The Alchemist (Coelho) Lesson Plan

Describe the response of customers when the crystal shop begins serving tea. Note any unexpected outcomes, irony, or lessons. Examine the way various perspectives between characters and the reader can lead to irony.

When the crystal merchant begins serving tea at the top of the hill, people respond very positively. They are fascinated by the merchant "doing something new in a trade that was so old." They tell stories about what makes the shop so special. The irony is that part of what draws people to the shop is the journey to the top of the hill. Other, more convenient shops try to mimic the service, but people would rather visit the shop which is difficult to reach. A...