The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, draws much its strength from the fact
that its themes are so universal. Focusing on fulfilling our own “Personal Legends,”
Coelho encourages his reader’s to follow their dreams. Everyone has their own
Personal Legend, their ultimate goal in life, but too many of us never pursue
it. Although this quest is never easy, we gain great happiness from sacrificing
and struggling in the pursuit of our dreams. In the story of Santiago, a lowly
Italian shepherd pursing his Personal Legend, we also encounter allegory, symbolism,
fate, and a view of the world that all things are interconnected.
Coelho shows us that, for many people, the biggest obstacle to overcome is actually our own fear of failing in the pursuit of our dreams. However, we must overcome this fear, and if we do, the universe will conspire to help us to find our Personal Legend. We must make our own decisions in life, and not be afraid to cast off the shackles of security and comfort that bind us to what we know, and instead face new challenges willingly.
Coelho also emphasizes a universal language in The Alchemist, one that all creation speaks. The Earth is alive and has a soul, and all parts of the Earth, from the wind to the sun to the sea to us, are all interconnected as one. This was an important theme in our reading community at Gallagher Mansion, as we talked about recognizing this bond we have with all the other people around us, so that we can help each other and spread the love.
God, the Father Almighty, is also very important in The Alchemist, but in a different way than many of us are accustomed to. In the novel, Coelho tells us that God exists everywhere, not just watching us from above, but interconnected with the whole world. We only have to let him in. This was another very popular theme among the ladies at Gallagher, as both Flora and Rosa are deeply religious advocates of the importance of reading the Bible and going to mass.
The main idea of the Alchemist seemed to ring true for both
sets of readers, old and young, but in different ways. The students saw the
Alchemist as encouragement to go out in the world, seize the day, and seek out
our Personal Legends. The residents of Gallagher, however, read the novel differently,
in a more introspective manner. Rosa and Flora both stressed more heavily the
role of God and faith in our quest for our dreams, and being thankful for what
we do have in life.
Flora's and Rosa's reactions to The Alchemist
A Gallagher Mansion reading list