Importance of Love In Santiago's Journey Compared My Journey

Rachel Igoe

Mr. George

English Honors

5 January 2011

The Importance of Love in Santiago’s Journey Compared to my Journey

            In the novel, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the main character Santiago grasps the meaning of true love at the end of his journey. True love is a reoccurring theme throughout The Alchemist. Santiago engages with two different women that exemplify the disparity between love and true love. Santiago’s first encounter with love proves to be just a spiritual attraction with the merchant’s daughter. He realized that this kind of love kept him from pursuing his Personal Legend, which is why he is able to forget about her so easily. He meets his true love when he arrives at the oasis and converses with Fatima. She is willing to wait forever for Santiago to accomplish his Personal Legend, which signifies how she is part of Santiago’s fate. The primary difference between true love and love is that true love does not stop an individual from pursuing their dreams and accomplishing their goals, which is how Santiago’s journey relates to my journey.

            The first time that Santiago experiences love is in the beginning of the novel with the merchants daughter. He is attracted to her Moorish eyes and raven colored hair. After meeting her, Santiago aspires to stay in one place for the rest of his life and he fantasizes about her for a year until the merchant returns for more wool. “He recognized that he was feeling something he had never experienced before: the desire to live in one place forever” (Coelho 6). His experience with the merchant’s daughter causes him to come to a crossroad where he has to choose between love or his personal legend. Santiago makes his ultimate decision when he utters to himself, “I know other girls in other places” (Coelho 6). He is able to forget about the merchant’s daughter because he does not want to let love interfere with his dream of finding the treasure in the pyramids. The merchant’s daughter is only one of the two girls that Santiago comes across throughout his journey.

            Another woman that Santiago meets when he travels to the oasis is Fatima. Without much conversation Santiago falls in love with her immediately. “At that moment, it seemed to him that time stood still, and the Soul of the World surged within him” (Coelho 92). Santiago feels as if the Soul of the World is speaking directly to him when he first meets Fatima, which is important because he is able to feel whole and happy. Santiago is presented with another decision with which he struggles. At the oasis, Santiago has the girl he loves, the cattle he has always wanted and a well paying job. He has everything he has ever wanted and he must decide whether he wants to continue his journey.

            When Santiago meets The Alchemist he claims that Fatima is the greatest treasure that he has ever won. The alchemist cautions Santiago when he says, “She wasn’t found in the pyramids either” (Coelho 115). The alchemist encourages Santiago to pursue his journey to the pyramids. A major turning point in the novel is when the alchemist tells Santiago, “Love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend. If he abandons that pursuit, It’s because it wasn’t true love” (Coelho 120). The Alchemist refers to the romance with Fatima and he suggests that true love comes with the personal legend and will never stand in the way. Fatima proves this point when she councils Santiago to continue his journey and tells him she will wait for him. Fatima urges him to engage in his dreams when she says, “But if you have to go before then, go on in pursuit of your dream” (Coelho 97). Fatima represents true love because she does not get in the way of Santiago following his dreams. Santiago does not have to choose between love and his Personal Legend, therefore his love with Fatima is true love.

            As a teenager I always made goals for myself whether it was a difficult or simple task. My journey is similar to Santiago’s journey because I also experienced true love along the way. One goal that I desired to attain since middle school was to get into college for lacrosse. One of the most challenging journeys that experienced was choosing a college where I would be happy learning and playing lacrosse. Each college had a lot to offer but one was close to home and the other was a two-hour flight away in North Carolina. My family had a major impact on my decision. I know that they did not want me to go far, but they told me that I should follow my heart. This is similar to Santiago because at a certain point in the novel the alchemist tells Santiago to listen to his heart, “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say” (Coelho 129). Along the way I realized that my family and I shared true love because they never wanted to stop me from my personal journey. This relates to Santiago’s journey because he finds true love when he meets Fatima. She is more of support system because she does not stop him from pursuing his dreams and goals. “You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend” (Coelho 120). My parents represent true love because they never get in the way of my dreams and do not stop me from living life to the fullest. Every day we experience the difference between love and true love whether it is our family, someone we meet or our friends. If someone stops your from chasing your dream than it is not true love.

            In the novel the merchant’s daughter denotes love where as Fatima signifies true love. True love never stops an individual from reaching their goals. If one had to choose between love and their Personal Legend then it is not considered true love. Similar to Santiago I have reached points in my life were I discovered the meaning of true love. 

The Alchemist Quote Analysis

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

22 December 2010

The Alchemist Quote Analysis

            “I have inside me the winds, the deserts, the oceans, the stars and everything created in the universe. We were all made by the same hand, and we have the same soul” (Coelho 146).

            Santiago has learned the ways of the desert through his travels. It signifies how he is always willing to understand more. The desert teaches him how to understand the Language of the World, which is why Santiago says that these elements are inside of him. Santiago recognizes that the elements have their own Personal Legends. In this scene Santiago is communicating with the wind and he asks to be turned into the wind. This is a test that Santiago must face on his own. Throughout the novel the reader is able to see how much Santiago has changed throughout his travels with the Alchemist. Santiago’s treasure that he discovers at the end of the novel is to be apart of a cohesive establishment. He learns the true meaning of the Language of the World and the Soul of the World.

