The Alchemist
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World Literature:
Please follow the reading schedule carefully. You will find the reading schedule to the left of this page. The Alchemist is a global phenomenon, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Its gentle wisdom and universal message of hope make it a wonderful story to inspire students, and provide a basis for further discussion and exploration.
Written in the form of a fable, the novel tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of travelling the world in search of a fabulous treasure. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers, and from there into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him. |
Creative Projects Grade 10
Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho has become one of the most widely-read authors in the world today. His own life has in many ways been as varied and unusual as those of the characters in his novels.
Born in Brazil, he studied at the Jesuit school of San Ignacio in Rio De Janeiro where he won his first literary prize in a school poetry competition. After abandoning his studies towards an engineering degree, he began working as a journalist and travelled through much of South America, North Africa, Mexico and Europe. He returned to Brazil and began a successful career as a popular songwriter. In 1974, he was imprisoned for a short time by the military dictatorship then ruling in Brazil. In 1980 he undertook the 500-mile plus Road of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a journey which had a profound effect on his life and which he later described in his first book, The Pilgrimage.
The Alchemist was published the following year (1988), and has since gone on to sell over 65 million books worldwide and to be translated into 60 languages. Paulo Coelho continues to write, having produced a number of other bestselling novels, and is also a prominent speaker for humanitarian causes.
Born in Brazil, he studied at the Jesuit school of San Ignacio in Rio De Janeiro where he won his first literary prize in a school poetry competition. After abandoning his studies towards an engineering degree, he began working as a journalist and travelled through much of South America, North Africa, Mexico and Europe. He returned to Brazil and began a successful career as a popular songwriter. In 1974, he was imprisoned for a short time by the military dictatorship then ruling in Brazil. In 1980 he undertook the 500-mile plus Road of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a journey which had a profound effect on his life and which he later described in his first book, The Pilgrimage.
The Alchemist was published the following year (1988), and has since gone on to sell over 65 million books worldwide and to be translated into 60 languages. Paulo Coelho continues to write, having produced a number of other bestselling novels, and is also a prominent speaker for humanitarian causes.
The different settings of the novel:
Andalucia, Spain |
Tangier, Africa
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Al-Fayoum Oasis
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Egypt, Africa |
Harry Potter fans!
Why is the antagonist Lord Voldemort in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” trying to obtain the fruits of alchemy?
Pre-reading Project:
THE ALCHEMIST
Each student will research one of the topics below and report to the class about their findings.
Your PowerPoint must have 5-7 slides, including an outline and a reference page.
Be sure to make it visual! Add pictures, visuals aids, or even a video.
Your PowerPoint must have 5-7 slides, including an outline and a reference page.
Be sure to make it visual! Add pictures, visuals aids, or even a video.
AlchemyResearch the definition, history and processes of alchemy and its influence on our understandings of current medicine and chemistry. During your research, highlight the similarities and differences of the alchemical process/beliefs from Christian, Indian, and Islamic cultures as a means of both material and spiritual transmutation.
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LocationsSantiago starts his journey in Spain and then goes to the pyramids to find his treasure. Research three geographical settings from the novel where Santiago travels: Andalusia (Spain), Tangiers (Morocco), and the Egyptian desert. Give us the basics of where these places are, the culture, and any significance they have.
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The Emerald Tablet and The Philosopher’s Stone/Elixir of Life
Coelho integrates several alchemical ideologies within the text of The Alchemist. Research two of those elements, the Emerald Tablet and the Philosopher’s Stone/Elixir of Life, which appear in novel.
http://www.crystalinks.com/emeraldprefacebw.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Tablet http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosopher's_stone http://www.crystalinks.com/philosopherstone.html 
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DreamsDreams play a large role within The Alchemist. Throughout the novel, Santiago will play close attention to the dreams he has and what that says about his journey. Research the basic theories of Freud’s and Jung’s dream analysis theories, highlighting similarities as well as differences.
