Fate Vs Free Will In The Alchemist

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Is fate, a predestined charted course elucidated by life itself, or free will, the liberty to act as you want and live on your own decisions, more impactful in one’s journey through life? This question is exemplified in the novel The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho, where we see the concept of Fate vs. Free Will on many occasions throughout the text. The story we read follows the protagonist, Santiago, who starts off as a young and inexperienced shepherd who dreams of traveling, and how he grows and develops throughout his journey by taking the wisdom of the people he meets and learns from the experiences he goes through. And so, as we the audience read more about Santiago and his journey of growth, the discussion of whether the concepts …show more content…

Santiago’s choices and actions are indeed pivotal in determining the course of his journey, but they are ultimately still influenced by the omens and messages sent by Fate. For example, the text states ““Where is the treasure?” he asked. “It’s in Egypt, near the Pyramids.” The boy was startled. The old woman said the same thing. But she hadn’t charged him with anything. “In order to find the treasure, you will have to follow the omens. God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the words that he left for you.” Before the boy could reply, a butterfly appeared and fluttered between him and the old man. He remembered something his grandfather had once told him: that butterflies were a good omen. Like crickets, and like grasshoppers; like lizards and four-leaf clovers” (Coelho, pg. 41) This shows how although Santiago’s own desires and his own motivation found through his free will certainly helped him start the journey to search for the treasures found within the Egyptian pyramids, it was still ultimately Fate that wove his path as it was destined for Santiago to speak with Melchizidek and learn about his Personal Legend which he must pursue, which was also stated by the Romani woman without either of the characters having ever met before. Both characters knew Santiago’s true purpose from his fate and destiny. The fact that Santiago had always dreamed of adventuring and exploring the world, even giving up the possible chance of becoming a priest in Spain to become a shepherd, shows how Fate had always played a large role in Santiago’s life and pursuit in achieving his Personal Legend and dreams of traveling from the very start. Additionally, the text also states “The boy fell to the sand, nearly unconscious. The leader shook him and said, “We’re leaving.” But before they

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