3. One of the themes I believe that define the book are that you need to follow your heart and be not afraid of where it leads you. Some evidence that supports the idea is when Santiago is traveling through the desert with the alchemist and Santiago asks the alchemist why we listen to our hearts and he said “Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you’ll find your treasure.” (Page 128) I think this speaks out to all of us because we all have some uppermost desires that left unfulfilled because we are afraid of the risks that we have to take. The alchemist recognizes it too, when Santiago complains about being afraid to go on the alchemist insists that he keeps going on because that is what his heart wants. He then tells Santiago “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say. That way, you’ll never have to fear an unanticipated blow.” (Page 129) The book really emphasizes the point that following your heart is something important, and that there is no way you can accomplish anything if you didn’t.

4. The book is an allegory because all the events and people are described way too loosely to be considered an actual story. It was written in such a way that you just know that it has deeper levels than just one. In turn under those deeper levels, every little thing on the surface is a metaphor or in figurative sense. I think that Paulo Coelho wanted the overall message of the story to be that you should never give up what you want to do in life, your hopes and dreams. Santiago’s story is described and followed only loosely, meaning that it leaves much up to imagination and the reader to ponder about.

1. "Pan's Labyrinth" is a story about a young girl who discovers her true identity and her place in the world. She finds out where she fits in and pursues it. "The Alchemist" is a story of similar plotlines about a boy who pursues FOR his identity and his place in the world. These two stories share several similarities and differences as well. '

"Pan's Labyrinth" connects to "The Alchemist" because they're both about someone who's lost in the world trying to find their way in. The little girl in "Pan's Labyrinth" risks her life to find the reward she was meant to receive. As in "The Alchemist" the boy doesn't risk his life, but risks the stability of his life style and goes wandering aimlessly through the desert to find the reward he was meant to receive. Other differences include the subtle hint of myths and legends as well as lessons and prophecies.

Differences between "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Alchemist" include the fact that the little girl knew what she was looking for and where to find it while the boy didn't know what he was looking for or where he would find it. The girl had someone who gave her answers and led her to go on in chosen paths while the boy went forth on his own and was forced to learn his own way through everything. Also, in the end, the girl gets what she wants but has to give up her life while the boy just had exactly what he ventured out for.

While "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Alchemist" varies in style and plot, it still relates because in the end they both get what was promised to them in the first place. They both go through a series of trials and yet one of them knew what was going on and the other didn't. So I would say that their similarities and differences even each other out.

2. At the end of the story, it saved Santiago's life because when the men tried to take his possessions and asked him what he was doing out in the desert he told them the truth and they didn't believe him because he seemed foolish for believing so completely in what his fate was. It led him back to the treasure because he had to have encountered this man so that he could tell Santiago about the treasure he once gave up.I don't think this is true in people because some people actually do go forth seeking their personal legends, like Santiago. And while there are others like the man that chooses to not seek his personal legend, there are plenty more like Santiago who does.