77 pages • 2 hours read
The Alchemist
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
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Introduction
The Alchemist
- Genre: Fiction; allegorical fantasy
- Originally Published: 1988
- Reading Level/Interest: College/Adult
- Structure/Length: 2 parts; approx. 208 pages; approx. 4 hours on audio
- Protagonist and Central Conflict: Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, travels in search of buried treasure and learns important life lessons during his journey.
Paulo Coelho, Author
- Bio: Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1947; currently resides in Switzerland; has worked as an actor, director, and songwriter; member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters since 2002; has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2007
- Other Works: The Pilgrimage (2009); Warrior of the Light (2004)
- Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award; Grinzane Cavour Book Award; United Kingdom’s Nielsen Gold Book Award (2004)
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:
- Dreams and Omens
- Gold, Treasure, and Money
- Fear and Loneliness
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:
- Gain an understanding of allegory as the literary form that structures Coelho’s novel.
- Discuss the historical and biblical allusions incorporated into Coelho’s novel.
- Analyze the importance of historical and biblical figures to character development through the Activity and Discussion Prompts.
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