M. Schlauch's Blog about Some Things

What happened to the Englishman after he met with the Alchemist? Since later in this section, Santiago does not even return to his caravan friend before he leaves the oasis to continue his Personal Legend.

I dislike how Coelho decided to frame Santiago's development. The growth of Santiago seems very repetitive, as Santiago has some sort of conflict, he gets the help of someone wiser than him, and he continues on his Personal Legend after quoting the person that helped him. First off, after Santiago got robbed in North Africa, he was employed by the Crystal Merchant, who eventually taught him the phrase " Maktub ", meaning "It is written", and Santiago repeats this as he is struggling with the decision to continue his journey or go back to being a shepherd. This again happens with the Englishman on the caravan and then, more noticeably, the Alchemist. While the Alchemist is trying to get Santiago to abandon his post as counselor of the oasis and continue his Personal Legend, Santiago refuses, as he wants to be with Fatima in the oasis. However, after a brief lesson with the Alchemist, Santiago has a conversation with Fatima, saying that he has to go, and repeats t...

While Santiago is meeting up with the alchemist in pursuit of dessert life, Santiago exclaims that he "'want[s] to stay in the oasis'" because he has "'found Fatima,'" who he believes is "'worth more than treasure.'" This exact scene has occurred in different forms throughout the novel. At the beginning of the novel, Santiago has doubts about starting his journey to the pyramids because of the Andalusian girl, who he thought he would marry, as well as his good life he already had as a shepherd. This situation also occurred after Santiago worked with the Crystal Merchant, as he was planning to return to his humble life as a shepherd after he was robbed. Santiago's major flaw is that he always wants to give up his Personal Legend whenever things are going well for him, whether he has found a girl that he loves or he has become very wealthy. It takes a wise person to get Santiago back on track, from Melchizedek to the Crystal Merch...

During Santiago's desert meeting with the alchemist, the old man reveals the future of Santiago if he chooses not to pursue his Personal Legend. According to the alchemist, Santiago, if he decided to stay at the oasis with Fatima, would become very wealthy during his first year, and he would become accustomed to the omens of the dessert. However, as time progresses, Santiago would start to remember his Personal Legend, and would continuously make excuses as to why he was no longer pursuing his dream. This internal conflict would eventually lead to some minor problems in his relationship, and Santiago would live the rest of his life as a wealthy, happy many filled with regret. This was a big moment because this persuaded Santiago to give up his life as the counselor of the oasis and continue his Personal Legend to the pyramids. Without this moment from the alchemist, Santiago would have simply kept with his life on the oasis and would never have achieved his Personal Legend.