i
THE INFLUENCE OF THE MINOR CHARACTERS ON SANTIAGO’S MOTIVATION IN REALIZING HIS DREAM
AS SEEN IN PAULO COELHO’STHE ALCHEMIST
A THESIS
Presented as Partial of Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain theSarjana PendidikanDegree
in English Language Education
By
Lia Kristi Ningrum Student Number: 031214105
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA
DEDICATION PAGE
This thesis is dedicated to:
My mother, father, twin brother, soul mate, and
late Grandma ‘Emih’
My Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup of
suffering away from me. Yet, not what I want, but what you want.
(Mark 14: 36)
And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock, and the door will be opened to anyone who knocks.
vii ABSTRACT
Ningrum, Lia Kristi. (2010). The Influence of The Minor Characters on Santiago’s Motivation in Realizing His Dream as Seen in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. Yogyakarta: Faculty of Teachers Training and Education, Department of Language and Arts Education, English Language Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma University.
This study discusses the influence of the minor characters on Santiago’s motivation in realizing his dream in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. This novel tells about Santiago, a shepherd, who has a recurrent dream about treasure in the Pyramids, Egypt. Realizing his calling to travel around the world, Santiago decides to have a journey to find the treasure. During his journey to the Pyramids, Egypt, Santiago meets people who influence his motivation in realizing his dream to find the treasure.
There are two problems formulated in this study. The first problem is how Santiago and the minor characters are described in The Alchemist novel. The second problem is finding out how the minor characters influence Santiago’s motivation in realizing his dream.
In solving the two problems above, the writer applied the psychological approach, theory of character and characterization, Staw’s theory of motivation, and Rotter’s theory of influence. The method of this study was library research. There were two sources used in this study, namely, the primary data, which was
The Alchemist novel itself, and the secondary data taken from the books of psychology, character and characterization, and human motivation.
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in Africa, he believes the crystal merchant easily. The crystal merchant and Santiago share a mutual interaction which influences Santiago’s motivation in realizing his dream. Santiago’s motivation is included to extrinsic one. Fatima, the desert girl, influences Santiago by her beauty and her sincerity. Santiago falls in love with her and decides to stay with her in the oasis. Since Fatima is used to being left, she supports Santiago to continue his journey. They have a mutual interaction, which easily influences Santiago’s motivation. His behaviour shows that he is extrinsically motivated to find the treasure by Fatima. The last person who gives influence toward Santiago’s motivation in realizing his dream is the Alchemist. As a desert man, the Alchemist knows this place a lot. With this skill, he influences Santiago who is a new comer in the desert. His wise advice also encourages Santiago to go on in pursuing his dream. Since the Alchemist is a brave man, he shows his leadership when Santiago loses his motivation. The Alchemist’s mastery in some subjects, like Personal Legend, influences Santiago’s motivation who is hopeless because he always thinks about Fatima. This kind of motivation is associated with extrinsically motivated behaviour.
ix ABSTRAK
Ningrum, Lia Kristi. (2010). The Influence of The Minor Characters on Santiago’s Motivation in Realizing His Dream as Seen in Paulo Coelho’s The Alcthemist. Yogyakarta: Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Kependidikan, Jurusan Bahasa dan Seni, Program Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
Studi ini membahas tentang pengaruh karakter pembantu terhadap motivasi Santiago untuk mewujudkan mimpinya dalam novel The Alchemist oleh Paulo Coelho. Novel ini bercerita tentang Santiago yang seorang gembala. Ia mengalami sebuah mimpi yang sama dalam waktu yang berurutan. Mimpi itu tentang harta karun di Piramida, Mesir. Santiago memutuskan untuk mencari harta karun itu karena ia sendiri sangat suka mengelilingi dunia.
Ada dua permasalahan yang dirumuskan dalam skripsi ini. Pertama ialah bagaimana Santiago dan para karakter pembantu digambarkan dalam novel The Alchemist. Kedua ialah menemukan bagaimana para karakter pembantu mempengaruhi motivasi Santiago dalam mewujudkan impiannya.
Untuk memecahkan dua permasalahan diatas, penulis menerapkan pendekatan psikologi, teori karakter dan penokohan, toeri motivasi oleh Staw, dan teori pengaruh oleh Rotter. Metode yang digunakan dalam skripsi ini adalah sutdi pustaka. Ada dua sumber yang digunakan dalam skripsi ini yaitu data utama yang merupakan novel The Alchemist sendiri, dan data pendukung yang diambil dari beberapa buku mengenai psikoligi, karakter dan penokohan, dan motivasi manusia.
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mungkin mampu pergi ke Piramida di Mesir. Santiago dengan mudah percaya padanya karena ia belum pernah tinggal di Afrika. Hubungan yang saling menguntungkan ini mempengaruhi motivasi Santiago untuk mengejar mimpinya. Dalam jangka waktu tersebut, sang pedagang menunjukkan sifat kempemimpinannya pada Santiago yang kala itu kehilangan kontrol diri akan motivasi. Santiago juga mendapat pengaruh dari sang pedagang kristal lewat nasihat bijaksananya mengenai seorang pemimpi seperti dirinya ketika Santiago memohon restu sebelum meninggalkan toko kristal tersebut. Fatima sang gadis gurun mempengaruhi Santiago lewat kecantikan dan kejujurannya. Santiago yang jatuh hati ada Fatima, memutuskan untuk tetap tinggal di oase bersamanya. Namun Fatima yang terbiasa ditinggalkan, mendukung Santiago agar tetap meneruskan perjalanannya. Dan Santiago pun terpengaruh oleh Fatima. Perilaku Santiago menunjukkan bahwa Fatima memotivasinya dari luar agar ia menemukan harta karun tersebut. Hubungan mutualisme antara Santiago dan Fatima sangat mudah mempengaruhi motivasi Santiago. Orang terakhir yang memberikan pengaruh pada motivasi Santiago ialah sang Alkemis. Sebagai lelaki yang terbiasa hidup di gurun, tentunya ia hafal betul mengenai gurun. Sang Alkemis mempengaruhi Santiago yang merupakan pendatang di padang gurun dengan keahliannya ini. Banyak nasihat bijaksananya juga yang menyemangati Santiago untuk tetap mengejar mimpinya. Sebagai seorang pemberani, sang Alkemis menunjukkan sifat kepemimpinannya pada Santiago yang kehilangan motivasi. Keahlian sang Alkemis dalam beberapa hal, seperti Panggilan Hidup, mempengaruhi motivasi Santiago yang lemah. Motivasi seperti ini erat kaitannya dengan perilaku yang mudah terpengaruh lingkungan.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First, I would like to thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Saviour, for His blessing and guidance to me so I can finish this thesis. I thank Him for always being
beside me in every breath I have. He always gives what I really need at the right time
and in the right place.
