Kasey Frazier Outside Reading: The Alchemist (Communicating with Nature)

The Alchemist is a novel about a young man named Santiago who goes on a adventure and in the mist of it becomes rich and wise. There is a section in the story where a greater figure tells Santiago he will turn into wind in three days. This is merely impossible to anyone and sounds absolutely ridiculous. In order to fulfill this destiny Santiago has to communicate with the natural forces and close with nature. At this point in the story the setting is in the Sahara Desert, therefore, Santiago has the wind and the sun to work with. A few days pass (three days) and Santiago communicates with the sun and wind to create a giant sandstorm. When the storm was at its peak Santiago disappeared and reappeared on the other side of the desert. Santiago did the unimaginable and accomplished something no one else will ever do just by communicating with nature.

 

This shows how strong the powers of communication with a setting will show. Although this novel is very symbolic I interpret that section of the book as communication is the focus point. In order to get in touch with yourself or others the source is nature and one has to be willing to be vulnerable to the Earth to receive what it wants.