The Alchemist (Coelho)

The Alchemist – Study Guide

2. What is the significance of Santiago becoming a shepherd rather than a priest, as his parents had hoped? Why did

he make the choice to leave the seminary at the age of sixteen after learning to read and write? What does being a

shepherd allow him to do?

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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Santiago prefers to learn about the world to learning about religion and the sins of man. He desires knowledge of the world and nature, to travel. As he sees it, being a shepherd is one way to "see."

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The Alchemist

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