the alchemist

The notion of a universal language spoken by all creation is an important one in The Alchemist. This language manifests itself in signs presented by nature. Coelho underscores his concept of an all-encompassing unity, tying language (commonly considered a peculiarly human faculty) to the rest of nature. The world is itself a text, full of meanings to be deciphered and taught. Santiago's mother referred to this knowledge as a hunch. Santiago calls it the soul of the world.