The Key

Joseph McKinley
September 18, 2009
Humanities Pink
Ms.Snively
A Man’s Dream
“I’ve seen how the guides read the signs of the desert, and how the soul of the caravan speaks to the soul of the desert.”(Coelho PG. 76) This passage is spoken by Santiago when he is speaking of how the desert speaks it’s own language. Santiago is the main character in Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”, trying to find his destiny on his life’s journey. Throughout the book Santiago will embark upon a journey traveling to Africa through Tangier, to the magnificent Pyramids of Egypt, and back to Andalusia. Along his journey he will meet his true love, and many people who teach Santiago important life lessons. Santiago is portrayed as a young man who is passionate, wise, and courageous, and these three traits help him achieve his destiny.

Santiago’s passionate personality leads him towards his destiny. For example, if it weren’t for Santiago’s passion for the Moorish girl he met in the beginning of the book then he never would’ve returned to her, thus Santiago would never have met Melchizedek. In addition Santiago’s love for Fatima helps him persevere on till he reached the pyramids, blowing kisses on the wind, which reminded him of her. A passage from the story that shows what his is for is, “He recognized that he was feeling something he had never felt before; the desire to live in one place forever. With the girl with the raven hair, his days would never be the same again.” It is shown here that his true desire is shown right from the beginning of the novel. It is this desire that motivates Santiago to achieve his destiny, because he wants to be with Fatima. With passion Santiago moves toward his goal, but he also must rely on courage

As Santiago pursues his destiny, one of his most helpful traits is courage. When he leaves the oasis he comes upon the Alchemist. Intended to intimidate him, Santiago replies confidently. Since Santiago proved his courage the Alchemist taught him all he knew, helping him reach the pyramids and his destiny. Furthermore Santiago decided to accomplish the difficult task of crossing the Sahara Desert instead of returning to Andalusia when he has enough money in the crystal shop. He knows that the Sahara is thousands of kilometers, but yet he still goes for it knowing it will be a long and daunting task. This pays off for leading him to the oasis, meeting Fatima, the Englishman, and the Alchemist who helps him grasp the slippery hand of his destiny. One more piece of evidence that proves his courage is. “I’m not afraid of failing. It’s just that I don’t know how to turn myself into the wind.” Santiago isn’t afraid of death, he doesn’t let fear drive or motivate him. When he is able to concentrate then he can communicate with the “soul of the world”. This proves that Santiago courage lets him concentrate on the omens and not let fear distract him. He can only get so far with courage, but to go all they way he must have wisdom.

Santiago’s wisdom leads him to read omens, see deep into men’s hearts, and reach his own destiny. Evidence shows this because he is wise enough to read and recognize omens. This benefits him because he is able to read the flight of hawks. Thus knowing the oasis is in danger. As Santiago warns them, Fatima is saved and The Alchemist sees he is capable of achieving his distant daydreams. Santiago will be able benefit and learn from the Alchemist because he is wise enough to understand and interpret his messages. Such as when the Alchemist tells Santiago that life is attracted to other life, he is wise enough to know that he should let the horse find life. A passage that truly shows his own magnificent wisdom and spirituality is, “The boy reached through to the soul of the world, and saw that it was a part of the soul of God. And he saw that the Soul of God was his own soul.” Santiago has realized that it is he who performs miracles, and has discovered the secret to Alchemy. At this point in the story he knows the language of the world and is able to carry out god’s work, not just achieving his own destiny but helping others achieve their own destinies. This is saying something about Santiago.

Santiago was lead to his own final and immeasurable destiny, but realized it was actually where he started. Santiago incredibly reached his beneficial peak of his existence, from himself. Not from his weaknesses but his strengths. His passion took him unto Fatima. She took his hand and lit the way unto the starry depths of his own mind, letting him find himself, and the way to his chosen destiny. Courage magnificently marched across guiding Santiago and changing him, from a young boy lost in his dreams to a brave man concentrating on the soul of the world. His immense knowledge and wisdom gave him the ability to communicate with god and help others reach their’ destinies. If you are trying to reach your destiny or accomplish you dreams you can, because the story is saying everyone can perform miracles if you try. All you have to do is try, like the Englishman says. Try and you will succeed.


A character trait that will help me on my way through life, and one that has quite frequently already helped me achieve success, is patience. One of the problems with my life is that I rush into things, not careful to observe or plan before I start on things. I know that every time I detail and work worthwhile on homework and tests, I get a better grade.For instance one time I had to do an art project, I wanted to get it over with. I was the first one in the class to get it done, and when everyone else had finished I had the sloppiest, hastiest work in the class. So I've learnt I need to hold out on things and to plan. So I can't see why this can't be applied to when I am an adult. When I start a career I can use patience to make smart decisions in life. Patience is the key.