language of

philosophical masterpiece. Coelho explores the heart, and the pursuit of one's true

timeless themes of destiny, love, and the purpose. Coelho's storytelling transcends

interconnectedness of all living things, all the conventional, infusing the novel with a

the while encouraging readers to reflect on sense of mysticism that mirrors the mystical
journey Santiago undertakes.
The Spanish countryside and the Sahara
Desert become more than mere settings;
they are symbolic landscapes that mirror
the vast possibilities of the human
experience. Santiago's encounters with
love, loss, and the mystical teachings of the
alchemist are not just events in his life but
resonate as universal lessons for those
willing to delve into the alchemy of self-
discovery.
What makes "The Alchemist" a literary
gem is Coelho's ability to distill profound
philosophical concepts into digestible,
relatable narratives. Santiago's journey is a
microcosm of the human condition, inviting
readers to reflect on their own dreams,
fears, and the often-overlooked omens that
guide our paths. The novel serves as a
reminder that life's journey is as significant
as the destination, and every twist and turn
contributes to the intricate design of one's
destiny.
The recurring motif of alchemy, the
mystical art of transformation, permeates
the narrative. Santiago learns not only to
turn base metals into gold but also to
transform the leaden moments of life into
golden opportunities for growth. Coelho,
through Santiago's experiences, imparts a
wisdom that transcends cultural and
temporal boundaries, emphasizing the
universal nature of human aspirations and
the collective desire for a meaningful
existence.
Moreover, the alchemist himself becomes a
captivating figure, embodying ancient
wisdom and guiding Santiago toward a
deeper understanding of the Soul of the
World. The novel's spiritual undercurrents
and the alchemist's teachings encourage
readers to question the nature of reality, the
power of belief, and the intricate dance
between destiny and free will.
"The Alchemist" is not merely a novel; it is
a philosophical exploration, a guide for the
seeker, and a celebration of the human
spirit's resilience. Coelho's prose, often
poetic and always poignant, elevates the
novel beyond the confines of traditional
storytelling, making it a timeless work that
continues to inspire and resonate with
readers, urging them to embark on their
own quests for meaning and fulfillment.
2. Literature Review
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho has
captured the imaginations of readers
worldwide since its publication. This
literature review delves into the critical
reception of the novel, examines its
thematic elements, and explores the broader
impact of Coelho's work on the literary
landscape.
Numerous literary critics have analyzed
"The Alchemist," offering varied
perspectives on its merits and
shortcomings. Some praise Coelho's poetic
prose and the novel's philosophical depth,
commending its ability to transcend literary landscape. The novel's success has
cultural boundaries. Conversely, others inspired a wave of philosophical and
critique the simplicity of the narrative, spiritually themed literature, and Coelho's
arguing that it veers toward didacticism. approach to storytelling has influenced
Notably, the novel's immense popularity subsequent authors. The review will
and translation into numerous languages examine the novel's place in the broader
underscore its broad appeal. context of contemporary literature,
One of the central themes in "The considering its influence on genre trends
Alchemist" is the pursuit of one's Personal and narrative styles.
Legend, a concept that resonates with "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho has
readers on a universal level. The novel emerged as a literary phenomenon,
explores the transformative journey of captivating readers with its timeless themes
Santiago, the protagonist, as he follows his and inspirational narrative. This literature
dreams, faces challenges, and discovers review has provided insights into the
profound truths about himself and the critical reception, thematic elements,
world. The review will delve into the impact on readers, and literary influence of
symbolism of the desert, Santiago's the novel, emphasizing its enduring
encounters with various characters, and the significance in the realm of contemporary
overarching philosophy of listening to one's literature.
heart. 3. Methodology
The novel's impact on readers is a crucial The researchers conducted descriptive
aspect of its literary significance. "The qualitative research in this study, and the
Alchemist" has been lauded for its data acquired consisted of textual material
inspirational qualities, prompting readers to rather than numerical figures. The
reflect on their own lives and aspirations. descriptive qualitative research
Through Santiago's quest, Coelho methodology created descriptive data by
encourages readers to reconsider their recording individual narratives or
beliefs, overcome obstacles, and pursue documenting observed behaviors in
their dreams with determination. The writing. Subject in this research was the
review will explore the emotional character of Santiago from the novel "The
resonance of the novel and its enduring Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. Santiago is a
popularity among diverse audiences. young Andalusian shepherd who embarks
Beyond individual readers, "The on a journey of self-discovery and
Alchemist" has left a lasting mark on the fulfillment of his personal legend. Here's a
description of Santiago's personality based
on the character in the novel:
Dreamer: Santiago is a dreamer with a
strong belief in pursuing one's Personal
Legend, which is essentially one's destiny
or purpose in life. He is motivated by his
dreams and visions, propelling him to go
beyond his ordinary life as a shepherd.
Courageous: Throughout the novel,
Santiago displays courage in the face of
challenges. He leaves his familiar
surroundings, faces the unknown, and
confronts obstacles head-on. This courage
is crucial as he encounters both physical
and spiritual trials on his journey.
