The Alchemist

Introduction

INTRODUCTION & TASK

With a partner, you will research Andalusia, Tarifa, and Tangier online to better understand these real locations and explore their purposes as they appear in The Alchemist.  

What do these places look like?  Why might Santiago's hero journey make stops in each of these locations?  What might each of these locations symbolize and why?



You will be using chromebooks in class, so - per usual - are expected to use the technology appropriately.  You may use any appropriate sites online for your research, except for the "easy outs": Wikipedia, encyclopedias, and/or dictionaries.  Cite your source(s).  Have fun exploring!



Click on the PROCESS tab to begin. 

Process

ANDALUSIA

“I left my father, my mother, and the town caste behind.  They have gotten used to my being away, and so have I.  The sheep will get used to my not being there, too, the boy thought … The boy felt jealous of the freedom of the wind, and saw that he could have that same freedom.  There was nothing to hold him back but himself.  The sheep, the merchant’s daughter, and the fields of Andalusia were only steps along the way to his Personal Legend.” (page 28)

Andalusia is the start of Santiago’s journey toward finding his Personal Legend as he leaves his family behind to search for his treasure in the Egyptian Pyramids.  Growing up in Andalusia, he knew the fields where he took his sheep and was familiar with the people.  He decided that it was worth giving up all that to become a shepherd, travel, and seek out his Personal Legend.  



Directions:  Using the internet, research Andalusia.  Include the following information on a separate sheet of paper:

  • What are THREE (3) interesting things you learned about this place?
  • Include a photo of Andalusia (no maps).
  • How has researching Andalusia helped you to better understand Santiago’s home in the novel?



Write in your own words (no copy/paste)!  Be sure to include your source(s)!

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TARIFA

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting, he thought, as he hurried his pace.  He had suddenly remembered that, in Tarifa, there was an old woman who interpreted dreams.”  (page 11)

The town of Tarifa is brought to Santiago’s mind because of his reoccurring dream.  It is in Tarifa that Santiago experiences the “Call to Adventure” for his hero’s journey.  Tarifa is also where Santiago is able to meet the old King Melchizedek (The King of Salem) who tells Santiago about Personal Legends and the Soul of the World.  These words influence Santiago throughout his journey.  



Directions:  Using the internet, research Tarifa.  Include the following information on a separate sheet of paper:

  • What are THREE (3) interesting things you learned about this place?
  • Include a photo of Tarifa (no maps).
  • How has researching Tarifa helped you to better understand the first steps in Santiago’s journey in the novel?



Write in your own words (no copy/paste)!  Be sure to include your source(s)!

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TANGIER

“How strange Africa is, thought the boy.  He was sitting in a bar very much like the other bars he had seen along the narrow streets of Tangier.  Some men were smoking from a gigantic pipe that they passed from one to the other.  In just a few hours, he had seen men walking hand in hand, women with their faces covered, and priests that climbed to the tops of towers and chanted.  – as everyone about him went to their knees and placed their foreheads on the ground.”  (page 34)

Tangier shows Santiago’s first struggles along the road to seeking his treasure.  He misunderstands the angry warnings of a Barkeep and foolishly gets himself robbed by a seemingly friendly Young Man.  It is here that Santiago meets the Candy Seller and the Crystal Merchant who reward his faith in humanity.  Still, Santiago questions himself and his ability to continue on his journey.  



Directions:  Using the internet, research Tangier.  Include the following information on a separate sheet of paper:

  • What are THREE (3) interesting things you learned about this place?
  • Include a photo of Tangier (no maps).
  • How has researching Tangier helped you to better understand Santiago's struggles in the novel?



Write in your own words (no copy/paste)!  Be sure to include your source(s)!