My biggest gratitude goes to my parents, my beloved father Wardi Winarno,
and my loving mother Yustina Ismularti. I thank them for their loving, prayer,
patience, and support. I really appreciate their time, their patience, their love, and
everything they have given to me. I thank the biggest trust that they give to me. They
are the reason for me to make the best in my life so I can make them proud of me. I
would also like to thank my twin brother, Thomi Pribadi, for his love, attention, and
trust.
My next gratitude goes to my major sponsor, Drs. Bambang Hendarto Y.,
M.Hum, and my co-sponsor, Christina Lhaksmita Anandari, S.Pd., M.Ed.for their
time, patience, suggestions, and encouragement so I can finally finish my thesis. I also
would like to thank Agustinus Hardi Prasetyo S.Pd, M.A. for supporting and
encouraging me. My special thanks are also addressed to all lecturers of the English
Language Education Study Program. I also thank Henny Herawati, S. Pd, M.Humfor
being my examiner and wiling to give me suggestions to improve my thesis. I thank to
MbakDanik,MbakTari, and the librarians for their assistance during my study.
I would thank God for sending me kind and great friends like Mamik Sundari
who is willing to be a great advisor for me and to share the sweet and sour moments
remember. Maria Fitri Wijayasih, thank for inspiring me to read The Alchemist.
Patricia E. Vanny, Fitrianingsih,Suryo Agung Nugroho, and Agustina Widya for
our friendship.Datu, Ema, Betha, Dono, Uri, Vendi,and all 2003 PBI students.
I thank Arhiza Rizki Fitriantoro, for his sleepless nights to help me finish this
thesis. Aditya Kusuma Putra, Anton Budi, Ricky Kurniawan, Lusia Anggie Eka,
Mia Olivia, Bertha Dwi, Maya Sarifor their prayers, advice and support. I am grateful
to for my lovely family: Si Mbah Putri, Pak Trie, Mamah Yuli, Pak Wardi, Buk Puji, Mamah Tutik, Papah Gio, Mamah Wik, and Papah Roni for everything they have given to me.
My sincere appreciation goes to the big family in My Little World Children
Development Center, Kindergarten, Play Group, and Day Care. Mr. Daniel
Pambudi, Mrs. Wendy Pambudi, Ms. Vita, Ms. Enno, Ms. Dian, Ms. Pinkan, Ms.
Tuti, Ms. Anti, Ms. Yovie, Ms. Rika andthe excellent students, I thank them for the
cute, funny, and memorable ‘angels’ who always cheer up and lighten my days. Then
my special thank goes to my ‘tora’ AD 5639 RJ for our fast and furious days and for
Leofor being my soul mate.
Furthermore, I thank everybody who has been giving me the support in the
process of writing this thesis who I cannot who mention here.
God bless them!
xiii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE OF PAGE ... i
PAGES OF APPROVAL ... ii
STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY ... iv
LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI ... v
DEDICATION PAGE ... vi
ABSRACT ... vii
ABSTRAK... ix
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... xi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ... xiii
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study ... 1
1.2 Objectives of the Study ... 4
1.3 Problem Formulation ... 4
1.4 Benefits of the Study ... 4
1.5 Definition of Terms ... 4
CHAPTER 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Review of Related Theories ... 7
2.1.1 Character ... 7
2.1.1.1 Definitions of Character ... 7
2.1.1.2 Types of Character ... 8
2.1.2 Characterization ... 9
2.1.2.2 Methods of Characterization ... ... 10
2.1.3 Critical Approach ... 11
2.1.4 Human Motivation ... 12
2.1.4.1 The Causes ... 12
2.1.4.2 Kinds of Motivation ... 14
2.1.5 Influence ... 15
2.1.5.1 Person and Person Interaction ... 16
2.1.5.2 The Influence of Person and Person Interaction ... 16
2.2 Theoritical Framework ... 17
CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 Objectives of the Study ... 19
3.2 Approach of the Study ... 20
3.3 Method of the Study ... 21
CHAPTER 4. ANALYSIS 4.1 The Characterization of Santiago ... 22
4.1.1 Intelligent ... 23
4.1.2 Critical ... 26
4.1.3 Religious ... 28
4.1.4 Independent ... 30
4.1.5 Determined ... 31
4.2 The Characterization of the Minor Characters ... 34
4.2.1 Melchizedek ... 34
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4.2.3 Fatima ... 45
4.2.4 The Alchemist ... 49
4.3 The Influence of the Minor Characters on Santiago’s Motivation in Realizing His Dream ... 53
4.3.1 The Influence of the Old Man Known as Melchizedek .... 54
4.3.2 The Influence of the Crystal Merchant ... 61
4.3.3 The Influence of Fatima ... 64
4.3.4 The Influence of th Alchemist ... 67
CHAPTER 5. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS 5.1 Conclusions ... 74
5.2 Suggestions ... 78
5.2.1 Suggestions for the Future Researcher(s)... 78
5.2.2 Suggestions for Teaching Public Speaking I... 79
REFERENCES ... 81
APPENDIXES... 83
Appendix 1 Summary of the Story... 84
Appendix 2 The Biography of the Author ... 87
Appendix 3 Pictures of Paulo Coelho ... 92
Appendix 4 The Syllabus of Public Speaking I (KPE 232) ... 93
Appendix 5 Lesson Plan of Public Speaking I ... 95
Appendix 6 Teaching Materials of Public Speaking I... 98
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of five parts. They are background of the study, objectives
of the study, problem formulation, benefits of the study, and definition of terms.
Background of the study covers reasons of choosing the novel and the topic. The
problem formulation gives general description of the problem that will be analyzed in
this literary study. Objectives of the study mention the aims of the study. Benefits of the
study state the advantages of the study for the readers, English Language Education
students and other researchers. Definition of terms discuss the important terms used in
this study.
1.1 Background of the Study
People want to achieve many things in this life. They have dreams. People
should have motivation to realize their dreams. Different people have different
motivation in life, especially when it concerns with dreams. Some people are motivated
to realize their dreams. Some people may just ignore their dreams and keep them as
dreams for the entire life. When people do an action, there must be a reason why they
do so. There is a reason for example why one decides to leave his family to travel.
Petri (3) states that motivation is the concept we use when we describe the forces
acting on or within an organism to initiate and direct behaviour. The concept of
motivation is used to explain differences in the intensity of behaviour and to indicate
intensity of behaviour and to indicate behaviour direction. More intent behaviour means
the motivation is in a higher level. Thus, one decides to travel and leave his family
2
that motivation includes terms that refer to such diverse states as desire, wishes, plans,
goals, intent, impulses, and purposes. Some of them imply a deliberate and calculated
process involving reason. When people do actions, they must have their own reasons.
Some of them may behave after being influenced by others, but some people may
behave because they really want to do.
