The Alchemist Test Prep

What is true about thematic statements? 

• It is the same as the subject. 

• It is the idea the author wishes to convey about a subject.

• It is the same as the symbolism of the story. 

• There is only one theme per story. 

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

• "There was also the merchant's daughter, but she wasn't as important as his flock, because she didn't depend on him."

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

• "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."

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?

• the ordinary versus the extraordinary

• symbolism in nature

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

• the hero's journey

One way you could figure out the theme is to…

• skim through the story.

• just read the beginning of the story.

• think about what the character has learned.

• read the ending of the story.

You can often infer the theme of a piece of literature by …

• evaluating how a character has changed.

• sharing a character's experience.

• determining how the conflict has resolved.

• ALL of the above

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?

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

• symbolism in nature

• the pursuit of goals or dreams

• the ordinary versus the extraordinary

Authors generally do not simply state the theme in the story. You must use clues in order to infer their ideas.

• True

• 
  False

What is an allegory?

• A reference to a previous story.

• A motto for the lesson in the story.

• A story that represents a deeper meaning or moral.

• The characters, setting, and plot from another time period

Read the passage.

excerpt from The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

"What's the world's greatest lie?" the boy asked, completely surprised.

"It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie."

"That's never happened to me," the boy said. "They wanted me to be a priest, but I decided to become a shepherd."

Question: Which evidence from the passage best develops the allegory that people should pursue their Personal Legend? 

• The surprising statement from the old man develops the idea that pursuing one's dreams is a lie.

• The boy's experiences and choices develop the idea that one is in control of his or her destiny.

• The mention of the archetype of the shepherd develops the allegory.

• The remark about fate shows that one cannot fight against a force that controls the world.

What is a symbol?

• a sign

• something representing something else

• an object

• characters in a story