How to Read Literature like a Professor and the Alchemist
Autor: Maryam • November 21, 2017 • 1,037 Words (5 Pages) • 1,248 Views
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Another common bible story referred to is the know story of David and Goliath. David, who was an average man, was able to defeat a giant by believing in himself and using his mind to outthink the giant. This story symbolizes the overcoming of overwhelming odds. Another bible story that also has this same meaning is Jonah and the Whale. While refusing to face a task Jonah in a way was being “eaten” or overwhelmed by his problems. Santiago faces these same feelings when he is taken and beaten up, robbed of everything he has been working for. He pulls through, not giving up, and ending up finding the treasure and discoveries in himself. The king told him, “You are trying to realize your Personal Legend, and you are at a point where you are about to give it all up” (Coelho 23). The king shows the importance of fighting and in some way, the universe will aspire to help you.
Irony is also a very important part to fully understand the novel. The entire plot ends up being ironic to itself in the way that no reader could have guessed. Irony is found in the difference between what is and what should be. Irony can be seen as bitter, humorous, or providential. Most ironic happenings have an unexpected twist in time, places or events. For Santiago, the irony can be found in his journey. It so happens that the treasure was never in Egypt by the pyramids, but actually is found in the tree in his hometown. In the end, readers are left to think if Santiago’s Personal Legend was to find the treasure or if it was to experience the beauty of the world in his travels and the patience and importance of working hard.
How to Read Literature Like A Professor is divided up into sections that deal with how setting, characterization, thematic ideas, to reveal an author's thematic ideas. Taking the knowledge from previous stories and applying and comparing them to books are what Foster focuses on. After understanding Foster’s explanation of common occurrences, readers can find the true meaning of books like The Alchemist.
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