The Alchemist (page 1 to 65)

Answer these questions in a place where you’ll be able to submit them at a later date (Word document, PDF…). Some answers will be short – only a sentence or two – and some might be longer.  Aim to be as specific and detailed as possible, but be concise: the aim is not a paragraph per question 🙂
1. Define “Alchemy”.
2. Describe the setting so far.  Given this setting, what predictions could you make in terms of what might happen?
3. Name two kinds of conflicts (character vs. ______) and describe the way they present themselves.
4. What do the drops of oil on the spoon symbolize  or represent?
5. What is the significance of the story about the Wise Man and the secret of happiness?  Do you think it’s possible to “have it all”?  To do both – see the marvels of the world and not “spill the oil”?
6. The boy refers to the sheep “only wanting food and water” over and over – why do you think that is?  Is there any meaning behind this? Who might the sheep represent?
7. Define “omen”,  Have you ever experienced one? If so, tell me about it.
8. On page 43, the boy quotes “I’m like everyone else – I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does”.  What are the advantages and disadvantages to living this way?
9. “When you want something, all the world conspires in helping you achieve it” – do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Explain your answer.
10. Describe the setting featured in pages (46-59) and explain how the setting helps move the plot along. You should be aiming to give detail about time and place.
11. Discuss the power of thoughts in this section of the novel (pages 1-65).