As quoted by Weiner in Human Motivation, de Charms classifies people into
two main groups based on their behaviours (254). They are a pawn and an origin. He
says that someone who feels powerless, he will be easily influenced by his environment
and people around. This kind of person is called a pawn. In addition, an origin is a
determined person. His environment does not easily influence this kind of person.
Because he perceives all what he does is by his own choice. Then, this concept is linked
with intrinsically and extrinsically motivated behaviours.
This condition can be portrayed in a literary work, like a novel. Abrams (130)
says that a novel is as a fiction that reflects the reality of human life by presenting
complex characters with their motives, based on their social class and their interaction
with other characters. The readers can learn many subjects by reading a novel such as
the problems, conditions, motivation, struggles, and also efforts of human beings in
realizing dreams. Therefore, literature is believed as a reflection of human life.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of the novels which represented
someone’s motivation. The novel tells a story of a boy who pursues his dream. His
name is Santiago and he is a shepherd. Since he likes to travel and his family cannot
afford him, the only way to travel is to be a shepherd. In the middle of his travelling,
Santiago dreams about treasure. This is the interesting part to discuss because his
motivation in finding the treasure is influenced by people he meets. At first, he decides
disappointed. Then, Santiago meets an old man whose advice encourages him to believe
his dream because this is what actually he wants. He likes to travel a lot and finding the
treasure means travel farther than he used to. Because of this reason, finally he decides
to find the treasure in Egypt.
After he arrives in Egypt, something happens and he has to stay there. There, he
spends a year to work with a crystal merchant before then he decides to find the
treasure. This crystal merchant also influences him because he has a dream like
Santiago but he never tries to achieve it. Santiago’s struggles in finding the treasure
have not finished yet. When he gets closer to what he looks for, he is tempted to have
things that he also wants too by the people in the desert; being the counsellors of the
oasis and stays with the desert woman he loves, Fatima. He loves Fatima and does not
want to leave her. Santiago faces a big dilemma until meets the alchemist. He tells him
everything. The alchemist tells Santiago what if he stays and never finds his treasure.
Hearing and thinking about it makes him sure to reach his dream. Fatima supports him
to find the treasure because she will wait for him.
The things that happen to Santiago are interesting to analyze. His main
motivation is travelling. When he decides to find the treasure, it means he has to travel
farther. Finding the treasure is not easy because many things happen during the travel.
He meets some people, the minor characters, who influence his motivation until he finds
the treasure.
After knowing all those facts, it would be interesting to reveal the influence of
the minor characters in story on Santiago’s motivation. The focuses on this study are
analyzing Santiago’s personalities and the minor characters’ personalities, and also how
4 1.2 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are related to the questions stated in the problem
formulation. The first objective is to find out how Santiago and the minor characters are
portrayed in the novel. The second objective is to find out how the minor characters
influence Santiago’s motivation in pursuit his dream.
1.3 Problem Formulation
There are two problems presented in this study. They are:
1. How are Santiago and the minor characters portrayed in the novel?
2. How do the minor characters influence Santiago’s motivation to realize his
dream?
1.4 Benefits of the Study
This literary study is expected to give some benefits to the readers. First, for the
readers especially the students of English Language Education Program who will study
Paulo Coelho’sThe Alchemist. This study will give them some additional information in
understanding The Alchemist especially in analyzing the main character and how the
minor characters influence his motivation from a psychological point of view.
Second, this study is also useful for those who are interested in literary study.
They can get more understanding about the idea, the characterization, the messages of
the novel, and also the knowledge of motivation fromThe Alchemist.
1.5 Definition of Terms
To avoid misunderstanding and to help the readers understand the important
1.5.1 Character
A character is a person presented a dramatic or narrative work who is interpreted
by the readers as being endowed with the novel and dispositional quality that are
explicit in what they say — the dialogue — and what they do — the action (Abrams
20). Moreover, according to Stanton in An Introduction to Fiction, character refers to
the individuals who appear in the story (17). In this study, the researcher will deal with
Santiago as the major character and other minor characters.
1.5.2 Influence
As citied by Schultz (415), Rotter says that if people perceive themselves as
conscious beings, they are able to influence their experiences. This means our behaviour
is influenced by several factors. In this study, the word influence means advices and
ideas to affect one’s motivation to do something.
1.5.3 Motivation
Petri states motivation as the concept we use when we describe the forces acting
on or within an organism to initiate and direct behaviour (3). Bootzin et. al. say that
motivation can be stimulated either from external condition, which is called incentives
or from internal condition, which is called drives (368).
In this study, the term motivation means the concept we use when we describe
the forces acting on or within an organism to initiate and direct behaviour which are
stimulated from internal and external condition.
1.5.4 Dream
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mental product that can be understood and interpret. He also states that dream is a
disguised attempt at wish fulfilment. It means that the dream touches on wishes or needs
that the individual finds unacceptable and represses from consciousness (173). In this
study, dream means a mental image that comes in one’s sleeping or something that one
7 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter consists of two parts. The first part consists of review of related
theories. They are theory of character, characterization, critical approach, and
psychology.
2.1 Review of Related Theories
In this section, there will be some theories that are relevant and support this
study. The first theory is theory of character that explains about characters in the literary
work. The second theory is theory of characterization. The third theory is theory of
critical approach that contains the approaches that are used in this study. The fourth
theory is theory of motivation from psychology point of view.
2.1.1 Character
2.1.1.1 Definitions of Character
According to Abrams, there are two definitions of character (23). First, a
character is the name of a literary genre; a short, and usually witty; sketch in prose of
distinctive type of person.” Second, he states a character is a person presented in
dramatic or narrative work, who is interpreted by the reader as being endowed with
moral, dispositional, and emotional qualities that are expressed in what they say—the
dialogue—and by what they do—the action.
Stanton also states two interpretations on the meaning of character (17). First,
character refers to the individuals appear in the story. Second, character refers to the
character takes important role in story. He or she appears more often and becomes the
focus during the progress of the story. If he or she fails in convincing dramatizations on
the human issues of the story, then the story will essentially fail. A major character is
almost the same as a round character in term of their complexity in the novel. He or she
presence makes the story more interesting. On the other hand, secondary characters or
minor characters appear more limited. Even though minor characters do not take
important role in the story, their presences influence major characters. They are
generally less complex because they do not play a central role in the story. Minor
characters are used to bring out into the open crucial elements when they interact or
clash with the major characters.
Milligan (195) adds that the major character is the focus of the story. He gets
more attention from the reader because he appears more often than other characters
from the beginning until the end of the story. The minor characters are not too
dominant. They appear in the story only to strengthen the minor character.
2.1.2 Characterization
2.1.2.1 Definitions of Characterization
Characters are very important in a literary work. Since literary works are the life
reflection, many authors take some characters from the reality. In order to make the
story interesting, an author needs to develop certain character’s traits such as the
creation of imaginary persons so that they exist for the readers as lifelike (Holman 81).
