Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist explores themes of self-discovery and spiritual transformation through the journey of Santiago, a shepherd who dreams of finding treasure in Egypt. This analysis delves into the Orientalist perspectives present in the narrative, highlighting how Coelho's portrayal of Eastern characters reinforces stereotypes and cultural dichotomies. The work critiques the Western lens through which the East is often viewed, emphasizing the implications of these depictions on intercultural understanding. Masha’el Al-Sudeary examines the impact of these representations on the broader discourse between Eastern and Western cultures, making this analysis relevant for students and scholars interested in postcolonial studies and literary criticism.

Key Points

  • Analyzes the Orientalist themes in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist
  • Examines the character Santiago's journey and its implications for cultural understanding
  • Critiques the stereotypes of Eastern cultures presented in the narrative
  • Explores the impact of Coelho's work on intercultural dialogue
  • Discusses the significance of self-discovery in the context of Western literature
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The Arab Journal For Arts Vol. 7 No. 2, 2010, pp. 243-258
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The Alchemy of literature: Orientalist Perspectives in Coelho's The
Alchemist
©
Masha’el Al-Sudeary
*
Abstract
Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist presumes to take on the challenging role of
increasing man's knowledge of the world through the spiritual transformation of
individual consciousness and discovery of the self, in as much the same way as 'alchemy'
proposes to transform matter from one state to another. Though this book partly achieves
this goal by teaching important lessons about the self, its message is very much
undermined by the writer's inability to break free from old perceptions and stereotypes of
non-western characters. In propagating this negative image of the Eastern world,
Coelho's book becomes yet another work of literature that engenders the dichotomy of
East versus West, and 'self' versus other that many Orientalists believe is responsible for
the many sensitivities and misunderstandings between the two worlds. In applying
Orientalist perspectives to Coelho's book, it becomes quite clear that his message of non-
conformity and openness to the true language of the world become meaningless in light
of his indiscriminate adherence to archetypical depictions of the East as the inferior
'other'.
More and more mankind will discover that we have to turn to poetry to
interpret life for us, to console us, to sustain us. Without poetry, our science will
appear incomplete; and most of what now passes with us for religion and
philosophy will be replaced by poetry.
1
Throughout the ages literature has had a great impact on the attitudes,
beliefs and value system of people and cultures. As far back as Horace, poetry
has been decreed to be both "dulce et utile," delightful and useful; its sweetness
or pleasure coming from a variety of sources – from the pleasure of the senses to
the relief of a cathartic purging of strong feelings.
2
More important than that is
of course the serious function of instructing the reader. Wellek and Waren
describe this instruction as one where language tends to influence "the attitudes
of the reader, persuades him, and ultimately changes him."
3
The Encyclopedia of
Literature and Criticism gives a comprehensive description of literature "as a
© Copyright 2010 by The Society of Arab Universities Faculties of Arts, All rights reserved
* English Language Department, Princess Nora University, Riyadh, KSA.
Al-Sudeary
244
cultural and moral force in the twentieth century, institutionalized as canons of
books whose textual words were to be emulated, teaching humane and dignified
values, a counter-balance to philistinism."
4
One such text that attempts to enlighten the reader and to transform his
attitudes and perceptions of the world is Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. As its
title implies, this novel proposes to act as a catalyst in the transformation of
matter from one state to another. On a purely physical level, it seems to promise
a conversion of base metals into gold, whereas on a spiritual level it seems to
take on the more daring role of purification of the soul by "eliminating the' base'
material of the self and achieving the gold of enlightenment."
5
As an ancient
science, alchemy devotes itself to the pursuit of knowledge and "understanding
of the self" that is similar to the noble role that literature has as a medium of
knowledge and change.
6
In choosing a title such as "The Alchemist," Coelho
thus takes on the challenging goal of attempting to increase man's knowledge of
the world through the spiritual transformation of individual consciousness and
discovery of the self, what I like to call 'the alchemy of literature.'
The methodology implied in this paper attempts to strip away conventional
perspective and examines how a society is sometimes denied of its true
‘identity.’ The postcolonial reading seeks out that indigenous representation of
the ‘self’ which results from a unique amalgamation of history, culture, language
and tradition. Apart from this, the methodology also focuses on the ‘cultural
hybridity’ that occurs after an attempt to explore the concept of national identity
and to establish it firmly. As Anderson observes, a race or nation may have to go
through a phase of “dispute and debate regardless of the actual inequality and
exploitation that may prevail.”
7
This is exactly what’s taking place when once
again the ‘West’ sets forth to misunderstand and misrepresent the ‘Orient’ in The
Alchemist.
Hence, although this book seems to have touched millions of lives and
established itself as a modern classic, the important lessons that it tries to teach
man about self-discovery, happiness and fulfillment are very much undermined
by Coelho's inability to break free from old perceptions and stereotypes in his
depiction of non-western characters. As such, these stereotypes reinforce the
negative implications associated with non-western cultures and instead of
opening up new vistas and channels of communication between cultures, as
literature should do, it further increases the chasm between the Eastern and
Western worlds. Coelho's message of non-conformity and openness to the true
language of the world becomes meaningless in light of his inability to break free
from stereotypical depictions of the East as the inferior 'other'.
The Alchemy of literature: Orientalist Perspectives in Coelho's The Alchemist
245
Coelho fails in his attempt to use literature to bring barriers down and
inadvertently propagates the dichotomy of East versus West, and 'self' versus
'other' that Edward Said says is accountable for the continued sensitivities
between these two cultures.
8
Coelho's story thus adds to the already large body
of Orientalist literature that continues to denigrate and dehumanize the East for
the purpose of having an effective control over it. Said says that by "setting itself
against the Orient as a sort of surrogate and even underground self," the West
believed that it "gained in strength and identity."
9
As a text that is not limited to a book, but is an act that "follows certain
distinct and intellectually knowable lines," Coelho's story is inevitably rooted in
what Said describes as old concepts and stereotypes of the East manifested in
other works of literature.
10
Edward Said's contention that "Every writer on the
Orient assumes some Oriental precedent, some previous knowledge of the
Orient, to which he refers and on which he relies" applies to Coelho's
relationship with Jorge Louis Borges.
11
Coelho's intrigue and admiration for this
famous Argentinean writer comes out clearly in an interview published in the
weekly Ahram in 2005, where he admits that he owes "a lot to three writers who
changed my own life: Borges, the British poet William Blake and Henry Miller,
who gave me the initial stimulus to write." It then turns out to be no coincidence
that the plot line of Coelho's story is very much similar to a short story written
by Borges called "A Tale of Two Dreamers" published in his Anthology A
Universal History of Infamy in 1933. With Borges as Coelho's mentor, it
becomes quite clear where Coelho's Orientalist attitudes came from. In a similar
fashion, we find that Borges himself was greatly affected by his own translations
of Burton's version of The Arabian Nights. Edna Aizenberg says that Borges
"advocates the Orient at a distance, filtered through the European translations of
Lane and Burton, Waley and Kuhn, with inevitable elements of Orientalism."
12
Burton, more than any other translator of these tales, tended to depict the Orient
as a sensual, immoral, backward place suffering from despotism and inaccuracy.
It is then no longer a mystery where Borges, and eventually Coelho acquired
their distorted picture of the East. Borges' story "A Tale of Two Dreamers”
actually retells the story of "The Ruined Man Who Became Rich Again Through
A Dream" that is found in Burton's translation of The Arabian Nights. It recounts
the story of a man whose fortune changes for the better after following a dream
he had in his sleep which tells him to travel to a foreign land to find his treasure.
After reaching his destination, he is then told that his treasure is to be found back
home.
The similarity in the plot line of the three stories – "The Ruined Man Who
Became Rich Again Through A Dream," "A Tale of Two Dreamers" and The
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FAQs

