A Pursuit of ‘Life’
“It is true life really is generous to those who pursue their destiny, the boy thought” (pg.160) In the Alchemist, Santiago was a shepherd boy who lived in Andalusia, Spain. Santiago’s parents wanted him to be a priest, but Santiago wanted to travel. Santiago had recurring dreams. But before he went to meet an old gypsy woman who interpreted his dream, he didn’t know and think anything about his destiny. Santiago met one of his mentors, Melchizedek and slowly understood about his destiny. Therefore Santiago started his journey to follow the destiny. In the novel, throughout his journey Santiago can be described as determined, a risk taker and a responsible person.
“I can always go back to being a shepherd, the boy thought. I learned how to care for sheep, and I haven’t forgotten how that’s done. But maybe I’ll never have another chance to get to the Pyramids in Egypt.” (pg.61) Santiago is really determined in every decision. Santiago was confused about the route that he was taking. He was worried if he was taking the right way. He wanted to stop the traveling and preferred to go back to Spain when he had earned enough money. He was also thinking that he could go back to Spain and be a shepherd again anytime he wanted. So he continued his journey. There was another time that he wanted to stop, because of Fatima. Fatima was a girl who fell in love with Santiago and Santiago thought Fatima was his destined girl at that time. He wanted to live with Fatima in the oasis, but Fatima persuaded him to keep going. So he never gave up and persevered until he found his destiny.
“What he had to be concerned about was his treasure, and how he was going to go about getting it.” (pg.110) Whenever Santiago found himself in a dilemma; he would choose the more adventurous route as opposed to a safe journey. This shows that Santiago is a risk taker. In the Alchemist, he was an adventurous shepherd boy. A shepherd needs to take care of flock and travel around with the flock. No one knows whether traveling is safe or dangerous. Also when he met Melchizedek, Santiago decided to go to the Pyramid in Egypt. That means Santiago would have to get out of the safe zone, which was familiar to him. Santiago had a curious mind and he was always thinking. He yearned to be free like the wind. Santiago wanted to explore and experience life. He was searching for his destiny. Destiny, which he never quite understood, but he knew that he had to keep wandering.
Santiago left Fatima with a promise that he would come back to her and that shows Santiago is responsible. Santiago fell in love with Fatima and he didn’t want to continue his journey. He just preferred to live with Fatima in the oasis. However, Fatima was a desert woman. She recognized that Santiago needed to keep traveling. Therefore, Santiago promised, he would come back. “I’m coming Fatima”(pg.161). In the end of Alchemist, the book shows, Santiago tried to go back to Fatima. It would be hard to go back, because he took lots of time to reach the oasis and he needed strength to travel a long distance again. But Santiago kept thinking his promise to Fatima. So come what may, he was going to fulfill that promise.
Each person has his/her destiny and Santiago achieved his destiny by sheer determination, an adventurous spirit and being responsible. Santiago traveled to the Pyramids in Egypt and that shows he is a risk-taker, because he got out from a familiar surrounding. Santiago was always challenging himself. Throughout Santiago’s journey no matters how difficult of treacherous his journey seemed, Santiago never gave up and he always kept going. Even when he fell in love during his travels, he didn’t stop. Instead he promised his love, Fatima, that he would be back for her when he completes his journey. So in conclusion, if Santiago had not possessed these characteristics, he would not be able to seek his destiny. Santiago found love, joy and an adventurous. It is true life really is generous to those who pursue their destiny.
