The Alchemist – Study Guide

13. Language is an important part of the theme of this fable, and although the story is told in rather simple terms,

the ideas that it expresses are philosophical and deep. Santiago is an educated young man, capable of understanding

many languages because of his seminary training. Yet, he is clearly interested in learning about the world and about

his reason for being in a way that goes beyond mere speaking and writing. He chooses to travel, first as a shepherd

and then as an adventurer seeking his destiny, because he wants to learn how to communicate in the Language of the

World. There are many references throughout the text to this language, and clearly it is a language that goes beyond

words. He often reflects on the "language without words," which describes the way that people communicate to each

other when they do not speak each other's language. The language without words is also the language he speaks with

his sheep. What are some of the literal and figurative languages that Santiago realizes he has learned by the time he

completes his year of work for the crystal merchant?