What are the main themes explored in The Alchemist?
The Alchemist primarily explores themes of self-discovery, destiny, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Santiago, the protagonist, embarks on a journey that symbolizes the quest for personal fulfillment and enlightenment. Throughout his travels, he learns important lessons about listening to his heart and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. The narrative emphasizes that true treasure lies not just in material wealth but in the experiences and wisdom gained along the way.
How does Coelho portray Eastern cultures in The Alchemist?
Coelho's portrayal of Eastern cultures in The Alchemist often relies on stereotypes that depict them as mysterious and exotic. Characters such as the old man in Tangiers and the crystal merchant are presented through a lens that highlights their perceived backwardness and superstition. This representation reinforces a dichotomy between the West and the East, where Western characters like Santiago are shown as superior. Such depictions raise questions about cultural understanding and the impact of Orientalism on literature.
What is the significance of Santiago's journey in The Alchemist?
Santiago's journey is significant as it serves as a metaphor for the quest for personal identity and purpose. His travels from Spain to Egypt symbolize the search for one's 'Personal Legend' and the importance of following one's dreams. Along the way, Santiago encounters various characters who teach him valuable lessons about resilience, love, and the nature of the universe. Ultimately, his journey illustrates that the path to self-discovery is filled with challenges that lead to greater understanding and fulfillment.
What critiques does Masha’el Al-Sudeary offer regarding Coelho's work?
Masha’el Al-Sudeary critiques Coelho's The Alchemist for perpetuating Orientalist stereotypes that misrepresent Eastern cultures. She argues that while the novel aims to promote self-discovery and openness, it simultaneously reinforces negative images of the East as the 'other.' Al-Sudeary highlights the need for a more nuanced portrayal of Eastern characters to foster genuine intercultural dialogue. Her analysis calls for a reevaluation of how Western literature engages with non-Western cultures.
How does The Alchemist address the concept of destiny?
The Alchemist addresses the concept of destiny through Santiago's belief in his 'Personal Legend,' which represents his life's purpose. Throughout the story, Santiago learns that pursuing his dreams is essential to fulfilling his destiny. The narrative suggests that the universe conspires to help those who seek their true path, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith. This exploration of destiny encourages readers to reflect on their own aspirations and the journeys they undertake to achieve them.
What role does symbolism play in The Alchemist?
Symbolism plays a crucial role in The Alchemist, enriching the narrative with deeper meanings. Key symbols include the desert, which represents both challenges and enlightenment, and the treasure, symbolizing personal fulfillment. The journey itself is a symbol of self-discovery, as Santiago learns to interpret the signs from the universe. Coelho uses these symbols to convey complex ideas about life, love, and the interconnectedness of all beings, making the story resonate on multiple levels.

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