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 those around him do not want to believe what he has seen, since it is a breaking of the Tradition, which designated oases as safe places for the tribes of the desert. Santiago knows what he saw, and, thinking of Fatima and his love for her, he told the council about what he had seen. This ended up leaving them with the difficult decision of whether or not they should believe him. Giving everyone weapons to defend themselves with could end up causing unnecessary violence, which has been avoided in the past by the confiscation of weapons. They end up deciding to trust the young man with a message from the Soul of the Universe. 

Reflection: 

   I was shocked at how quickly Santiago claimed he fell in love. I thought it was interesting how he thought it was the language of universe. He automatically falls for her and knows that it is love immediately. I hope Santiago's opinion on the alchemist changes, because he seems like a pure man, like Melchizedek, who is there simply to guide and teach Santiago. I want to see their relationship develop throughout their time in the desert. I love the way that he finally has an adult to look up to who will help him achieve his Personal Legend. I began to think about how Santiago's relationship with people will change once he does achieve his Personal Legend, and if he will ever pay back the woman who interpreted his dream at the beginning of his journey.

Questions:

• What does the cobra symbolize?
• Is the alchemist really 200 years old, or does the age refer to something else?
• Why doesn't the alchemist have any materials for alchemy?
• Why does the alchemist tell the Englishman to try alchemy on his own?
• Is Santiago really in love with Fatima? How can the reader be sure?
• What would have happened if Santiago had not told the council about his vision with the hawks? 
• If he had known the risks of telling the council, would Santiago still have told them about his vision?