Signpost #4 - Pages 129-171

Signpost: Words of the Wiser - Page 145
The alchemist, while he didn't be give Santiago the answers to his inner questions, helped guide him finally to the answers he really needed that he had been looking for on his journey. He gave Santiago direction when he was lost, and helped him to understand the Tradition, the way of the desert. This knowledge of the tradition helped them to survive the dangers of the desert. The alchemist knew that the threat presented by the warring tribes would be enough for Santiago to realize his full potential.

Signpost: Tough Questions - Page 149-157

To survive, Santiago is told to do something he never believed was possible, and become the wind. He first asks the alchemist how to turn himself into wind, but the alchemist cannot tell him. He continues thinking about the question and realized that the answers are within him, he can only understand them by going through the Souls of the World. He realizes everything he ever needed was around. The world wouldn't let him die or fail if it wasn't supposed to happen. He speaks to the desert, the wind, the sun and then realizes that none of them, no matter how big and powerful, would have been anything without the hand of the creator. They were all created with a purpose and they will not be allowed to fail if they are moving toward that purpose.

Reflection:

I really liked the end of the book. Santiago finally understands the reason for his journey, and fully comprehends the language of the world, his place in the universe, and the Soul of the World, and how everything is a part of it. Despite the ending not providing much closure to the plot, it provided closure to Santiago'a journey snd everything he learned from it. It left me with many questions but over all, it helped me to realize everything that Santiago has learned and how to communicate with the Soul of the World, read omens and understand life. I really enjoyed the journey of self discovery through the desert with the alchemist. It helped me to think more about some questions I have and where to find their answers.

Questions:

What will Santiago and Fatima's future look like?
Does Fatima have her own Personal Legend? What is it?
Which key character is least important to the story?
What would you have changed about the ending?
How will the things Santiago has learned be useful in his life?
How will the money change who Santiago is?

Comments

Signpost #1 - Pages 1-50

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 seco

Signpost #3 - Pages 91-128

Signpost: Words of the Wiser - Pages 123-124 The alchemist tells Santiago what is likely to happen at this point if he refuses his calling, which gives him the last little push he needs to leave the oases and his new love, Fatima, behind, waiting for his return with his treasure. The alchemist also explains that the journey and all Santiago has learned will not really have been worth it if he never reaches his final destination. He seems to use the fact that Santiago understands the messages of the universe and omens so well to convince him to leave behind some of the things that these omens have led him to. Their relationship still needs to develop, because at this point on the journey, Santiago is following the alchemist based on logic and fear, rather than trust or friendship. Signpost: Tough Questions - Page 107 Santiago has a very difficult time at first deciding what he should do with the message he receives from the hawks in the language of universes. He and th

Signpost #2 - Pages 51-90

Signpost: Again and Again/ Contrasts and Contradictions - Pages 54-55, 59 Throughout his whole time in Africa, Santiago gets closer and closer to deciding to go home. The more money he gained throughout the chapter, the more convinced Santiago seems to go home. At the last minute, he changes his mind and decides to cross the desert with a caravan. The crystal merchant tells Santiago what has happened in his life since he never followed his dream, which eventually changed Santiago's mind about giving up and going home. The crystal merchant's story brings Santiago back to everything Melchizedek told him, and inspires him to continue on. Signpost: Aha Moment - Page 60 Santiago realized how much he has learned in his time away from home from the crystal merchant and even the young thief. As he reflects on everything he has learned throughout his time in Africa, he realizes that, despite the massive amount he learned from being free and traveling around with his sheep,

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