1. Paulo Coelho Background Information and Notes
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
Background Information
and Notes

2. Introduction
What is The Alchemist about?
Alchemist video

3. What is Alchemy? Alchemy = Chemistry? Alchemy = medicine?
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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. Philosopher’s Stone and The 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.

7. 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.

8. Context
The Alchemist is a story about Santiago, a shepherd.
It combines philosophies and faiths of many different cultures and time periods.
Aims:
Personal truth
Fate and destiny
Personal happiness

9. Setting Santiago travels on a journey from
______________ to _____________
Andalusia/Tarifa Spain
Tangier, Morocco
Jerusalem, Israel

10. 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.

11. Preview… Lego Animation of a scene in the story:
Santiago Meets the Old Man