How Dreams and Omens Support the Theme of Interconnection Anonymous 10th Grade

The use of omens and dreams in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, significantly develops the theme that everything in the universe is interwoven and interconnected. It is through these events that the main character’s personal destiny is revealed. These omens and dreams, which introduce the topics of Language and Soul of the World, along with their life implications, best support the main theme through three moments in the novel: Santiago’s time as a shepherd when he subconsciously learns about the Language of the World, working for the Crystal Merchant where Santiago learns about his destiny, and meeting the alchemist where Santiago learns about the power within. These occurrences, through the use of omens and dreams, enable the comprehension of Coelho’s theme that everything around us is interconnected.

Originally, while exploring the world as a humble shepherd, Santiago unknowingly discovers the Language of the World through his dreams and omens. This primarily occurs when he begins to understand the sheep’s feelings without speaking their language. This power of intuitive interconnection is demonstrated when Santiago says, “It was as if some mysterious energy bound his life to that of the sheep, with whom he had spent the past...