1. The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho
A Novel Study

2. The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho
“To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation”.
- From The Alchemist

3. Reviews
“This story, timeless and entertaining, exotic yet simple, breaks down the journey we all take to find the most meaningful treasures in our lives into steps that are at once natural and magical” “The Alchemist is a wonderfully simple story of a young shepherd who follows his dreams of treasure and encounters many experiences and people, learning wisdom and life lessons along the way. Paulo Coelho has skillfully woven many bits of truth and wisdom about life into this masterpiece, and it is a true delight to read. Just like it teaches, it is not the destination, but the journey with this book, that counts”. Read more:

4. About the Author
Before the publication of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho (b.1947) worked as a theatre director, playwright, and songwriter for some of Brazil’s most popular singers. In 1986 he walked the Road to Santiago, an ancient Spanish pilgrimage. He wrote The Alchemist after undergoing his own spiritual journey. When The Alchemist was published in 1988, it was an instant international bestseller. Paulo Coelho became one of the most widely read contemporary authors.
Coelho is not only an internationally acclaimed author, but is also an outspoken activist for peace and social justice. He is a Messenger of Peace for the UN, an Ambassador to the European Union for Intercultural Dialogue, a Member of the Board of the Shimon Peres Institute for Peace, a UNESCO Special Counsellor for “Intercultural Dialogues and Spiritual Convergences," and a Board Member of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. He is also a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, the highest honour for a Brazilian author, and is one of the best-known authors to actively support the free distribution of his work.

5. The Alchemist
It is important to remember that The Alchemist is a fable (a short, moral story, often using animals, legends, or myths to make a point). Like most fables, The Alchemist has a theme/moral that reflects a universal truth concerning life and human experience. The story of the main character in The Alchemist is referred to as an allegory (a story in which people, objects or events have a hidden meaning). As you read watch for characters, places, names, objects and events that will have symbolic meaning.

6. Class work for The Alchemist
Vocabulary
Short/ Long Answer Questions
Small-Group Discussion
Whole-Class Discussion
Novel Test
Group Novel Presentation