What did the alchemist give Santiago before visited to payarmid? What was the significance of this gift.
The Alchemist gives Santiago one-fourth of a round disk of gold, which he made from his Elixir of Life and the Philosopher's Stone. The gold is significant because when it is taken, Santiago believes he has lost everything. When the refugee shares his dream, however, Santiago remembers what the Alchemist said about gold.... that gold is seen as a symbol of conflict. The Alchemist also told Santiago that anyone who interferes with the destiny of another will never attain his own destiny. The refugee's dream is similar to, yet the opposite of Santiago's, and what Santaigo saw as interference in his own destiny will only interfere with the refugee's. Without intending to, the refugee's theft of Santaigo's gold serves to fill Santiago with the hope and energy he needs to go on.
