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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Englishman build outside of his tent?

2. What does the Alchemist say that people need to master?

3. How many days pass on their traveling together before Santiago asks the Alchemist about teaching?

4. In Part 6, what does Santiago's heart tell him?

5. What does the Alchemist say that the suffering Santiago's heart is experiencing is not as bad as?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Alchemist testing when Santiago encounters him after leaving the chieftain?

2. What does the tribal chief assure Santiago that the tribe always does?

3. Santiago realizes that both he and the Englishman are seeking their destinies. How does their process differ?

4. What does the Alchemist do with all of Santiago's money in Part 6?

5. In Part 5, why does Santiago resist the idea of continuing his journey to the pyramids?

6. Why are all oases considered neutral ground during battles?

7. Why does the tribal chief order the members to carry weapons?

8. What do Santiago and the Alchemist discuss at the beginning of their journey in Part 6?

9. What does the Alchemist say needs to happen in order for them to realize their destiny?

10. What does Santiago learn to accept as he is crossing the desert in Part 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the various themes in this novel and how they relate to each other. Use supporting details from the text throughout your description.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout this novel, the forces of nature figure prominently. Describe, in detail, how the forces of nature are critical components to the story. Be sure to use supporting details from the text.

Essay Topic 3

The Alchemist has told Santiago throughout the book that everything is learned by action. Explain in detail what this means, using supporting details from the text. Then describe a time in your life when you learned by action and how it is similar to Santiago.

(see the answer keys)

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