Hearing a tourist complain of thirst after climbing the hill to the crystal shop, Santiago suggests to the crystal merchant that they sell tea and serve it in the crystal, which in turn will help them sell more crystal. Santiago seems to recognize the universal nature of his own life. He uses other characters to bring changes into Montags life. At this point in the novel, he has not yet learned how to live in the moment and value simplicity. In fact, he's quite ordinary. Santiago learns valuable lessons by observing his sheep (and this in itself is one of Coelhos lessonsthat one can become wise merely by observing life). Santiagos thoughts about his sheep, although they strike him as strange, reflect his growing awareness of the impact he has on their lives, and therefore the responsibility he has for them. Throughout the story, Santiago learns from observation and attentiveness, and his sheep are the first symbol of this. He feels he could not have discovered God in the traditional place of the seminary, but he did because he followed his own dream. It is seen that the impact of Don Quixote's idealism on many character's lives, most notably Aldonza's is extremely potent. Complete your free account to request a guide. Santiago compares his experience with the crystal merchant to his own experience with his sheep. (including. for a customized plan. A person might choose a more respectable career over the one they actually want, because they place too much value on how the world sees them, and dont have enough confidence or courage to fulfill their Personal Legends. Melchizedek warns Santiago about promising something he doesnt have, as turning his treasure from a dream into an obligation might keep Santiago from seeking out the treasure in the first place. His hope in an easy solution to his problem is lost. He is ready to give up because he doesnt believe in his recurring dream, and he knows that it is easier to continue the life he already has than to seek a distant treasure with no guarantee of success. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Downstairs, he finds, is not happy with this decision. He wonders if it is better to be like, connects all people. When Santiago first arrives in Morocco, he is robbed and at a loss for how to either continue his quest or to return to his homeland. How about getting full access immediately? You'll also receive an email with the link. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. The way the content is organized. The wise man says that the only advice he can give him is that the secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, but to also never forget the oil in the spoon. Because Santiago had just gotten robbed, he finds this place to work at, and it helps him solves his financial problems, so it fits perfectly into the storyline. Therefore the sheep, in their quiet yet fulfilled lives, symbolize the values of humility, simplicity, and self-actualization. We get the sense that Santiago relishes his freedom, but part of him also wants to settle down and build stronger connections with other people. He seems like a good and supportive father, as he actively assists Santiago in pursuing his dream. Struggling with distance learning? The rest of the story unfolds in reverse, as readers learn more of the details of how and why Santiago is killed. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. 3. He is not a villain, or even an antagonist; he is simply Santiago's foil. Wed love to have you back! This time he does not have, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. 20% Give an example of Santiago's lively approach to business and the crystal merchant's caution. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Her friend displays her to try to make it to soccer practice. Urim and Thummim are another Biblical referencethey are mentioned in the Old Testament as a means of divination or fortune telling, although its never specified what kinds of objects they are, or even if theyre objects at all. for a group? Melchizedek explains the idea of a Personal Legend with an exampleessentially a parable within the parable of the novel itself. Afterward, he realizes he was able to communicate perfectly with the candy maker even though the man spoke only in Arabic. Some changes happen for a reason some can be small changes but on the other hand some changes can be very large., Despite failing to provide concrete evidence from the start of the story, author Alistair Macleod eases into the importance that change can play in ones life. The boy becomes happy in his job, knowing he can return to Spain and buy all the sheep he wants. He argues that business has been good and asks why Santiago wants more. The ticket sellers reaction to Santiago is to dismiss all dreamers who want to travel. Readers learn a lot about the crystal merchant during this exchange with Santiago as the two sit and eat at a local caf. Instant PDF downloads. He then continues to work with the crystal merchant for several months, because the man is a fair employer. At dusk one day, he arrives at an abandoned church. Although he is a good man who is on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% The crystal merchant is not a bad man. During this discussion, he also expresses the idea that dreams have greater importance in a life than realities because dreams give one hope. A key part of the Personal Legend for Coelho is the idea that a child knows itit is something innate that a person is born with. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Analysis. On the other hand, if you look at the difference between Santiago and Jess. After two more months, with the display case in place outside the store having generated an enormous amount of new business, Santiago figures that if he returns home with all the money he has made, he can double his flock in less than a year. The decision to pursue his dream had to be made. With this realization, Santiago turns from negative thinking to positive thinking (and perhaps this is why Melchizedek gave him the stones in the first place). The fortune-tellers clever request for payment reveals her shrewdness, but also her sympathy for Santiago. What does "Maktub" mean? Latest answer posted August 19, 2019 at 11:55:29 AM. He Melchizedek gives Santiago two precious stones from his gold breast plate, Urim and Thummin, and explains they are to be used for guidance when reading omens becomes too difficult. Montag is a fire man, not a fireman who puts fire out rather who works under Captain Beatty to burn books, and houses. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! In the dream, he is in a field with, lead their lives. Some wanted to be a professional athlete, a doctor, or a dentist to show more content You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Not only does the merchant treat him fairly, he also begins to let Santiago make decisions about the business such as building an outdoor display and serving tea in crystal cups. Santiago and the crystal merchant represent the different paths a person may choose in life, with fear and complacency acting as the dividing factors between the courses they select. All things are one, the old man had said. Accessed 2 May 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. The decision to continue with pursuing his dream after he meets the love of his life, Fatima. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% When the crystal merchant finally agrees to risk changing his business, which could affect his lifestyle, his business thrives. Contact us Dont have an account? Santiago spends the night in the church with, has had beforebut he wakes up before the dream has ended. People are forced to change because of different circumstances. Teachers and parents! Santiagos own faith seems ambiguous, although he believes in God and the omens God gives him throughout the novel. He has abandoned his Personal Legend. That is why it is important to accept change and co-operate in case changes happen., An important element of business is change, imagine what could happen if your business stayed exactly the same as the moment that it was established. The merchant is right. After a long silence, Santiago says that he needs extra money to buy some, the merchant, it will take a whole year to earn the money to buy, Santiago that business has improved, and soon Santiago will be able to return to, they should build the display. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1725 titles we cover. Notably, the crystal merchant becomes depressed after his success with Santiago. Santiago. Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, has a dream about finding a treasure in the pyramids of Egypt. Santiago is traveling, as he wishes to do, but the baker is not, even though he has the same desire. In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, what is a Personal Legend. This is why Melchizedek cautions Santiago about using the stonesbecause making his own decisions is so important. Instant downloads of all 1725 LitChart PDFs Refine any search. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. -Graham S. The timeline below shows where the symbol Santiagos sheep appears in, grows up through the open space. When we are younger, we knew somewhat of an idea what we wanted to be whenever we grow up. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. May 2, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Santiago feels that his father partly does this because he himself wished to have the experiences that he is able to grant his sonhis father wants to live vicariously through Santiago. In a sense, it is seen that Don Quixote is able to take a used piece of trash and recycle it into a brand new valuable object, he is able to make something out of nothing. Dont have an account? His desire to resist change becomes stronger than his desire to. Yet he recognizes a kindred spirit in Santiago who likewise seems to have lost his way in the world. $24.99 For instance, Santiago innovates and works hard to better the crystal shop's visibility and appeal, while after thirty years the merchant has stopped trying to improve his business. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Santiago must take a riskand Coelho is clearly challenging his readers to examine themselves and take a similar risk.