A novel is an imaginative work. Many readers may meet with many kinds of
unfamiliar people. And when they read a novel, they will become more familiar with
them. Therefore, the author gives much effort in showing the readers what the
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they do (Blair and Gerber 52). These traits are what we call characters, while the
technique used by the author to make these qualities is known as characterization.
2.1.2.2 Methods of Characterization
Barnet, Burto, and Cain state that there are four points to be considered when we
want to describe some persons in the story or novel (229). They are what the character
says, what the character does, what the other characters say about the character, and
what others do. The first two points are the inner factors and the other points are the
outer factors.
Murphy (161-173) points out nine ways of how an author may reveal the
characters’ personality and traits to the readers. First is personal description. It means
the author describes the characters’ physical appearances directly. Second is character
as seen by others which means the author uses other characters’ opinion to describe. We
can know the main character by understanding other characters’ saying or thought about
him or her. Third is speech. From what a character says the author can give the reader
some clues to his or her character. Fourth is past life which means the author gives a
clue to the character’s past events. It helps the readers in having picture about his past
lives and relating what the character did with his future life.
Fifth is conversation of others. The author gives a clue to a character from the
conversation of other characters and what they say about him describe to the reader
about the character’s personality. Sixth is reaction which means the author lets the
reader recognize the character through his behaviour in various situation and events.
Seventh is direct comment from the author to the character. Eighth is thought. The
author gives his direct knowledge to the readers of what the character is thinking about
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interest in the mythopoeic approach attempt to find particular recurrent patterns of
human thought, which are considered sharing the same universal belief to certain
community mind. Those recurrent patterns are found expressed in ancient myths and
folk rites and are so basic to human through that they have meaning for all men. Last is
the psychological approach. This approach involves effort to locate and demonstrate a
certain recurrent pattern. The theory of human psychology is used in this study as the
references to analyze the character’s behaviour that could be referred to the
psychological as the references of human beings. Through this approach, the character’s
thought and behaviour can be analyzed more profoundly.
Those five approaches have their own values, limitation, strengths, and
weaknesses. The readers may choose the most suitable approach in order to gain better
understanding of literary works because not all approaches are suitable to be applied in
every study.
2.1.4 Human Motivation.
Petri states motivation as the concept we use when we describe the forces acting
on or within an organism to initiate and direct behaviour (3). Bootzin et. al. say that
motivation can be stimulated either from external condition, which is called incentives
or from internal condition, which is called drives (368). Meanwhile, Jung (4) says that
motivation includes terms that refer to such diverse states as desire, wishes, plans, goals,
intents, impulses, and purposes. Some of these states imply a deliberate and calculated
process involving reason.
2.1.4.1 The Causes
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sources. If a person lacks of this needs, he will feel anxious and tense.
The fourth needs are esteem needs which are one-step above belongingness and
love. There are two categories of the esteem needs; self-respect and esteem from other
people. Self-respect from others includes such concept as prestige, recognition,
acceptance, attention, status, reputation, and appreciation. Self-esteem includes such
needs such as desire for confidence, competence, mastery, adequacy, achievement,
independence, and freedom.
Self-actualization needs are on the top level. They are important aspects in
human motivation. Self-actualization needs include concerns not only with one’s selfish
interests but also with issues that affect the well-being of others, and even of all
humanity. Malsow describes that a person with this need tends to show his or her
abilities to others.
2.1.4.2 Kinds of Motivation
According to Huffman, Vernoy and Vernoy (401) there are two forms of
motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation means the desire to perform an
act for its own sake. While extrinsic motivation means the desire to perform an action
because of external rewards or avoidance of punishment.
As cited by Petri (315), Hunt points out that the organisms are still motivated
even though when major needs are absent. Under conditions of low need, organisms
still display exploratory behaviour, curiosity, and manipulative behaviours. In addition,
these behaviours are intrinsically motivated. He says that the concept of intrinsic
motivation suggests that we may often be motivated in a task, not because of some
external reward associated with the task, but because the behaviour itself is rewarding.
pleasure associated with an activity as opposed to the goal toward which the activity is
directed. By contrast, extrinsic motivation emphasizes the external goals toward which
the activity is directed.
These intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are linked with de Charms’ terms;
origin and pawn (Weiner 254). An origin person perceives his behaviour as determined
by his own choice. This is what we call a determined person. On the other side, a pawn
person perceives his behaviour as determined by external forces beyond his control. The
concept of origin is associated with intrinsically motivated behaviour (own forces),
freedom, of movement, and the perception of situations as challenging. Conversely, the
concept of pawn is linked with extrinsically motivated behaviour (induced forces),
restriction of movement, and the perception of situations as threatening.
An experiment by de Charms is as an example (Weiner 254). Children were
given a task of building models. In the origin condition, they proceeded in any manner
they desired. In contrast with the pawn condition, they were told exactly what to do.
And the subsequent questionnaire data revealed that origins enjoyed the task more and
were more interested in continuing the activity than were the pawns.
2.1.5 Influence
As cited by Schultz (415), Rotter says that if people perceive themselves as
conscious beings, they are able to influence their experiences. It means our behaviour is
influenced by several factors. Mischel (530 – 531) states that there is a mutual influence
between persons and conditions. And as human beings, people continuously influence
their environment as well as being affected by them in a mutual interaction.
16
interpersonal context in which it is evoked, maintained, and modified.
2.1.5.1 Person and Person Interaction
Young (164) says that in the contact of human beings, people do not only have
action and reaction, but also interaction. In other words, not only one’s act influences
other persons, but their acts in turn further affect one’s subsequent behaviour.
Meanwhile, Mischel (455) says that people have the ability to control their environment.
He adds explanation in such diverse concepts as “will power,” “mastery,” and
“competence,” and in their psychological opposites “helplessness,” and “hopelessness.”
Therefore, many aspects can be influenced through interpersonal interaction.
2.1.5.2 The Influence of Person and Person Interaction
One’s self-control, responsibility and leadership are some of the aspects that can
be influenced by other person’s act. People believe that they have different self-control
and personal responsibility (Mischel 479). As cited by Mischel (479), Rotter states that
such perceptions involve a dimension of “perceived locus of control.” It is also called
“internal-external control of reinforcement.” Rotter proposes (Schultz 423) the concept
of locus of control in order to explain personality differences in our beliefs toward the
source of our reinforcement. Meanwhile, perceived locus of control means to influence
the specific goal expectancy in any given situation (Weiner 248).
