Literary devices are techniques that are used to enrich literature and allow the readers to connect to what is being read. They help improve our understanding of the story or article to create a more enjoyable experience. Countless devices were used by Coelho in the book The Alchemist, however, the three that gave me the most out of my reading were characters, theme, and symbolism. Without these specific devises, I strongly believe that the story would be dull instead of riveting and enthralling.
Characters, shockingly enough, play a huge role in the plot of any piece of literature. There are many extraordinary characters in the book The Alchemist, and each teach us very important lessons as well as create a powerful and captivating story. My best-loved and believed the most important character in this story is The King of Salem for he is the catalyst to the main goal of the story. The King of Salem appeared to Santiago out of the ordinary in hopes of convincing him to pursue his personal legend, a unique goal that one has always wanted to accomplish. The King of Salem writes, “It’s a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on this earth…And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it” (Coelho, 1993, p.24). In this quote, The King of Salem is explaining to Santiago, who has been having a repeated dream about hidden treasure at the Egyptian pyramids, that this is his own Personal Legend. The King wisely convinces Santiago to pursue his mission by unfolding the meaning of one’s Personal Legend. He was merely a stranger, but with his wise and kind words, he was successful in changing the entire course of Santiago’s life. From here we see that a strong character, like The King of Salem, can have such an impact on the plot of the story.
Theme conveys the truth about what the characters in a story act, think, and feel without writing it straight forward. It keeps the story engaging as well as paints a picture in your mind of the characters’ emotions. Theme, however, may not always be so vivid and may require reading behind the ink. A major theme that screams out repeatedly in The Alchemist is perseverance; determination in accomplishing something, even if it may be difficult and daunting. Numerous times throughout the book, we see Santiago, almost losing his will, but then rising from the ashes and continuing on his mission. The narrator from The Alchemist states, “Although his new world at the moment was just an empty marketplace, he had already seen it when it was teeming with life, and he would never forget it. He remembered the sword. It hurt him a bit to think about it, but he had never seen one like it before. As he mused about these things, he realized that he had to choose between thinking of himself as the poor victim of a thief, and as an adventurer in quest of his treasure” (Coehlo, 1993, p. 45). Santiago, only 16 years old, had just entered a strange country where he could not even speak the language. He managed to make a friend who was able to ease the loneliness Santiago bore. He asked his new friend to direct him to the Egyptian Pyramids and was naive enough to entrust him with all the money he had to his name. The boy got distracted by a magnificent sword in the marketplace when his “friend” ran off with the money leaving Santiago penniless with crushed spirits. He had every reason to just give up and return to being a shepherd which was within his comfort zone. However, he persevered and was able to get up and start again using the little he had left. This is a clear example of how we can see a theme unravel without it being in text. It gives us an enthralling mystery to solve!
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Symbolism is an extremely effective way of gripping readers and provides an opportunity to think and to get inspired. Symbolism attaches meaning to an object or action without saying it outright. Throughout The Alchemist, Coehlo uses symbols multiple times to solidify his beliefs and to crystalize the message he is trying to convey. One symbol that struck me hardest was the oil-filled spoon. “Meanwhile, I want you to do something, said the wise man, handing the boy a teaspoon that held two drops of oil, As you wander around, carry this spoon with you without allowing the oil to spill” (Coelho, 1993, p.34). A shoemaker sent his son to the wisest man in the world to discover the secret to happiness. The young boy traveled for forty days until he finally reached the man’s castle where he then had to wait several hours to be seen. The boy explained the reason for his journey and the man assigned him a task. The boy was given a spoon with a few drops of oil and was asked to wander around the castle without allowing any drops to spill. He roamed around the palace with great concentration on his spoon and when he returned to the man he was asked if he saw the various beauties of the castle. The embarrassed boy was left speechless. He was then asked to do the same but this time to admire the wonderful works of art throughout the castle while still trying to keep the oil in its spoon. Upon return, the boy complimented the man’s extraordinary castle but then he was asked what had happened with the oil in the spoon. This is a great example of symbolism. This symbol’s message is that we must enjoy the marvels of our world but never lose sight of the metaphoric drops of oil.