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Paulo Coelho
Research the author’s life. In addition to the typical bio stuff (birth, place, education, parents, other writings…) find out what life experiences inspired and/or influenced his writing of The Alchemist. What other pieces of literature inspired the novel? Read Coelho’s Introduction to The Alchemist and outline what he says are the Four Obstacles.
You may use these links to help: http://www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/ http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/1858/Paulo_Coelho/index.aspx Pages 181-197 of The Alchemist 
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Melchizedek
In the novel The Alchemist, King Melchizedek helps the boy begin his journey. Who was King Melchizedek? For what is he known? (See Hebrews 5: 6-10 and 7:2-3,15, and Genesis 14:18) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchizedek http://www.ucg.org/booklets/WG/melchizedek.htm 
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Allegory and Fable
The Alchemist is an allegory written in the format of a fable.
Research and explain what an allegory is and provide examples of well-known cultural allegories. Also explain the concept of alchemical allegories. In addition, provide a definition for and characteristics of a fable. Be sure to explain how fables differ from other forms of allegories such as parables. Finally, why might an author choose to write allegories and/or fables? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-allegory.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fable 
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Synchronicity/Omens
Much of the action in The Alchemist hinges on the right interpretation of omens, signs, and meaningful coincidences, which the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung termed synchronicity.
Research synchronicity, omens, signs, and coincidences and how they play a role in modern society. http://skepdic.com/jung.html http://www.crystalinks.com/synchronicity.html http://www.roman-empire.net/religion/superstitions.html 
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Zen Buddhism/Principle of Favorability (Shoshin)
What are the primary teachings and practices of Zen Buddhists? Be sure to discuss the importance of meditation. What is the principle of favorability? How does this concept relate to Zen Buddhism?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoshin http://zenchillcom.blogspot.com/2007/01/how-to-have-beginners-luck.html 
Soul of the World
The ancient Latin term for this concept is “anima mundi.” Explore the concept of “Soul of the World” as different religions and philosophies define it. Research those religions and what they believe the “Soul of the World” is.
http://www.answers.com/topic/soul-of-the-world http://www.crystalinks.com/alchemye.html 
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Divination
Santiago is guided by omens which appear to him throughout his journey to help him decide which course he should take. At one point, he is given a pair of stones, Urim and Thummim, to use as a divination tool.
Research these two famous stones and explain how they have been/are to be used. (See Exodus 28:30, Numbers 27:21, Deuteronomy 33:8, and Ezra 2:63) Research two other types of divination from the following list: tarot cards, I ching, runes, scrying/crystal gazing, tea leaves, Bibliomancy, astrology, or ouija board. How does the type of divination work? What function does divination play for those faced with indecision? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divination http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/d/divination.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urim_and_Thummim 
Islam
The Islamic faith/religion is mentioned in The Alchemist. Research the components of the religion including its historical origins and central beliefs.
Answer these questions: What are the Five Pillars of Islam? What is the Koran? What is Mecca? Who is Allah? http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761579171/Islam.html http://islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html http://i-cias.com/e.o/mecca.htm 
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How will you be graded?
1. Was your information was interesting and relevant? Did the students learn from you?
2. Did make five-seven slides about your topic (including an outline and a reference page)?
3. Was it visually attractive? Did you use a visual aid such as pictures or videos?
4. Did you use eye contact, voice projection and gestures when you presented?
5. Did you get straight to the point or did you waste time? Was your presentation five minutes?
6. Did you use your time in the lab effectively?
7. Did you edit your work?
2. Did make five-seven slides about your topic (including an outline and a reference page)?
3. Was it visually attractive? Did you use a visual aid such as pictures or videos?
4. Did you use eye contact, voice projection and gestures when you presented?
5. Did you get straight to the point or did you waste time? Was your presentation five minutes?
6. Did you use your time in the lab effectively?
7. Did you edit your work?