Always follow your dreams no matter what obstacles are in the way.
The narrative explores the theme of pursuing one's dreams and personal growth using various literary devices such as symbolism and foreshadowing. The sheep represent individuals who do not chase their aspirations, content with mundane routines.
Foreshadows the treasure being at the church when Santiago has his dream of the pyramids and the treasure there.
Alchemy: Symbolizes transforming yourself into something better by following Personal Legends: "It's true that everything has its Personal Legend, but one day that Personal Legend will be realized. So each thing has to transform itself into something better, and to acquire a new Personal Legend"
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Learning the location of the treasure after being beaten and overcoming the obstacle of the goons.
"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is."
Forced to find out how to turn into the wind by looking within himself. If he doesn't he will be killed by the tribe.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadows him giving up everything: "Because you are trying to realize your Personal Legend. And you are at the point where you're about to give it all up."
Conflict
Santiago vs. Man
Stopped by tribe and forced to give away all his money
Robbed at the port in Tangier losing all his money. Leads him to the Crystal Merchant
Despite the many obstacles, he learns from these experiences and these obstacles lead him to the treasure in the end.
Robbed and beaten at the pyramids for money
Santiago vs. Self
Choosing between keeping sheep or selling them and moving on with his journey
Becomes unconfident and does not want to continue his journey after losing sheep and money: "I'm going to hate those who have found their treasure because
I never found mine. And I'm going to hold on to what little I have, because I'm too insignificant to
conquer the world".
Leaving Fatima or staying
Santiago's Sheep: Symbolizes those who don't follow their dreams "The only things that concerned the sheep were food and water... Yes, their days were all the same, with the seemingly endless hours between sunrise and dusk; and they had never read a book in their young lives,
and didn't understand when the boy told them about the sights of the cities."
Literary Devices
Symbolism
Dreams: Literal Dreams that occur while sleeping symbolize Personal Legends and aspirations:"
Then,at the Egyptian pyramids... the child said to me, If you come here, you will find a hidden treasure.' And, just as she was about to show me the exact location, I woke up. Both times."
Always follow your dreams no matter what obstacles are in the way.
Style
Ideas
Personal Legends/Destiny
To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things
are one."
Those who don't follow their Personal Legends become unhappy: "Because it's the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That's what helps me face these days that are all the same, these mute crystals on the shelves, and lunch and dinner at that same horrible cafe. I'm afraid that if my dream is realized, I'll have no reason to go on living.
"
"The closer one gets to realizing his Personal Legend, the more that Personal Legend becomes his true reason for being, thought the boy."
