The Alchemist

1.  The personification of the lake in the Prologue establishes a _______ tone for the novel.

• candid
• magical
• humorous
• negative

Santiago’s first memorable desire was to travel. He fulfilled this desire by

• booking a trip to Mecca
• buying a flock of sheep
• accompanying the Englishman on a trip to Egypt
• visiting the merchant's daughter

Santiago's parents wanted him to make a living as

• a goat herder
• a merchant
• a priest
• a shepherd

Santiago is best described as

• a follower
• individualistic
• naive
• selfless

To repay her for interpreting his dream, the old gypsy woman requires Santiago give her

• one tenth of his flock of sheep
• three ancient Spanish gold coins
• one tenth of his treasure, should he find it
• his book and his jacket

Santiago and Melchizedek discuss a baker, Santiago later reflects on the baker, thinking to himself, "That baker..." Based on context, which best completes Santiago's thought?

• ...must be proud of the career choice he has made and the status that comes with it
• ...has found his niche in life; and this is the way of the world
• ...is too complacement in his career choice and will never fulfill his Personal Legend
• ...is a dreamer who made his dream of owning his own business a reality

Upon leaving Santiago, Melchizedek tells him to follow the omens.  As Santiago is about to leave, which of the following omens appears?

• a grasshopper
• an unusual Spanish beetle
• a butterfly
• a parrot

Which quote is most clearly connected to the thematic idea of the pursuit of goals or dreams?

• “There was also the merchant’s daughter, but she wasn’t as important as his flock, because she didn’t depend on him.”
• "The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon
• “The boy promised himself that, when he returned from Egypt, he would buy that sword.”
• “He was feeling sorry for himself, and lamenting the fact that his life could have changed so suddenly and so drastically.”

In Tarifa, a young man in Western dress offers to help Santiago reach the pyramids. What valuable life lesson does Santiago learn from his encounter with this individual?

• Kind people will help you on your journey if you are reaching for your goals.
• Trusting people ensures a strong bond is created between them.
• Sometimes, you must lose something valuable in order to truly appreciate the obstacles in your path.
• Sacrifices must always be made in order to fulfill your dreams.

Becoming dependent on people is shown to be a deterrent to achieving your dreams because

• they will want you to change your dreams to match theirs.
• they will want to come with you, which will only slow your progress.
• they will try to undermine your dreams in favor of pursuing their own.
• what they think of you becomes more important to you than your own dreams are