The Importance of Dreams Anonymous 12th Grade

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho illustrates the utter importance of having a dream and yearning for its achievement. Throughout the novel Coelho tells the prodigious story of a humble young shepherd, named Santiago’s, courageous journey to find his treasure. Santiago leaves his comfortable lifestyle as a shepherd to risk it all in hopes of finding gold in the pyramids. While traveling across Spain into Africa Santiago is confronted by the utmost of difficulties. Upon his arrival to Tarifa, Santiago’s first acquaintance steals all of his money, setting him back eleven months as he had no other option than to work for a glass merchant. Working for the glass merchant was not a total setback, though, as he taught Santiago many important lessons. Eventually, after eleven long months Santiago saved enough money to continue his journey. Yet even after overcoming the thief in Tarifa, Santiago still ran into many obstacles. His second major setback was when Santiago was unsure of whether to leave Fatima. After many days of contemplation, he decides to return to her after finding his treasure. Ultimately, Santiago is challenged by many more setbacks, but never loses hope of finding his dream. Santiago's persistence is not only highlighted...