A Draft of the Term Paper

Of Destiny,
Dreams and Life
Journeys

Submitted by:
Raian B. Razal
IV- Narra
 I. INTRODUCTION

At a certain point of our lives we may realize: “What is the purpose of

our life?” Then, we remember our dreams in our life, our aspirations, and the
things we have wanted to be. However, it would be very late to change the
course of our lives we have tracked down. We may blame ourselves for not
being conscious on what our destinies wanted us to be. According to Undrai
Fizer, “When you have discovered your destiny in God, you have just found
the compass of life. Your destiny is the purpose or intentions of God for your
life.” (http://ourworld.cs.com/audio7795/id39.htm?f=fs)
Therefore, an understanding of our destiny is important to improve our
stay here on Earth. Those who consider life as useless and senseless are the
ones who do not believe in their destinies. They are the apathetic and
ignorant ones. For them, destiny seems an illusion and a figment of the
imagination. But what they believe is wrong. Destiny is a supreme force that
changes the course of life. Destiny leads journeys and is relayed through our
dreams. And this is what both books The Alchemist and The Fifth Mountain
are trying to prove. Both books share the themes of destiny, dreams and the
journey through life.

Background of Study
Writers write and readers read. Although vast information has been
shown recently in the Internet, the human race is still devoted to reading.
Personally, I always try to read at least five books a month, either old, new or
a classic. For me, books relieve me of the stress in school, and problems
brought up by assignments, quizzes and tests. Books serve as a recreation.
From the various books I have read, two books eventually made me realize
the importance of life. The Alchemist and The Fifth Mountain are both books
from an international bestseller Paulo Coelho.
Paulo Coelho is a man from Brazil. He was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
in the year of 1947. He is not only a writer; he is also a songwriter, theater
director, actor and journalist. He is a recipient of many awards and his works
have been considered bestsellers and is translated in more than 66
languages. (www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/bio.shtml)
Being first published in Brazil in 1988, The Alchemist is a Fable about
Following one’s Dream. And up to now, the book is still recognized worldwide
as a literary gem. The Alchemist probably is the most famous book of Paulo
Coelho. It attracts readers to follow and believe in their dreams. The book
has also been translated in more than 66 languages. According to statistics,
the book has sold more than 40 million copies in more than 150 countries.
“Many have compared The Alchemist to Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince a
children's book about another boy, the Prince, who leaves his home in search of
greater things, learning valuable lessons about life and love on the way.” The plot of
the story revolves around Santiago, a young Andalusian Shepherd who is in search
for his treasure. He meets various characters on the way that will help him search
his treasure, primarily, the alchemist who teaches him the Soul of the World.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alchemist_%28novel%29)
On the other hand, The Fifth Mountain, being published in 1996, is a
prose on the subject of Elijah’s journey to Akbar, his triumph despite
suffering and the various trials. Similar to The Alchemist, The Fifth Mountain
shows us the power of listening to our destiny as well as following what our
hearts desire in order to achieve a meaningful journey in life.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fifth_Mountain)
The reason I chose both novels to study in this term paper is that
personally I consider these novels significant in the literary world. These
novels can indeed change the course of life of persons. Personally, these
novels touched my heart and opened my hearts in the real world. I would like
to share these realizations I have made upon these two novels.

Statement of the Problem

The problem I would like to study is “How do the similarities of themes
of the novels The Alchemist andThe Fifth Mountain affect the main
characters Santiago and Elijah?” The study analyzes how the characters
react to the themes of both novels. The study will be done using an
exposition method by a thematic comparison of the novels, then afterwards
a familiar-to-unfamiliar study on how the characters dealt with the themes of
the novels.

Significance of the Study

The study aims to present the themes in both novels which have
significance in our lives. The study may inspire young people to continue
their dreams, follow their destiny, take courage and believe in their selves. A
realization of the importance of life may also be synthesized by the youth. A
famous quotation tells us that life is indeed a journey, not a destination.
Upon the realization of the character, we may pattern the way how they
confronted those themes and use it in our daily lives. Therefore, we may
change the way we live right now in a path that will lead us to a better
future.