Reaction to Fatima

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

16 December 2010

Reaction to Fatima

“And I am a part of your dream, a part of your Personal, as you call it” (Coelho 97).

            The relationship between Fatima and Santiago is very rushed he goes from talking to her at the well to purposing to her days later. Without even speaking to her he realizes that he is in love with her. Their relationship represents Santiago’s next step in his Personal Legend. Fatima understand that she is apart of his journey after he tells her all of his stories and how he desires to find his treasure. Fatima wants Santiago to continue towards his goal and she no longer wants him to wait for her by the well. She claims that if she is really part of his dream then he will come back for her. Fatima accepts Santiago’s journey and she is willing to wait for him no matter how long he takes. Their love is compared to “the language of the world”, which permits people to communicate with each other. Santiago and Fatima have an understanding where she wants him to pursue his Personal Legend and he assures her that he will come back for her. I believe that Fatima is a wise woman because she is aware of everything that Santiago tells her about the omens and about his dreams.

Quote Analysis Part 2

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

14 December 2010

Quote Analysis Part Two

            “You dream about your sheep and the Pyramids, but you’re different from me, because you want to realize your dreams” (Coelho 55).

            Santiago and The crystal merchant represent the different paths a person might choose in their life. The crystal merchant dreams of accumulating enough money to travel to Mecca, but he ultimately chooses not to go because the thought keeps him motivated each day. He worries that he will live for nothing once he travels to Mecca. Santiago feels fervent to pursue his Personal Legend, which is traveling to the pyramids to search for his treasure. He comes up with new ideas at the crystal shop so that he can make more money, so that he can start his journey sooner. Santiago also figures out how many months it will take him to accumulate the amount of money needed to go on his journey, which shows how eager he is. Santiago wants the crystal merchant to pursue his and helps him make more money but the crystal merchant chooses not too.

Iago As a Villain Essay

Rachel Igoe

Mr. George

English Honors

2 December 2010

Iago As One Of The Greatest Villains In Shakespeare

            A villain is an antagonist who is involved in crime and is able to manipulate the people through words. Of all the characters existing in Shakespeare’s literature Iago is the most villainous. He is considered one of the greatest profligates because he has no valid reasons for the chaos he causes between Othello and Desdemona. Without Iago, Othello’s jealousy would have never weakened his confidence. Iago is indirectly responsible for the deaths of Othello, Desdemona and Roderigo. Every act in Othello contains an evil plot set up by Iago. It is ironic because throughout the play he is known as “Honest Iago”(II.iii.355). The readers are the only spectators that understand Iago’s true feelings.  Each character believes that he is a trustworthy and noble man, but they are unaware of his thoughts and schemes. He uses his supposed loyalty as a wedge to cause Othello’s downfall. Iago is so iniquitous because he takes advantage of people; he lies while making himself look admirable and he is able to manipulate characters through his words and actions.

            One characteristic that Iago exhibits that makes him so malicious is his ability to take advantage of innocent people. Roderigo is one character specifically that Iago is able utilize for his own purposes. Iago is conscious that Roderigo is foolish enough to believe what he is told. In Iago’s soliloquy he says, “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (I.iii.426). By playing on his hopes, Iago is able to make himself a profit while using Roderigo to forward his goals. Iago is quick to recognize the advantages of trust and uses it as a tool for his own aspirations. Roderigo blindly follows Iago and even when he questions he still takes his advice and do what he is commanded. “I have no great devotion to the deed, / And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons” (VI.i.9-10). Although Roderigo does not desire to kill Cassio, Iago gives him a valid incentive, which shows how he takes advantage of him. Iago did not want to be the one to kill Cassio so he thought he could trick Roderigo into doing his job. Taking advantage of a person is a villainous act because a person builds up enough trust to have it eventually betrayed.

            Not only does Iago take advantage of Roderigo he takes advantage of Othello as well. Othello trusts Iago because he believes he is an honest man, hence why he calls him “Honest Iago” (II.iii.355). Although Iago serves Othello and appears to be companions with him he claims that he truly despises him because he was not chosen as his lieutenant. “I have / told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I hate the Moor” (I.iii.407-408). Since Othello is unaware of his hated he easily falls into Iago’s plot because he believes everything that Iago is telling him. Iago even says to Roderigo, “O, Sir, content you. / I follow him to serve my turn upon him. / We cannot all be masters, nor all masters / Cannot be truly followed” (I.i.44-47). He clearly states that he is serving under Othello to take advantage of him. Iago believes that by taking advantage of Othello he will be able to acquire the position as lieutenant. Iago is able to take advantage of each character through his lies.

