Allusions in The Alchemist

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Alchemist

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One who aimed to find the Stone of Knowledge (the Philosopher's Stone), to discover the medium of eternal youth and health, and to discover the transmutation of metals, namely how to transform base metals like lead into gold.

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Andalusia

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The southernmost autonomous community in Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula.

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Bedouins

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A group of people who traditionally live as nomadic pastoralists in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Levant.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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Sycamore

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A massive fruit-bearing tree, its bark consists of patches of color, giving it a camouflage-like appearance. Many people hide from the sun in the shade the sycamore provides, while animals seek refuge in its sometimes hollow trunk.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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Shepherd

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Jesus, Moses, and Joseph are examples. The word "pastor" is a synonym. It is used to figuratively represent God and his followers; the word is mentioned in the Bible over 200 times.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

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Santiago

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When followed by the words "de Compostela," it refers to a famous route throughout Spain with over 1800 religious sites. It is also Spanish for St. James, the patron saint of Spain, one of Jesus' closest friends; he was a traveler. When followed by the last name "Matamoros," it refers to a man who was famous for protecting Spain when the Moors invaded.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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The Moors

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An Islamic group of people from North Africa who conquered Spain.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

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Melchizedek

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Old Testament figure; a spiritual guide. King of Jerusalem, King of Righteousness/Peace, not born of father or son; eternal life; Abraham gave him 1/10th of his wealth after battle. Some believed he was a figure of Jesus before Jesus appeared in human form.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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Salem

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Ancient name for Jerusalem in the Torah (the Old Testament), where Abraham and Melchizedek met. It is considered a holy city in the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish faiths.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.K.5

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1/10th or Tithe

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When Abraham accepted a blessing, he gave 1/10th (tithe) of all his possessions to Melchizedek. It is also a practice in agriculture where 1/10th of produce is set apart as an offering for God or to support the church.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4