Rotter in Introduction to Personality Third Edition (Mischel 479) defines
internal and external control of reinforcements. Internal control means “the perception
of positive and/or negative events as being a consequence of one’s own actions and
thereby under personal control.” Conversely, external control means “perception of
beyond personal control”. There are two types of control, too (Schultz 423). First is
internal locus of control. People with internal locus of control receive reinforcement
under their own behaviours and attributes. In other words, they are responsible for what
they do; everything that happens in their lives. Second is external locus of control.
Those who have this type of control think that reinforcement is controlled by other
people, fate, or luck. They are convinced that they are powerless with respect to these
outside factors.
Weiner (254) says that Rooter’s differentiation of internal and external locus of
control is similar with de Charms’ origin and pawn. An origin person perceives his
behaviour as determined by his own choice. People with internal locus of control
receive reinforcement under their own behaviours and attributes. Meanwhile, a pawn
person perceives his behaviour as determined by external forces beyond his control.
Thus, people who have external locus of control think that other people, fate, or luck
controls reinforcement. They are convinced that they are powerless with respect to these
outside factors.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
Two problems will be analyzed in this study. First is how Santiago, the main
character, and the minor characters are described in the novel. The second problem is
how the minor characters influence Santiago’s motivation in pursuing of his dream.
Some theories are used in order to analyze these two problems. Those theories will be
explained in this section.
The first theories that are used are character and characterization. These theories
are needed to explore how Santiago and the minor characters are described in The
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
This chapter consists of three sections. They are object of the study, approach of
the study, and method of the study. Object of the study is the novel used in this study.
Approach presents the approaches that are used in analyzing the novel. Method of the
study describes the steps taken in analyzing the novel.
3.1 Object of the Study
The object of the study is a novel entitled The Alchemist, written by Paulo
Coelho. It was published in New York, in 2006, translated by Alan R. Clarke, and
illustrated by Rodica Prato. Harper Torch published this novel. It consists of 195 pages
and is divided in 2 parts. There are also a prologue and an epilogue in the novel. Since
Coelho is a Brazilian,The Alchemist firstly published in Brazil in 1988 with the titleO
Alquimista. This novel has been translated into 63 languages, published in 150
countries, and has appealed to a large reading audience, regardless of their age, cultural
or religious background.
The Alchemist has received several international awards among them: the
Nielsen Gold Book Award 2004 for its outstanding sales in the UK retail market; the
Corine International Award 2002 for the best fiction in Germany; the Golden Book
Award 1995 and 1996 in Yugoslavia; the Super Grinzane Cavour Book Award and
Flaiano International Award 1996 in Italy; the Grand Prix Litteraire of Elle 1995 in
France (SantJordi-Associados). In October 2003, Paulo Coelho also achieved a
Guinness World Record for putting his signature in 53 different editions of The
20 toThe Alchemist.
This novel tells about a shepherd, Santiago, who tries to make his dream come
true. Santiago loves to travel around the world. Some days he dreams about the treasure
in Pyramids, Egypt. This dream interrupts him so because it comes twice and
unfinished. Santiago meets an old man who knows about his dream. He gives him
advice. Then, Santiago decides to leave everything he has to realize his dream. During
his journey to find the treasure, he meets some people who influence his motivation.
Santiago works for a crystal merchant in Egypt almost a year. This crystal merchant
also has a dream like him, but he never tries to realize it. When Santiago is about too
sure to leave his dream, he remembers with what the old man has said to him and the
lesson he learns from the crystal merchant. And he decides to make his dream come
true. Getting closer to the treasure, he faces a big dilemma. He meets Fatima, the desert
woman he loves. His meeting with the alchemist in the desert makes him very sure that
he has to find the treasure. Fatima also supports him. After facing all the troubles,
difficulties, and obstacles of life, Santiago finally finds his treasure.
3.2 Approach of the Study
The approach that is used in the study is the psychological approach proposed by
Rohrberger and Woods, Jr. (6-15). This approach involves effort to locate and
demonstrate a certain recurrent pattern, but from a different body language.
The psychological approach enables the researcher to look deeply into
Santiago’s and the minor characters personalities. Getting better understanding about
the major character’s personality helps the researcher in understanding his motivation;
what kind of motivation he has. The researcher also tries to find out about the minor
the minor characters influence the major character’s motivation can be easily done.
The researcher finds out that the psychological approach is appropriate to
answer the questions in problem formulation. Psychological approach applies the theory
of psychology. In the theory of psychology, there are explanation about human
motivation, its causes, and kinds of human motivation. Since the focus of this study is
human motivation which is included in the theory of psychology, psychological
approach is chosen in this study.
3.3 Method of the Study
Some steps were undertaken in this study. Many supporting sources come from
library. The primary source is the novel The Alchemist and the secondary sources are
several reference books and articles which support this study.
Some methods are used in this study. The first step was reading the novel.
Reading the novel carefully was very important. Understanding the main character’s
actions and reactions, and pointed out the important details helped the researcher to
know his nature personalities and characteristics. The minor characters behaviours and
react to the main character were the focus in this step. In this step, the researcher got
understanding about their personalities and how they influence Santiago’s motivation.
The second step was collecting supporting data and articles related to the topic
of analysis. This is the step when the secondary sources were gained. The researcher
read some books related to psychology theory to support the analysis of motivation.
Then, beginning to analyze the topic discussed on the problem formulation was the third
step. Many supporting sources were used during this step. Finally, after having
completed in this study, making the conclusion based on the answers to the problems
CHAPTER 4
ANALYSIS
This chapter consists of three major parts. The first part concerns
Santiago’s portrayal, as the main character in the story. The second part concerns
the minor characters’ portrayals as portrayed in the story of The Alchemist. The
third part concerns about the influence of the minor characters on Santiago’s
motivation in realizing his dream.
4.1 The Characterization of Santiago
A character is the key in the story. It becomes essential because from a
character’s role in the story, the reader can obtain the messages behind the story.
A character is the person who is life-like presented in a literary work and
interpretable by the readers from his or her dialogues and actions (Abrams 23).
According to Milligan (195), major or main character is the focus of the
story. He appears more often than other characters from the beginning until the
end of the story. In The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Santiago is the major
character. The readers’ attention is focused on him. Since the story is about his
journey to find the treasure in Egypt, he appears from the beginning until the end
of the story.
Forster as quoted by Abrams (24) says that round character is complex in
temperament and motivation and is represented with subtle particularly.
Therefore, he or she is capable of surprising the readers, just like a real person.
Santiago is portrayed as a round character. For example, in the beginning of the
story he is a seminarian who studies theology as well as learns Spanish and Latin
languages. Then, he quits and becomes a shepherd because he likes to travel
around the world. However, after he gets a recurrent dream about treasure in
Egypt, he abandons shepherding and starts travelling to Egypt to find it.
