Personal Legend In The Alchemist

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Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist greatly portrays the importance of a personal legend by focusing on the value of persistence. Throughout the novel, Santiago encounters numerous obstacles in which his will and persistence is tested. He is continuously discouraged and when faced with difficult struggles, advised that he should give up on his dream and return home. Throughout his journey, Santiago discovers that victory and persistence go hand in hand. In order for him to succeed and fulfill his personal legend, he must remove doubt and fear from his mind and replace it with strength and persistence. Santiago’s journey is a lesson, reminding us that anything worth having requires great determination and perseverance and that one does not succeed…show more content…
Because the crystal merchant is fearful of what his life will be like after he achieves his dream, he chooses to remain in Tangier to maintain his business instead of following his dream pilgrimage to Mecca. He is an example to Santiago of what his life could be like if he decides to accept defeat. He is not comforted by the life of the merchant. The merchant is remorseful and disappointed with his choices. The Crystal Merchant acts not only as an example to Santiago, but also as a warning. He is the example of an unfulfilled life full of regret and disappointment and he is also a warning to never let fear keep you from reaching your full potential. Persistence is essential even in the most doubtful…show more content…
When Santiago questions whether or not he should stay at the oasis with Fatima, the alchemist responds with a description of his future. He states that if Santiago were to remain at the oasis “You’ll marry Fatima, and you’ll both be happy for a year.” (124) However, he continues to state that the omens will return, urging Santiago to continue his quest. He then explains that “sometime during the fourth year, the omens will abandon you, because you’ve stopped listening to them.” (125) He describes how Santiago will then be a rich man, but a rich man with regrets and dissatisfaction with life. He explains that Santiago will spend the rest of his days knowing and regretting that he didn’t pursue his Personal Legend, but he will realize it too late. Although this situation appears futile and as though Santiago is at a standstill, the Alchemist explains that “you must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend. If he abandons that pursuit, it’s because it wasn’t true love...the love that speaks the Language of the World.” (125) By stating this, the Alchemist is attempting to show Santiago that if his love for Fatima is true, according to the Language of the World and destiny, then his leaving will have no effect on their love. In other words, love and destiny are one in

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