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The Alchemist (Coelho) Study Guide

by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a modern fable by Paulo Coelho. The Alchemist study guide contains a biography of author Paulo Coelho, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The Alchemist tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who is able to find a treasure beyond his wildest dreams. Along the way, he learns to listen to his heart and, more importantly, realizes that his dreams, or his Personal Legend, are not just his but part of the Soul of the Universe.

Santiago is a humble shepherd whose desires are few–he wants to be free to roam with his sheep, to have some wine in his wineskin and a book in his bag. Fate intervenes, however, in the form of the recurring dream of a great treasure hidden thousands of miles away at the base of the Egyptian Pyramids. When Santiago meets Melchizedek, a strange wise man who claims he is a king from a far-off land, he decides to seek his treasure. The next day…

Read the full The Alchemist (Coelho) Summary

• The Alchemist (Coelho) Summary
• About The Alchemist (Coelho)
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of the Prologue
• Summary and Analysis of Part I.I
• Summary and Analysis of Part I.II
• Summary and Analysis of Part II.I
• Summary and Analysis of Part II.II
• Summary and Analysis of Part II.III
• Summary and Analysis of Epilogue
• Paulo Coelho's Reception in Brazil
• Paulo Coelho Photo
• Related Links on The Alchemist (Coelho)
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Alchemist (Coelho): Major Themes
• The Alchemist (Coelho): Questions
• The Alchemist (Coelho): Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Paulo Coelho: Biography