There are nine methods to reveal the personalities and traits of a character
used by the author for the readers (Murphy 161-173). Those are personal
description, character as seen by others, speech, past life, conversation of others,
reactions, direct comment, thought, and mannerism. Some of nine methods are
applied to convey Santiago’s personalities and traits inThe Alchemist. Santiago is
portrayed as:
4.1.1 Intelligent
Santiago is an intelligent person. His schooling at seminary shows this. To
be a seminarian is not an easy thing for a farmer family like Santiago’s except that
he is really smart. At the seminary, Santiago learns Latin, Spanish, and theology.
Unfortunately, he has no interest in learning God and man’s sins. Then he decides
to quit. Santiago interests are more in travelling around the world.
During his time at the seminary, Santiago learns a lot. His experiences
give him benefits. He becomes a good interpreter. When Melchizedek, the King of
Salem, tells him about the story of a person who searches for the secret happiness
(Coelho 31-32), he understands it very well. Santiago does not ask any question,
and so he just keeps silent. Santiago realizes that he has to take care of his
responsibilities while he travels. He reflects it to his life as a shepherd. “The
shepherd said nothing. He had understood the story the old king told him. A
shepherd may like to travel, but he should never
forget about his sheep.” (Coelho 32)
As an intelligent person, Santiago learns fast. When Melchizedek tells him
to pay attention in omens on his way of finding the treasure, he has the skills of
reading the omens. He learns from his experiences in life as a shepherd. Santiago
has careful thoughts and observation in order to learn from his sheep.
The old man had spoken about the signs and omens, and, as the boy was crossing the strait, he had thought about omens. Yes, the old man had known what he was talking about: during the time the boy had spent in the fields of Andalusia, he had become used to learning which path he should take by observing the ground and the sky. He had discovered that the presence of a certain bird meant that a snake was nearby, and that a certain shrub was a sign that there was water in the area. The sheep had taught him that. (Coelho 34-35)
When he arrives at Tangier, Africa, he helps a candy seller to open his
stall. Both of them speak with their own languages but they can understand each
other well. Santiago speaks in Spanish and the candy seller speaks in Arabic
When Santiago meets Fatima, he does not say a word. He feels that life
stands still when he sees into her dark eyes and her lips. He thinks that he does not
need to understand any words because his heart is already known. Love is
something that people cannot explain. It is the Pure Language of the World
(Coelho 93).
His intelligence in understanding omens, then, save many people in the
oasis of a desert from a war. When Santiago walks alone in the desert, he sees two
hawks fly above him. Suddenly one of them flies attack another one. As he
notices their movements, he has a vision, an army is coming, riding to the oasis,
completing with its swords. He sees it as an omen for the oasis where he lives
because there is a war near the oasis (Coelho 99-113).
An intelligent person is a creative person, too. Santiago knows that his
knowledge of omens can improve his life. When he works at a crystal shop, he
makes some improvements, for example by installing a display shelves to attract
customers. He also learns Arabic well while working there, so that he can do the
business in Arabic very well. With his intelligence, Santiago realizes that he can
get back to Spain soon. He plans to buy many sheep and to enlarge his business in
Africa (Coelho 56).
Thus, from his thoughts and actions, it can be concluded that Santiago is
an intelligent person. His action of studying in seminary shows that he is
brilliance. He can speak some languages, can understand advice, and omens
4.1.2 Critical
Santiago is a critical person. He likes to think about something that is
interested or awkward for him. He thinks and draws his conclusion based on what
he sees and observes. As a shepherd, Santiago always pays attention to his flock’s
habit and sometimes he reflects it to his habit.
He arose and, taking up his crook, began to awaken the sheep that still slept. He had noticed that, as soon as he awoke, most of his animals also began to stir. It was as if mysterious energy bound his life to that of the sheep, with whom he had spent the past two years, leading them through the countryside in search of food and water. “They are so used to me that they know my schedule,” he muttered. Thinking for that for a moment, he realized that is could be the other way around: that it was he who had become accustomed to their schedule.. (Coelho 4)
He has been critical since he was a child. He is a young seminarian when
he is sixteen but then he decides to quit. As a child, he wants to know about the
world. In addition, this is much more important than knowing God and learning
about men’s sins
(Coelho 8). This is the reason why he likes travelling.
Santiago also likes to read books. His critical thinking can be seen when
he reads books. He starts to criticize something when he feels annoyed with it.
One day, he feels annoyed with a book in which the characters’ names are
difficult to remember and to pronounce. He thinks that he will not do that if one
day he writes a book. He wants the readers enjoy his book (Coelho 16).
A critical person usually likes to ask many questions when he does not
understand about the things. The old man or Melchizedek talks about the things
that unfamiliar to Santiago when they have a conversation in the market. It raises
“It’s a book that says the same thing almost all the other books in the world say,” continued the old man. “It describes people’s inability to choose their own Personal Legend. And it ends up saying that everyone believes the world’s greatest lie.” “What’s the world’s greatest lie?” the boy asked, completely surprised. “It’s this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.” “That’s never happened to me,” the boy said. “They wanted me to be a priest, but I decided to become a shepherd.” (Coelho 18)
Santiago keeps asking questions when he cannot accept what people think.
Since he is an intelligent person, Santiago is smart of arranging his questions
when he really does not know anything about the topic in the conversation. It can
be seen while he talks to Melchizedek about where Melchizedek comes from and
what he does
(Coelho 18-19).
People say strange things, the boy thought. Sometimes it’s better to be with the sheep, who don’t say anything. And better still to be alone withy one’s books. They tell their incredible stories at the time when you want to hear. But when you’re talking to people, they say some things that are so strange that you don’t know how to continue the conversation. (Coelho 19)
Remembering a story about the baker told by Melchizedek, Santiago
sometime reflects it to his life (Coelho 22-23). Actually, the baker wants to travel
around the world. Santiago thinks that it would be better for the baker if he were a
shepherd like him, so that he can travel around the world. Then Melchizedek
relates what Santiago thinks with what he calls Personal Legend. Again,
Santiago’s curiosity arises his critical thinking. He asks many questions to
Melchizedek for unusual things for him.
Then the story of the baker really interrupts Santiago. He has to decide
thinks that one day he may feel regretted if he does not follow his Personal
Legend as what happens to the baker.
He buys a loaf of bread in the baker’s shop. He plays with his minds about
some possibilities if he tells the baker the story told by Melchizedek. Then his
mind comes into a decision that sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.
He decides to say nothing to the baker (Coelho 25-26).
He uses his critical thinking to reflect with his own life. Santiago thinks
about it then takes lesson from them. He contemplates to what happens towards
him and draws a conclusion from it, just as when he has some doubts about his
decision to travel and to find the treasure. He still cannot understand that making a
decision is only a beginning of things. Then he finds that when a person makes a
decision, he really dives into a strong current which brings him too many places
that he never imagines when he makes his first decision. This is what happens in
his life. He never imagines joining a caravan when he decides to search the
treasure. And where the caravan brings him is still a mystery for him (Coelho 68).
