Comprehension Questions - The Alchemist
Pages 53-85


These questions are to guide you in your comprehension. 
You are not required to answer these questions for homework. 

1. In what ways does Santiago help the crystal merchant get more customers? 

2. What does Maktub mean? Describe what this means in your own words. Do you believe in “Maktub”? Why or why not?

3. Now that Santiago has earned money, where does he decide to go?

4. Why is the Englishman traveling to Egypt? 

5. What does the Englishman have that Santiago also has?

6. In your opinion, why do you think Santiago says that meeting the Englishman is an omen?

7. Where are Santiago and the Englishman going to in the caravan?

8. The Englishman says, "There's no such thing as coincidence." In your opinion, what do you think he means by this?

9. The camel driver tells Santiago “There is no need to fear the unknown if you can achieve what you need to survive.” In your opinion, how can advice help Santiago fulfill his dream?

10. What are the Englishman’s books about? What interests Santiago about these books?

11. Why is everyone afraid at the end of this chapter? What does the camel driver say to Santiago calm him down?

Comprehension Questions - The Alchemist
Pages 85-END

1.     Where is Santiago when he wakes up?  Are they safe there? Why or why not?

2.     Who is watching Santiago from far away?

3.     How does the black-veiled woman describe the alchemist?

4.     What is the name of the woman that Santiago met? What does he feel for her?

5.     What did Santiago tell Fatima? What was her reaction?

6.     What did Santiago see flying in the sky? What does this omen mean?

7.     What are Santiago and the others preparing for at the end of this chapter?

8.     Who puts a sword to Santiago’s head? Why did he do this?

9.     Why is Santiago given gold and asked to be counselor of the oasis? Does Santiago accept this offer?

10.  Where will the Alchemist lead Santiago?

11.  How does Fatima feel about Santiago leaving?

12.  Where are the Alchemist and Santiago taken to by the army of blue-veiled men?

13.  What does the Alchemist say Santiago will do at the end of the chapter? If he cannot do this, what did they promise the army?

14.  At the beginning of the chapter, how is Santiago feeling about the Alchemist’s promise?

15.  How was Santiago able to transfer himself into wind?

16.  Where do Santiago and the Alchemist go at the end of this chapter? 

17.  Who does the Alchemist give gold to?

18.  Why does Santiago start to dig in the ground?

19.  Who sees Santiago digging? What do they force him to do?

20.  Describe the thief’s dream.

21.  At the end of the chapter, why does Santiago know where his hidden treasure is buried? Where is it buried?

22.  Where does Santiago go?

23.  What does Santiago find in the abandoned church?

24.  In your opinion, what message is the book trying to teach us? 

25.  In your opinion, what might the treasure symbolize?