The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Guided Study Questions

What is strange or unusual about Santiago’s dream?

• It is a recurring dream.

• It involves a treasure.

• It predicts the future.

• It is about a place Santiago has never been.

What do Santiago’s parents plan for him, and how does he change that plan?

• They plan for him to become a priest, but he becomes a shepherd.

• They plan for him to become a doctor, but he becomes a fisherman.

• They plan for him to become a lawyer, but he becomes a writer.

• They plan for him to become a teacher, but he becomes an artist.

8. Santiago meets an old man in the village. What is his name?

• Melchizedek

• Santiago

• The Alchemist

• Fatima

9. What does the old man want in payment for helping Santiago?

• 1/10 of his sheep

• B. A promise to help others

• C. A blessing

• D. A piece of Santiago's treasure

What does the old man take from the breastplate as a gift to Santiago?

• A sword

• A shield

• A pair of stones

• A map

15. Santiago decides to leave his home country of Spain in order to follow his personal legend. Where does he go?

• Egypt

• Africa

• Italy

• France

What happens when Santiago follows his new friend into the marketplace?

• Santiago finds a treasure.

• Santiago gets lost.

• Santiago is robbed.

• Santiago meets an old friend.

18. Santiago's conversation with the candy seller is important because:

• it shows Santiago's ability to communicate without speaking the same language.

• it highlights the cultural differences between Santiago and the candy seller.

• it demonstrates Santiago's interest in learning Arabic.

• it reveals Santiago's frustration with the language barrier.

20. Describe the first interaction between Santiago and the crystal merchant.

• Santiago asks for a job, and the merchant gives him one.

• Santiago buys a crystal from the merchant.

• Santiago and the merchant have a long conversation about life.

• Santiago steals a crystal from the merchant.

Who is the Englishman and what do we learn about him?

• The Englishman is a character in a story, and we learn about his background and actions.

• The Englishman is a historical figure, and we learn about his contributions to society.

• The Englishman is a fictional character, and we learn about his adventures.

• The Englishman is a traveler, and we learn about his journey.