Thus, Santiago’s habit of thinking, asking, and reflecting things show that
he is a critical person. He always shows these habits when he finds something
interesting or awkward for him. He tries to get clear understanding based on
his knowledge so that he can accept what people think about something.
4.1.3 Religious
Santiago is a religious person. In spite of his quitting his study from a
seminary and of becoming a priest, Santiago really believes in God. He has his
God at the seminary. However, he surely believes in God every morning when the
sun rises. “I couldn’t have found God in the seminary, he thought, as he looked at
the sunrise.” (Coelho 10)
Santiago’s religious side can also be seen when he consults to the Gypsy
woman in order to have his dream interpreted. Santiago is afraid to her because he
has heard a bad story about a Gypsy woman from his family. When the Gypsy
woman examines his hand, he feels scared. “But she has the Sacred Heart of Jesus
there, he thought, trying to reassure himself. He didn’t want his hand to begin
trembling. Showing the old woman that he was fearful. He recited an Our Father
silently.” (Coelho 12).
He believes that God has a great power to control this imperfect world. In
addition, he is sure that he has a purpose in his life. For long time, God always
shows him the way to be a good shepherd and now he still believes in it. He
believes that God will help him during his journey by giving some signs to be
seen, listened, and followed. During his life as a shepherd, he finds that God
always helps his flock. And he believes God helps him, too. “If God leads the
sheep so well, he will also lead a man, he thought, and that made him feel better.”
(Coelho 35)
Santiago has to cross the desert in Africa in order to find treasure. He joins
a caravan that heads him to Egypt. His religious trait in God can be seen when a
caravan leader asks the caravan members to swear in the name of God they
believe to obey his order during the journey in the desert. Santiago swears in the
“But I want each and every one of you to swear by the God you believe in that you will follow my order no matter what. In the desert, disobedience means death.” There was a murmur from the crowd. Each was swearing quietly to his or her own God. The boy swore to Jesus Christ. (Coelho 71-72)
From his actions above, it is clear that Santiago is a religious person.
Even he decides to quit from the seminary, it does not mean that he does not
believe in God. Santiago still believes in God and it can be seen from his actions.
4.1.4 Independent
Santiago is an independent person. This characteristic can be seen when he
studies at seminary. By the age of sixteen, he lives in the seminary (Coelho 8). It
means he leaves his parents and lives in the dormitory. A dormitory is surely has
rules for its members. Because of it, Santiago has to take care of himself.
When he decides to be a shepherd, he has to leave his parents farther than
before. He also has to take care of himself and his flock, to lead them to food and
water. Besides, Santiago must look after himself and them from something that
dangerous. Because when he travels with his flock, there will be none available to
protect them.
In two years he had learned everything about shepherding: he knew how to shear sheep, how to care for pregnant ewes, and how to protect the sheep from wolves. He knew all the fields and pastures of Andalusia. And he what was the fair price for every one of his animals. (Coelho 26)
When Melchizedek gives him two stones, the Urim and Thumim, to help
him making a decision, Santiago does not depend on them at all. He tries to solve
his problems and to make his own decision, even though the two stones will help
“Take these,” said the old man, holding out a white stone and a black stone that embedded at the center of the breastplate. “They are called Urim and Thummim. The black signifies ‘yes’ and the white ‘no’. When you are unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always ask an objective question. “But, if you can, try to make your own decision”. The boy put the stones in his pouch. From then on, he would make his own decisions. (Coelho 30)
During his journey to find treasure, Santiago meets people who then
become his friends. However, when he faces problems, he tries to solve by
himself. He does not depend on the people to make a decision. When he gets
closer to his treasure, he decides to find it alone. The Alchemist tells him that it
just takes 3 hours journey. Santiago just says thanks to him without asking any
help (Coelho 153).
From his actions, joining the seminarian and being shepherd, Santiago is
described as an independent person. His decision to be a shepherd shows that he is
free. Even though he can get help from the two stones, he always makes his own
decision. He tries to solve his problems by himself until he finds the treasure.
4.1.5 Determined
Santiago’s father wants him to become a priest. Actually, he does not want
to. What he wants is to travel around the world and he has to tell this to his father.
He has to be brave to tell his father about his decision. In this case, Santiago
shows that he is a determined person. “One afternoon, on his visit to his family, he
had summoned up the courage to tell his father that he didn’t want to become a
Since his family cannot afford his travelling, he decides to be a shepherd.
He argues with his father and expresses his idea with strong arguments. His father
says that people who travel around the world are actually just search for new
things. They are just the same people when they leave their homes and they come
back again. Just as the people in his town. But Santiago persists that he wants to
see those people’s towns and how they live. His father still stands with his
arguments. He says that he cannot afford Santiago if he persists to travel. Their
family does not have enough money. Only shepherd can travel without cost. And
Santiago is willing to be a shepherd to travel. Finally, his father understands his
son’s passion. He lets him to pursue his dream to travel (Coelho 9).
When he has already decided to become a shepherd, he again has to
decide one thing, realizing his dream by searching the treasure or keeping being a
shepherd. Santiago becomes confused on those two choices. He likes travelling a
lot. On the other hand, he is accustomed with his flock. Santiago thinks hard to get
his best decision. He has to choose between his flock or his dream (Coelho 27).
Finally, he is sure about his decision. He wants to make his dream comes true. He
thinks about what he has already left behind when he decides to become a
shepherd. He thinks about his family and his sheep. He is very sure that his family
are accustomed to his being away. They understand that his dream is to travel
around the world. And his sheep will get used to with his absence. They are just
sheep, like other sheep in his town (Coelho 28).
Santiago sticks to what he has decided. It can be seen when he has thought
because he has good experiences about shepherding, but then he ignores his
thought and decides to continue his journey to realize his dream .
He notices that he always wants to come back to his flock because he stays
with them for years. It creates a strong feeling in his life. They become good
friends and understand each other. In contrast, he wants to search his treasure but
he has no idea if he has to go through the desert. The two hours time between him
and the Pyramids does not seem as a big matter. He puts this situation inside-out;
he is two hours closer to his treasure. Even if he cannot find it, he can go back to
his flock anytime he wants because he has enough money. Santiago comes to his
decision that at least he has to try to find his treasure (Coelho 65).
The same thing also happens in the desert when he decides to tell the
chieftain of the oasis about his vision. Santiago sees the hawks flying and attacks
the other. He gets the message and it means that the tribe will attack the oasis. He
decides to tell this to the chieftain. Moreover, he knows that his decision may
involve him into danger. If nothing he says happen in the future, the tribesmen
hang him. However, Santiago states in his mind that he will remain on his
decision to tell everything to the chieftain what he sees.
