The Alchemist

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.

Regarding the crystal merchant’s decision to allow Santiago to sell tea at the crystal shop, the narrator says, “Sometimes, there’s just no way to hold back the river.” This line relates most clearly to which thematic idea?

• the ordinary versus the extraordinary

• symbolism in nature

• belief in --or rejection-- the idea of fate

• the hero's journey

Throughout the novel, Santiago’s recurring thoughts of returning to life as a shepherd represent

• the pitfalls we encounter in pursuit of our goals.

• how our subconscious desires become known to us when the time is right.

• Santiago’s ability to pursue multiple paths simultaneously.

• the human tendency to seek the familiar when we are afraid

Santiago reveals that he was supposed to be a ___________ instead of a shephard.

• priest

• Baker

• blacksmith

• gypsy

According to the introduction, which is NOT an obstacle that keeps people from realizing their dream?

• Money

• Love

• Fear

• Impossibilities

Santiago travels with his sheep to get $ for their wool, but what is he really wanting?

• To travel the world

• To see the merchant's daughter

• To find his father's house

• To find more sheep for his flock

What does the Gypsy woman say about dreams?

• Dreams are nothing important

• Dreams always come true

• Dreams are easy to read

• Dreams are difficult to interpret

What is the world's greatest lie?

• We have no control over our fate.

• Earth was created in 7 days.

• Personal Legends are unachievable.

• The desert will make you mad

What is the best way to sum up Santiago's meeting with the boy in Tangier?

• Comical; the boys enjoyed many laughs

• Confusing; the boys did  not understand each other

• Friendly; the boy tried to help Santiago 

• Unlucky; the boy took advantage of Santiago's naivete

Santiago realizes that he has to choose between thinking of himself as a poor victim of a thief or as...

• A boy who is lucky to be alive

• A shepherd with many skills

• An adventurer on a quest for his treasure

• a shepherd who can read and travel