The Alchemist Book Test

Santiago is best described as

• a follower

• individualistic

• naive

• selfless

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

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

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

Fatima is 

• the kind wife of one of the chieftains.

• a woman that Santiago was in love with in Spain.

• a Bedouin that helps Santiago escape from the oasis.

• the woman Santiago meets at a well and falls in love with.

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?

• 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.

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

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

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

The mysterious word maktub means

• "It is written"

• "Your fate is in your hands"

• "Personal Legend"

• "Listen to your heart"

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 demonstrate that Santiago has fully assimilated into Arab culture.

• to establish contrast between Santiago and the Englishman.

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

• 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 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 human tendency to seek the familiar when we are afraid