Walking long in the silence, he had no regrets. If he died tomorrow, it would be because God was not willing to change the future. He would at least have died after having crossed the strait, after having work in the crystal shop, and after having known the silence of the desert and Fatima’s eyes. He had lived every one of his days intensely since he had left home so long ago. If he died tomorrow, he would already have seen more than other shepherds, and he was proud of that. (Coelho 108-109)
From his arguments, thoughts, and actions, it is clear that Santiago is a
say toward his decision does not affect him much. He is determined to continue
his journey finding the treasure.
4.2 The Characterization of The Minor Characters
According to Milligan (195), minor characters appear more limited than
major character. Their function in the story is only to strengthen the major
character. In this study, five minor characters influence Santiago’s motivation to
realize his dream. They are the old man, known as Melchizedek, the crystal
merchant, the English man, the desert woman, named Fatima, and the Alchemist.
According to Murphy, there are nine methods to reveal the personalities
and traits of a character used by the author for the readers (161-173). Those are
personal description, character as seen by others, speech, past life, conversation of
others, reactions, direct comment, thought, and mannerism. Some of nine methods
are also applied in this analysis to convey those minor characters personalities and
traits. Moreover, they are portrayed in the story as follows:
4.2.1 Melchizedek Known as The Old Man
Melchizedek is first known as an old man. The author calls Melchizedek
as an old man very often during the story. In the beginning of the story, the author
calls Melchizedek as an old man many times. The readers can find it when
Melchizedek has a conversation with Santiago at their first meeting (Coelho
16-17). In addition, Santiago is surprised when he knows that Melchizedek is able to
“Hmm…” said the old man, looking at all sides of the book, as if it were strange object. “This is an important book, but it’s really irritating.” The boy was shocked. The old man knew how to read and had already the book. (Coelho 17)
Although Melchizedek is an old man, yet he is an intelligent person. When
Santiago reads a book, Melchizedek gives his opinion about the book. It means he
is able to read and has already read the book. He tells Santiago that the book tells
about Personal Legends (Coelho 18).
Melchizedek’s intelligence also can be seen when he tells Santiago about
the world’s greatest lie. This topic is related with the book that Santiago reads.
“’It’s this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening
to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.’”
(Coelho 18) There are not many people know about this topic. The person who
really understands about world’s greatest lie is only the one who understands the
meaning of life.
As an intelligent person, Melchizedek has many ways to convince
Santiago that his Personal Legend is travelling to find the treasure. Melchizedek
offers him a lesson about the treasure with a fee one-tenth of his flock.
Melchizedek knows that Santiago has to be separated with them to make him
focus with the treasure.
Melchizedek is a king of Salem. Being a king should be an intelligent
person because a king should think about his kingdom and think how to protect
his people.
“And what do you do in Salem?” he insisted.
“What do I do in Salem?” The old man laughed. “Well, I’m king of Salem!”
People say strange things, the boy thought. (Coelho 19)
The author uses the main character’s opinion to describe about how
Melchizedek dresses. He dresses like an Arab. It seems very strange for Santiago
in the first time. Then he realizes that there are many Arabs in the city because
Africa is only two - hour - trip from Tarifa. They can go and come easily (Coelho
18).
Melchizedek knows many things very well, including the things that only
a few people know. He is also able to read what a person thinks in his mind. He
shows this ability when he has a conversation with Santiago about the world’s
greatest lie. It is when people lose control of their own lives, of what happen to
them. And fate starts controlling people’s lives. It reminds Santiago to what
happens in his life when his parents want him to become a priest but he decides to
become a shepherd. Santiago is surprised because the old man knows what he
thinks about (Coelho 18).
Melchizedek shows that he knows many things in people’s lives, in this
case is Santiago’s life. In the first time meeting with him, Santiago never tells
Melchizedek about his family, his experience, or even his secret. However,
Melchizedek knows it all. He writes them down in the sand of the plaza where
they converse. He writes the names of Santiago’s parents, the name of the
seminary he has attended, and the name of the merchant’s daughter. Again,
Santiago is surprised because he himself does not know her name. He tells none
The third time when Melchizedek shows that he is able to read what a
person thinks is when they converse about omens and the treasure that Santiago
wants to find. While they are talking about how Santiago will find the treasure,
suddenly a butterfly flutters between them. Santiago remembers what his
grandfather has told him. Butterflies are good omen, like crickets, grasshopper,
lizards, and four-leaf clovers. Melchizedek says that his grandfather is right about
the good omens (Coelho 29).
As a king, Melchizedek is a wise person. He is willing to have
conversation with a shepherd like Santiago. Moreover, he likes to share with him
about Personal Legend which topic is never heard by Santiago.
“I’m the king of Salem,” the old man said. “Why would a king be talking with a shepherd?” the boy asked, awed and embarrassed. “For several reasons. But let’s say that the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your Personal Legend.” The boy didn’t know what a person’s “Personal Legend” was. “It’s what you always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.” (Coelho 21)
Melchizedek likes to give his wise advice to Santiago. He knows that
Santiago needs something that can make him sure about his later decision.
Melchizedek tries to convince him that when he wants something in his life, all
the universe conspires of helping him to achieve it. It is because the Soul of the
World is nourished by people’s happiness, unhappiness, envy, and jealousy
(Coelho 22).
When Santiago is ready to search the treasure, Melchizedek tells him
another story about the secret of happiness from the wisest man in the world. By
about his sheep. The message of the story is always remembering the drops of oil
on the spoon while enjoying all the marvels of the world. That is the secret of
happiness. Santiago understands the story. He realizes that as a shepherd he may
not forget to his flock while he travelling around the world (Coelho 32).
Since Melchizedek is a wise person, he tells a story to Santiago that can
convince him to follow his Personal Legend. Melchizedek tells him that it is more
important to think about our own Personal Legend than to think what people think
about us. His story compares between bakers and shepherds. He says that people
think bakers are more important than shepherds. Parents are happy if their
children marry with bakers than shepherds. It is because bakers have homes but
shepherds always travel and live outside. It hurts Santiago. The old man says that
in the end, what people think about shepherds and bakers becomes more important
than their own Personal Legend (Coelho 23).
Melchizedek is a generous person. When he is success in convincing
Santiago to follow his Personal Legend that is finding the treasure, he gives his
two precious stones to him. Melchizedek says that the two stones will help him to
read the omens during his journey in finding the treasure.
“Take these,” said the old man. Holding out a white stone and a black stone that had been embedded at the center of the breastplate. “They are called Urrim and Thummim. The black signifies ‘yes’ and the white ‘no’. whne you are unable to read the omens, they will help you to do so. Always ask an objective question. (Coelho 30)
Melchizedek is a king of Salem. The reader can find the story about him in
the Holy Bible (Hebrew 7: 1–14). Melchizedek is also known as the priest of the
