Alchemy and Evolution

Themes

Alchemy and Evolution

As the book's title indicates, alchemy is the main theme. Alchemy is change. On a literal level, alchemy describes the transformation of base metal into precious gold. The process of alchemy is a force of nature, and it is not an easy transformation. Natural power turns base metal into gold, but in order to do so it takes a very long geologic time and exerts a tremendous amount of pressure and heat.

The alchemist is a person with rare, mysterious knowledge, who knows how to speed up that natural process and use special tools to create gold from lead. From the beginning of this story, Santiago is clearly interested in evolving and experiencing change. He learned language and religion through studying at the seminar, but he is dissatisfied with the learning that happens through books. He chooses to become a shepherd because he wants to travel.

After Santiago's mysterious dream, he decides to travel to the pyramids in order to pursue his destiny. All along the journey he is faced with challenges, danger and difficulties, but he continues to learn, change and grow. This fable tells the story of his encounters as he attempts to follows his dream and undergoes his own personal process of transformation or alchemy.

Santiago eventually discovers his destiny, but it is only as a result of taking the risks and doing the work required of him. The transformation of lead into gold is a metaphor for the inner growth and refinement that Santiago becomes engaged in. He is changed and alchemized over the length of his journey. The Sahara desert and the brutal, conflicting tribal members represent the pressure and heat that are a necessary part of his transformation.

By the end of the story, Santiago has been compl...

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... their instincts. They depend entirely on the shepherd to lead them to food and water, whereas Santiago is motivated to think for himself as he proceeds on his journey. The sheep will get their food and water as long as a shepherd guides them. Santiago will get his treasure and discover his destiny, as long as he continues to develop his ability to think and find out for himself.

While Santiago is working in the crystal merchant's shop, Santiago's journey appears to end for a year. He thinks that when he earns enough money he will return to Spain. At the end of that year, however, he has undergone a certain amount of personal growth. At the last minute, he decides not to go back but to continue on his way toward reaching his dream. Perhaps his conviction to reach for his destiny is strengthened by witnessing the crystal merchant's reluctance to follow his own dream.