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Signpost #1 - Pages 1-50

Image result for the alchemist santiago
Signpost: Words of the Wiser - Page 34
   The man who introduces himself to Santiago as Melchizedek, gives so much wisdom to Santiago including how to find his path in life, and how to find true happiness. Santiago learns that you have to look around and enjoy life, while still balancing the things that are important to you. Melchizedek teaches Santiago that he has not realized his true goal in life yet, and reached where he truly wants to be. He has simply been living on a whim, doing as he pleased, almost forgetting that he can have a bigger dream than being a simple shepherd for all of his life. Melchizedek convinced him to take action and follow his dreams.
Signpost: Tough Questions - Page 45
   All of the money that Santiago has, which is almost everything he has to his name, is stolen from him by a boy who convinces him that he is trying to help Santiago. He has a choice at this point, whether he should give up on his dream or think of it as a way to grow. He chooses the second option and decides to find a way to survive in the time. He decided to see his life as an adventure, and as each problem as a step closer to his treasure. Santiago decided that he would make his own decisions and face the consequences of these with a positive attitude.

Reflection:
  Everyone can learn a lot from Santiago in this chapter. He learns to follow his dreams, whether or not it is difficult or different from what you have done your whole life. His perseverance when things seem hopeless is very inspirational. He is without money in a foreign land, with no means of getting home. I, just as Santiago did, quickly trusted the boy who offered him help, and kicked him down, just because he was vulnerable. I feel quite wary about Melchizedek, because we know little about him, and what we do know seems false and made up.

Questions:
  • Why didn't Melchizedek want more from Santiago?
  • Who (or what) is Melchizedek really?
  • Will Santiago be afraid to trust after his experience? 
  • Is Santiago really following his dream, or what he has been told his dream is?
  • Was Santiago happy with his sheep, or was it a simple illusion?


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