Paper Doors Lead to the Past

Adventure

Adventure hammers on your door,
Enveloped in a cloak of uncertainty,
Dragging you away to an alien land

In The Alchemist, adventure is an underlying theme that the author, Paulo Coelho has displayed throughout the book. Coelho shows that adventure is unexpected, and puts you in alien situations that are often difficult to overcome. However, in the end you will appreciate all the hardships you have experienced because they help you to grow and mature. He shows that what’s waiting at the end isn’t as relevant as the journey itself. This idea transcends throughout time and all cultures. All religions have legends of adventure which teach that effort and persistent are rewarded. There are also many real accounts of how adventure has been beneficial. These tales are evident, from centuries ago, to this day. In The Alchemist, the protagonist, Santiago, is traveling in pursuit of his destiny. Through the extent of his quest, he matures from an ignorant, carefree shepherd boy to a wise, determined alchemist who can serve as god’s vessel. Without the journey, Santiago would not have been able to transform into what he is today. Coelho has shown, as many have before him, that the adventure is more significant than what lies at the end. It’s not about what’s waiting on the other side… It’s the climb.