Reading Question

What is the purpose of omens in The Alchemist?

I believe that in the Alchemist omens are something that reminds characters that their personal legend is still there waiting for them. For instance Santiago has Urim and Thummim and they fall out of his bag after he is about to leave the crystal shop, reminding him of the king and his personal legend. It also appears that anything can be taken as a good omen or a bad one and it all depends on the person whether their good, bad, or even recognized. This is something that is a bit weird as it could well be that omens still exist and happen all around us and we just choose to not pay attention to them.

Reading Question

On page 24, the king of Salem tells Santiago, "When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it." Do you believe that this is true? Why or why not?

I think that what the king had to say was very true in many ways for when the story is placed but is sadly not true nowadays. The story takes place sometime in the 15th century if I were to have to guess and back then anyone could really accomplish anything as that was the time in which people were becoming less segregated into their social classes and could move up or down the social ladder based on skill and devotion instead of who you were born to, so I think the king is right in the fact that in that case if you wanted to do something great then everything would seem to come together perfectly for you to be able to do it. I don't think this is true anymore though as earths sheer mass of people combined with politics and economy have made it so if you want to really do something it takes a lot of work and effort to see it through instead of the world coming together to help you everything and everyone seems to be conspiring against you. This is why we aren't having as many hugely impactful discoveries as was possible in the renaissance.

Reading Question

On page 9, reread the passage that begins, "The only things that concerned the sheep were the food and water," and ends with, "They trust me, and they've forgotten how to rely on their own instincts, because I lead them to nourishment." Do you think that the sheep symbolize something? If so, what?

I belive that the sheep simbolize young children that are concerned only with food and water. Just like young kids, the sheep follow and trust anyone who feeds them and gives them water and the sheep also seem to just sit around and observe their surroundings learning and listening just like a young child does. I also think that the amount that Santiago cares for them and raises them almost like they are his own children makes me think they are supposed to represent a major emotional loss when he has to sell them for boat money.

What do you hope to get out of English Language Arts this year?

This year I hope to read some great books and learn a ton in english class. I have horrible grammar and hate writing but I love reading and have an expanse vocabulary because of that. I typically dislike english class because I usually end up with mean teachers that grade like nazis but I see this year being a year where I look forward to class instead of dreading it and attempting to go to the nurse saying I'm sick.