The AlchemistThe Alchemist

Paulo CoelhoPaulo Coelho

Background Information Background Information

and Notesand Notes

IntroductionIntroduction

• What is The Alchemist about?– Alchemist video

What is Alchemy?What is Alchemy?

• Alchemy = Chemistry?– Western alchemy lead to the science we now

know as chemistry.

• Alchemy = medicine?– Alchemy studies also led to modern medicinal

cures, especially in herbal cures and Chinese medicine.

What is Alchemy?What is Alchemy?

• Alchemy– An early form of investigating nature– A philosophical and spiritual discipline

•It has been practiced world-round and it’s “science” spans over 2500 years!

Alchemy…Alchemy…

• The root and history of the word comes from Greek meaning to separate and to join together.

• Types of Alchemy– Spygric art – plant alchemy– Transform common metals into

gold.

Philosopher’s Stone andPhilosopher’s Stone andThe Elixir of LifeThe Elixir of Life

• The Elixir of Life – a remedy that would supposedly cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.

• The Philosopher's Stone - a legendary substance that was believed to be the key to both the elixir of life AND transforming metal into gold.

Who is Paulo Coelho?Who is Paulo Coelho?

• Influential contemporary author– 11 books– Translated to 57 languages– 51 million copies published and sold in 150

countries

• "His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people“ wrote The Times in the UK.

ContextContext

• It combines philosophies and faiths of many different cultures and time periods.

• Aims:– Personal truth– Fate and destiny– Personal happiness

•The Alchemist is a story about Santiago, a shepherd.

SettingSetting

• Santiago travels on a journey from

______________ to _____________

Andalusia/Tarifa Spain

Tangier, Morocco

Jerusalem, Israel

What is a fable?What is a fable?

• Fables – Recognizable Characters – Simple settings – Often give animals and parts of nature human

qualities and characteristics.– Emphasize a moral: a truth about human

nature or life.

Preview…Preview…

• Lego Animation of a scene in the story:

• Santiago Meets the Old Man