Spiritual Seeker: Santiago is on a quest for
spiritual understanding. He learns from
various mentors and gains insights into the
interconnectedness of the universe. His
journey is not just a physical one but also a
deep exploration of the soul and the
meaning of life.
Adaptable: Santiago learns to adapt to
different environments and situations.
Whether he is in the familiar surroundings
of his sheepfold, the bustling markets of
Tangier, or the vast desert, he adjusts and
learns from each experience.
Symbolic: Santiago serves as a symbolic
figure representing the universal quest for
meaning and purpose. His journey
resonates with readers on a symbolic level,
encouraging them to reflect on their own
life paths and aspirations.
Transformative: As the story unfolds,
Santiago undergoes significant personal
growth. He learns to listen to his heart, trust
in the omens of the universe, and
understand the true nature of the treasure he
seeks. His transformation goes beyond
material wealth and encompasses wisdom
gained from his journey.
Santiago's personality is characterized by
his dreams, courage, spiritual curiosity,
adaptability, and transformative journey.
His experiences and growth make him a
compelling and relatable protagonist in
"The Alchemist."
4. Findings and Discussion
In Paulo Coelho's novel "The Alchemist,"
the central character, Santiago, undertakes
a transformative journey of self-discovery
and spiritual enlightenment. This findings
and discussion section explores key aspects
of Santiago's character, including his
dreams, courage, spiritual quest,
adaptability, and transformative growth.
Santiago's character is defined by his
dreams and the pursuit of his Personal
Legend. From the outset, he is portrayed as
a dreamer with a deep belief in the
significance of following one's destiny. His
journey begins with a recurring dream
about finding treasure at the Egyptian
pyramids, setting the stage for a quest that
goes beyond the physical realm. A
noteworthy aspect of Santiago's character
is his unwavering courage. Leaving behind
the familiar life of a shepherd, he faces
numerous challenges and risks on his
journey. His courage is evident in his
encounters with the tribal chieftains, the
treacherous desert, and the realization that
pursuing one's dreams requires confronting
fears and uncertainties.
Santiago's character evolves as he becomes
a spiritual seeker, learning from various
mentors such as Melchizedek and the
crystal merchant. His journey is not just a
physical one but a profound exploration of
the interconnectedness of all things.
Through these experiences, he gains
spiritual wisdom, emphasizing the novel's
thematic focus on the importance of
listening to one's heart and understanding
the language of the universe.
Santiago's adaptability is a key trait that
enables him to navigate diverse
environments—from the familiar pastures
of Andalusia to the bustling markets of
Tangier and the vast expanse of the desert.
His ability to learn from each encounter,
whether positive or challenging, showcases
a character that is open to growth and
transformation.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of
Santiago's character is his transformative
growth. As he progresses on his journey, he
undergoes a profound internal change. The
true treasure he seeks is not merely
material wealth but the wisdom and
understanding acquired through the pursuit
of his Personal Legend. This
transformation aligns with the novel's
overarching theme of self-discovery and
the fulfillment of one's purpose in life.
Santiago's character in "The Alchemist" is
a multi-dimensional and symbolic
representation of the human quest for
meaning and purpose. His dreams,
courage, spiritual exploration, adaptability,
and transformative growth collectively
contribute to the novel's enduring appeal
and its ability to resonate with readers on a
universal level.
5. Conclusion
The alchemist is one of the books that
succeeded in becoming a best seller and
was first published in 1988. Paulo Coelho
is a writer from brazil who has succeded
in inspiring his readers through his
various works, including the alchemist. In
an interview conducted by the guardian
journalist, corlho said that he could finish
his novel quickly because it had been
“written” in his soul.
The alchemist tells about
dreams,hopes,courage and determination.
Tells the story of the main character
named Santiago who goes on a journey to
achieve his dream. About meeting with all
the figures who bring new message in life
to overcome all obstacles and challenges
on the way. About all the efforts made by
the main character to achieve his goals
and hopes, as well as the struggle to
 resolve conflicts which make readers
more motivated in carring out all
challenges and conflict in life. His life
journey begins with a prophecy from the
gypsy woman, than his meeting with
Wellek, Rene and Austin Warren. 1978.
Theory of Literature. New York: Penguin
Books.
Wiley, John and Sons. 2013. Emotion and

melchizedeck who teaches about nature’s Moral Judgment. Tilburg, The

support for human endeavors, then a Netherlands: Department of Social

crystal merchant, an Englishman, who Psychology, Tilburg University.

mediates the story, on his way he meets a

Veugelers, Wiel. 2008. Moral Values in
desert girl who then makes him fall in
Teacher Education .Greece: Florina
love, and the last one is the alchemist who
strengthens his knowledge of courage and
true self-discovery
The alchemist is a classic novel whose
conflict is not too complex so that readers
can more easily understand the messages
in it and teaches about different human
natures. Thid novel illustrate the beauty of
the Mediterranean and the exoticism of
various desert in arabia, highlighting
religious and cultural values.
6. REFERENCES

Coelho, Paulo. 2006. The Alchemist (English

Version translated by Alan R. Clarke).
New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Sugihastuti., Suharto. 2010. Kritik Sastra

Femenis. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.

Taniredja, Tukiran. 2013. Konsep Dasar

Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan.
Yogyakarta: Penerbit Ombak