Which quote is most clearly connected to the thematic idea of the pursuit of goals or dreams?

"The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon

“There was also the merchant’s daughter, but she wasn’t as important as his flock, because she didn’t depend on him.”

“The boy promised himself that, when he returned from Egypt, he would buy that sword.”

“He was feeling sorry for himself, and lamenting the fact that his life could have changed so suddenly and so drastically.”

In Tarifa, a young man in Western dress offers to help Santiago reach the pyramids. What valuable life lesson does Santiago learn from his encounter with this individual?

Sometimes, you must lose something valuable in order to truly appreciate the obstacles in your path.

Kind people will help you on your journey if you are reaching for your goals.

Trusting people ensures a strong bond is created between them.

Sacrifices must always be made in order to fulfill your dreams.

Becoming dependent on people is shown to be a deterrent to achieving your dreams because

what they think of you becomes more important to you than your own dreams are

they will want you to change your dreams to match theirs.

they will want to come with you, which will only slow your progress.

they will try to undermine your dreams in favor of pursuing their own.

Regarding the crystal merchant’s decision to allow Santiago to sell tea at the crystal shop, the narrator says, “Sometimes, there’s just no way to hold back the river.” This line relates most clearly to which thematic idea?

belief in --or rejection-- the idea of fate

the ordinary versus the extraordinary

When he first joins the caravan, Santiago is mistaken for a native Arab. Coelho most likely includes this detail for all of the following reasons EXCEPT

to suggest that Santiago is trying to hide his Spanish nationality.

to demonstrate that Santiago has fully assimilated into Arab culture.

to establish contrast between Santiago and the Englishman.

to highlight how much Santiago’s intuitive abilities have developed since his arrival in Africa.

Throughout the novel, Santiago’s recurring thoughts of returning to life as a shepherd represent

the human tendency to seek the familiar when we are afraid

the pitfalls we encounter in pursuit of our goals.

how our subconscious desires become known to us when the time is right.

Santiago’s ability to pursue multiple paths simultaneously.

The detailed imagery used to describe chieftains’ tent at the center of the oasis serves primarily to

reflect Santiago's awe of the chieftains opulence and authority

contrast Arab and Spanish cultural norms

highlight the chieftains' wealth in comparison to the poverty of other residents of the oasis

foreshadow the treasure Santiago will discover

Why does the alchemist say he will not instruct Santiago?

Santiago already knows everything he needs to know

Santiago has become too arrogant to learn

The alchemist does not believe Santiago is capable of alchemy

Santiago must realize his Personal Legend entirely on his own

Fatima's response to Santiago's marriage proposal suggests

she worries Santiago is abandoning his Personal Legend

she is not really to commit to Santiago, a Spaniard

she is already betrothed to someone else at the oasis

she is too surprised to give Santiago an answer

The alchemist's challenge to Santiago, described in question 21 above, is most likely the alchemist's way of

discerning how well Santiago interacts with nature's methods of communication

learning whether Santiago can hunt to survive

taking Santiago away from the safety of the oasis to see if the boy is frightened by the desert

deciding if Santiago will be a suitable travelling partner for a long trip across the desert

All of the following are arguments the alchemist uses to encourage Santiago to continue his pursuit across the desert EXCEPT

"You'll use your knowledge of the welfare of the oasis and its inhabitants"

“Fatima is a woman of the desert. She knows that men have to go away in order to return.”

"You'll walk around, night after night, at the oasis, and Fatima will be unhappy because she'll feel it was she who interrupted your quest."

"Then, sometime during the fourth year, the omens will abandon you, because you've stopped listening to them."

Toward the end of the novel, the wind carries the “sweet, sickly smell of blood.” Coelho most likely includes this detail is to

show the interconnectedness between the wind and the actions of people.

suggest the wind is more adept at carrying foul stenches than pleasant aromas

show Santiago is becoming sensitive to pain and suffering

suggest the alchemist must teach Santiago about the ills of the world

The alchemist says, “...all you have to do is contemplate a single grain of sand, and you will see in it all the marvels of creation.” This line relates most clearly to which thematic idea?

the ordinary versus the extraordinary

belief in--or rejection of--the idea of fate

In the Coptic Church, the alchemist transforms lead into gold, which he divides into four pieces. To whom does he give each piece at this time?

two parts to the monk, one to Santiago, one to himself

two parts to himself; one to Santiago; one to the monk

one part to himself; two to Santiago; one to the monk

one part to himself; one to Santiago; one to the monk; one to the church

The Alchemist Test

English

9th - 12th Grade

CCSS covered

Used 1K+ times

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About

This comprehensive quiz on Paulo Coelho's *The Alchemist* targets high school English students, most appropriately grades 9-12, and demonstrates mastery of literary analysis skills essential for understanding complex thematic works. The questions require students to analyze characterization, identify and interpret literary devices like personification and symbolism, trace thematic development throughout the narrative, and synthesize textual evidence to support interpretations. Students must demonstrate deep comprehension of the novel's central themes including the pursuit of personal dreams, the concept of fate versus free will, the hero's journey, and the tension between the familiar and the extraordinary. The quiz demands higher-order thinking skills as students must not only recall plot details but also analyze the author's use of imagery, symbolism, and character development to convey deeper meanings about self-discovery and spiritual growth. This quiz was created by a classroom teacher who designed it for students studying literature in grades 9-12. The assessment serves multiple instructional purposes, functioning effectively as a comprehensive unit test following completion of the novel, a review tool before final examinations, or a formative assessment to gauge student understanding of key literary concepts. Teachers can use this quiz to evaluate students' ability to analyze character motivation, interpret symbolic elements, and connect textual evidence to broader thematic ideas. The variety of question types—from detail-oriented comprehension to analytical interpretation—makes it suitable for differentiated assessment approaches. This assessment aligns with Common Core standards CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3, as it requires students to determine themes, analyze character development, and examine how complex characters advance the plot and develop themes throughout the text.

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30 questions

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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

1. The personification of the lake in the Prologue establishes a _______ tone for the novel.

candid

magical

humorous

negative

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

Santiago’s first memorable desire was to travel. He fulfilled this desire by

booking a trip to Mecca

buying a flock of sheep

accompanying the Englishman on a trip to Egypt

visiting the merchant's daughter

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

Santiago's parents wanted him to make a living as

a goat herder

a merchant

a priest

a shepherd

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

Santiago is best described as

a follower

individualistic

naive

selfless

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

To repay her for interpreting his dream, the old gypsy woman requires Santiago give her

one tenth of his flock of sheep

three ancient Spanish gold coins

one tenth of his treasure, should he find it

his book and his jacket

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

Santiago and Melchizedek discuss a baker, Santiago later reflects on the baker, thinking to himself, "That baker..." Based on context, which best completes Santiago's thought?

...must be proud of the career choice he has made and the status that comes with it

...has found his niche in life; and this is the way of the world

...is too complacement in his career choice and will never fulfill his Personal Legend

...is a dreamer who made his dream of owning his own business a reality

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

Upon leaving Santiago, Melchizedek tells him to follow the omens. As Santiago is about to leave, which of the following omens appears?

a grasshopper

an unusual Spanish beetle

a butterfly

a parrot

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

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