Jun 16, 2011 08:10 AM
8987 Views
Exodus of human being in search of …. What not
Let us skip back to the evolutionary trail of our forefathers. What were they relying on? Did they follow their instinct or they want to explore further? The saga of human race is all about a species twitchy enough to explore further in a unique manner.
Snippet of plot
Alchemist is all about a mystical but yet simplistic manner in which these primordial way of exploration / self discovery was narrated through protagonist, Santiago.
It is as simple as Aesop’s fable of treasure hunt. Santiago opted to pursue his dream and opted the profession of a Shepherd by virtue of which he can roam around. Sheep and books are his company. His dad warned him “travel the world until you see that our castle is the greatest and our women the most beautiful”
This could be the first every hindrance that came to obstruct his path – gentle warning from dad which he overcame without much effort. What next? Temptation to settle down and lead a happy family life with a beautiful girl! It was hard to overcome the temptation but yet he decided to overcome the same and finally he was stuck and was looking out for help.
Well – many came to offer help in their own unique manner. He was skeptic to take them for granted. Slowly he learned the art of decoding the language of nature, symbols which need to be follow and to break from the fang of idleness, bewilderment and fearlessly follow his voyage with focus.
And there he got the biggest learning (might be one of the most frequently used quote from the book) – “when you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true”. But, this “wish” is not the frivolous yearning for having a cup of tea and forgetting the same. It is all about completely surrendering yourself to your trust, pursue for the same, getting closer to the rhythm of nature and making it happen. Rhonda Byrne who popularized the “Law of Attraction” expounded this philosophy in a syrupy manner in her super hit book “The Secret”.
The boy who went in search of treasure near Egyptian Pyramid was guided by The Alchemist and he was closer to realize his dreams. He had lost his fortunes a couple of times. Finally – a big surprise was awaiting him! What’s that? I am not going to reveal it here for the sake of those who ever wish to read the book sooner or later.
Dwelling further
Alchemy is considered to be a pseudo science and often mimicked as the futile attempt of a group of harried horde of ravenous people who dreamt of converting metal into gold. Even thought purpose was different, their attempts gave birth to a new science – “Chemistry”.
Santiago crosses his home land Spain and reaches Africa, continued his trail across Tangiers in search of treasure near Egyptian Pyramids. He tried to decode the recurring dream with the help of many – A wise old man who introduced himself as King of Salem (Melchizedek), an English man who is in search of alchemist and finally alchemist himself. Alchemist is being presented as the embodiment of someone who worked with devotion and focus to achieve his end.
Santiago’s exploration is having the charm of a western movie or a parable in Arabian Nights. Each and every step was progressing in a focused manner to achieve the final target. In this tryst, he learned to interpret the rhythm of nature, language of wind and got the self realization that he is a part of the larger world.
There are many interpretations of The Alchemist, but I could find a striking resemblance depicted in ancient Indian Scriptures. What you search for around the world is contained very well within you. But that shall not make you sit idle and you should pursue your path (In Bhagawad Gita, described as the path of Karma Yogi). While you pursue your path in the righteous manner, with focus and devotion – you will attain salvation / self realization.
Popular Interpretation
In modern age, what seems to be more appealing is an alternate interpretation. Someone wanted to reach somewhere and if he follows that particular path, he will end up in getting the same. Coelho presented the story in a simple manner – A person in search of materialistic pursuit and guided by this impulse is slowly and steadily achieving this end.
Coelho remarked in one of the interviews that he wrote this book as a result of a divine experience he had in a pilgrim centre. It is hard to believe that his narration is devoid of symbols and was meant to provide certain management tips.
Final Words
Around 160 pages and originally written in Portugese language (Coelho is a Brazilian Author), this book could be the most widely translated fiction work. Some may read it as an account of exploration, some make read it as an inspirational anthem (believe it or not, I have seen many corporate giants, carrying a copy) and a few may go a couple of steps further to decode it as per their taste.
In a nut shell – Alchemist has got something for wider audience. It is hard for me to label this as a classic but it is a successful literary work on various counts.