            Iago can also be considered the most villainous person because he continuously lies, but makes himself look venerable at the same time. By doing this he appears as sincere and reliable to the other characters, but he is truly deceiving.  Iago incessantly lies to Othello about Desdemona having an affair with Cassio. He purposely uses Cassio because he wants to show Othello how noble he is by making Cassio look deficient. It is effortless for Iago to lie to Othello because Othello holds Iago to be a close friend and advisor. One instance where Iago lies to Othello is when he says, “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; / Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure” (III.iii.228-229). As Iago lies to Othello about how Cassio is sleeping with Desdemona, he makes himself appear loyal and concerned for Othello’s well being. Lying is a villainous act that Iago resorts to because it can have unintended consequences and be hurtful when the truth is exposed. By lying Iago is able to manipulate others and have them unknowingly follow is conspiracy.

            Through words and actions Iago is capable of manipulating his own wife, Emilia. Iago uses Emilia as part of his plot. Emilia is has a vital role in Iago’s plan because he has her take Desdemona’s handkerchief so that he can leave it in Cassio’s house. “My wayward husband hath a hundred times / Wooed me to steal it” (III.iii.336-337). Iago consistently convinces his wife to steal Desdemona’s belongings without giving any explanation. Since he manipulates his own wife it portrays how evil he really is because he does not actually care for her he only uses her. Emilia does not even question Iago about the handkerchief she only does what she is told because she does not want to displease him. Emilia is only one of the numerous characters that Iago is able to manipulate.

            Othello is another major character that Iago is able to manipulate. With his words he can make Othello believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio without any concrete proof.  Iago willingly destroys the relationship between Othello and without the slightest feeling of guilt. Iago lures Othello into his plan when he says, “ She did deceive her father, marrying you, / And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, / She loved them most” (III.iii.238-240). Iago’s manipulative words it all what Othello needs to hear to believe that Desdemona is cheating on him. “As to be bold with you, / Not to affect many proposed matches / Of her own clime, complexion, and degree” (III.iii.268-270). Iago tells Othello that Desdemona is not who he thinks she is. Iago persuades Othello into believing the Desdemona is unfaithful, even though she is the most innocent character throughout the play. Iago manipulates Othello with his words because without any ocular evidence Othello is still able to believe him. Iago can be considered as a villain by manipulation because he uses it to benefit himself and he does not have sympathy for who he is hurting.

            Iago’s character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello is one of the greatest villains in literature. His deceit and manipulation of Othello ultimately cause the death of three innocent characters Desdemona, Othello and Roderigo. Iago deceivingly takes advantage of people; he lies while making himself look highly regarded and manipulates people that will bring him closer to his goals. In the end of the play the characters are finally able to realize that “Honest Iago”(II.iii.355) is not as honest as he presented himself to be and he proves himself to be the most villainous character in the play.

Iago Character Analysis

Rachel Igoe

Mr. George

English Honors

1 December 2010

Character Analysis

Outwardly, Iago is a seemingly loyal character but internally he is deceiving and malevolent because of the way he is able to manipulate Othello into believing that his faithful wife, Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.

Iago is able to manipulate each one of the characters in the play, which makes him evil. He seems loyal to Othello because he convinces him that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago is malicious because he has no motivation to start chaos between Desdemona and Othello. His jealousy of Cassio causes him tear apart the relationships of others and he is willing to take revenge on anyone, whether they are good or bad. Iago plays a major part in Desdemona’s death because he planted the thought of her unfaithfulness in Othello’s head. This makes him deceiving and evil because he has no sympathy for causing the death of the most innocent woman. “Work on, My medicine, (work)! Thus credulous fools are / caught, / And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, / All guiltless, meet reproach” (IV.1.54-56). Iago believes that many good and innocent women are punished for the same reasons, which makes him evil because he is planning to hurt one of the purest women in the play.

Iago is as evil as a serpent tempting Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. The serpent is deceitful because he lures Eve into eating the apple off the tree, even though she was specifically told not to. He lies to Eve by telling her the fruit is harmless and when she takes a bite of the apple she is band from the Garden Eden by God. The serpent is similar to Iago because Iago’s lies cause the most guiltless person in the play to die. This is analogous to the serious consequence suffered by Eve.

The villain, Jeffar, in Aladdin relates to Iago because he is he is able to make everyone around him believe he is a trustworthy person; however he only desires to have the thrown and he is able to beguile anyone.

Act 5 Scene 2 Quote Analysis

Rachel Igoe

English Honors

G-Period

23 November 2010

Act 5 Scene 2 Quote Analysis

“Nobody. I myself. Farewell. / Commend me to my kind lord. O, Farewell” (V.ii.152-153)

            Desdemona is conversing with Emilia in this scene before Desdemona is killed. Emilia asks Desdemona who has done this to her and she innocently says that she did it to herself and to give her love to husband. Desdemona is aware that Othello is the one who has attempted to kill her, but she shows how faithful she is by blaming it on herself. Desdemona is a martyr for Othello’s love. She is willing to take the blame and not fight back, although she knows that Othello is wrong about the whole situation.  Throughout the play Desdemona repeatedly says that she would die for Othello’s love and if he wished to kill her she would let him. Desdemona is truly a loyal character because she even saves her husband from getting in trouble by telling Emilia that no one tried to kill her and that she did it to herself. Before she dies she also says that she is dying an innocent women, which makes the reader feel bad for her because she does not deserve to be killed for something she did not pursue.