The Alchemist (Coelho) Lesson Plan

At one point in the story, the leader of the caravan calls a meeting and tells the travelers that the war may last a very long time. He explains why this particular war may be longer than others. What does he say and what do his words mean?

He says that rather than being a war of good and evil, it is a war seeking a balance of power. He explains that because this is the case, Allah is on both sides, making it a very long and unpredictable fight. It will not be settled until power is balanced. The reader can infer that this may mean there will be no "winner." It is a struggle to come into balance, rather than dominance.

In pondering love, Santiago grapples with the...