4. About how long after Santiago builds something for the crystal merchant does Santiago believe it will take him to earn enough money to return home?

5. What demand does the king have if Santiago is serious about learning more about his hidden treasure?

Short Essay Questions

1. How much money has Santiago earned by the time he is ready to leave the crystal merchant's shop?

2. What does Santiago decide in Part 2 is holding him back from reaching his destiny?

3. On what does the crystal merchant need to reflect before he decides?

4. What advice does Santiago's father share with him after Santiago describes his dream to travel and see the world?

5. How does the crystal merchant feel about Santiago leaving?

6. How does Santiago earn money from the crystal merchant?

7. What does Santiago learn to listen to as he travels with the caravan?

8. What does the old man advise Santiago to follow?

9. What does the boy about his own age offer to help Santiago with?

10. What is the outcome of the display case Santiago builds in Part 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing in detail how the concept of full circle applies to this novel. Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one aspect of symbolism from the text and explain it in detail. Include details such as: what is the symbol, what is it a symbol for, why is the symbolism important to the story, etc... Include specific examples from the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Describe what destiny means to you. Include ideas about whether or not you believe it is predetermined or can change and why you feel that way.

(see the answer keys)

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