Thursday, 3 November 2016

In "The Alchemist", what is the Universal Language?

In  the overriding trope
of the universality of man's desire--"the soul of the universe"--is the universal
language.

"And when you want something," [the
wise King of Salem] Melchizedek, concludes, "all the universe conspires in helping you to
achieve it." (I)

Throughout his travels, Santiago
learns that there is a force that propels people to pursue their "Personal Legend."
Also, there is a language throughout the world, a language of enthusiasm understood by all
people. This is the language that the crystal merchant understands in Part II. After Santiago
works for him for some time, the merchant, whose business grows in success from Santiago's
ideas, tells the boy:

"I am proud of you....You
brought a new feeling into my crystal shop." (II)


Nevertheless, the irredeemable merchant chooses not to accompany Santiago on his quest
of his Personal Legend (The inherent dream each person holds of accomplishing his/her greatest
desire). But, Santiago is undeterred in his goal, and he continues on his mission, holding onto
the magical stones given to him by Melchizedek, stones that keep hope and desire to pursue his
goal in his heart.

In the end Santiago learns the truth of what Melchizedek
has told him:

". . . when you really want something,
it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe." () 


Unlike the merchant who has chosen the safety of his business and
foregone his pilgrimage to Mecca, Santiago has listened to the words of his heart and travels to
the pyramids. There he digs for treasure only to be assaulted by two men. Interestingly, he is
saved when he stays true to his dream vision because the men think that he is insane. Then,
after one of the men tells Santiago of his dream, Santiago returns home to the churchyard where
the man has said there is a treasure. This is the place of his original dream; it is his
Personal Legend achieved by listening to the universal language. 


 

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