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

According to the Times, “His books have had a life-enhancing impact

on millions of people.”
(http://www.readinggroups.co.uk/guides/Recommended.aspx?id=34943&ar
ticleid=5254)

And indeed, what he has said is entirely true. A lot of proofs were found
in the Internet. They believe that the themes of the novels of Paulo Coelho
have affected the course of lives of his characters – and much interesting, his
readers also. A lot of reviews were made appraising the simplicity of his
novels and its significance to the human race. Three significant themes were
given importance in both novels – these are destiny, dreams and life
journeys. Destiny and dreams are said to be things which control the journey
of life.
 A review of The Alchemist by Anna Hassapi tells us the importance of
searching our own destiny. Our destiny could be reached and analyzed
through accomplishing religious missions. These religious missions will
eventually bring us satisfaction and utmost realization of our importance
here on earth. (http://bookreviews.nabou.com/reviews/thealchemist.html)

This review of Anna Hassapi is the same with the analysis made by
Wikipedia.com. The theme “Fate versus Will” was presented by telling us “life
is much controlled by destiny.” Similar to The Alchemist is stated on The
Fifth Mountain with an article of Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat saying “That
the retelling of the life of Elijah by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho has an
elegant simplicity to it — similar in spirit to the spiritual journey described in
his bestselling The Alchemist. The prophet is forced to deal with the
unavoidable when he least expects it. Things help Elijah come to terms with
his destiny.”
(http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/books.php?id=1490)

Hence, both novels show principles of destiny. What do people of today

believe about destiny? Tathagata tells us that “Destiny is made by the things
inside each individual's relationships. This destiny controls each individual's
life and, furthermore, it can control society and further still, it can control a
nation.” That means, we ourselves, control our destiny. No other man has the
power within the destiny we have inside.
(http://www.members.tripod.com/tathagata2000/destiny.htm)

This term paper will prove that the individuals themselves had their
own control with their destiny. One reviewed that The Alchemist , the prose
itself changes one’s own destiny. Upon the realization of the theme of
destiny, he realizes his purpose in life. “The prose is beautiful and the ideas
are powerful in helping one come to terms with his true mission in this
universe.” (http://books.zaadz.com/964/the_alchemist/by_paulo_coelho)

On the other hand, The Fifth Mountain shares the same principles of
destiny. It tells us that “the words of the lord are written in the world around
us.” This statement is parallel to the Soul of the World in the Alchemist which
is our own destiny. (amazon.com)

The next theme revealed by both novels is the theme of dreams.

According to Internet Duct Tape, “Following your dream is like learning a
foreign language; you will make mistakes but you will get there in the end.”
Therefore, one must not neglect his or her own dream. Both Elijah and
Santiago followed their own dreams. Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd
followed the dream of getting his own treasure although the risks it might
have. Elijah himself continued worshipping God in order to save Akbar from
the foreign invaders.

Anna Hassagi, of Hiram College, made her own review about dreams. It
is true – all persons dream – therefore, all of us can relate to Santiago. All of
us want to achieve what we dream for. Yet, it depends on the way we face
the realities of life and seek for omens to reach our dreams. Dreams could be
considered as “God’s Language to the human race.”
(http://sophomore.hiram.edu/reading/bookreviews.html)
A blog named La Curva en La Carcaterra suggest that all of us have a
purpose on the earth. And accomplishing these dreams entails a hard
journey. It is up to us whether we would still hold on our dreams or rather
leave it and take a road less taken by others. Yet in the end we realize that
we are not happy on the state where we are at.
(://homepage.mac.com/mvillaca/curva/B786879765/C848610505/E98540096
3/ index.html)
Inam Ul Rehman explains that “All of us have dreams, and are dying for
somebody to tell us or inspire us, that they may come true. And if you are
down and out it will help you immensely to come out of all that rut and feel
positive and great about yourself.”
(http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=124394)
The main protagonist of The Fifth Mountain is like Santiago who never
failed to listen to the omens and signs given by the angels although once his
dreams have been shattered. He was exiled from Israel, and leads a journey
of life in Akbar. He still dreams of being a prophet – a savior of Israel from the
Gods of the Fifth Mountain. Yet, his dreams inspired him in his life and made
him a successful man in the town of Akbar.
How did his dreams manage to lead him to success? A review from
Amazon.com tells us that “Through every hardship we go through, there is a
lesson to be learned - so be on the lookout for what lessons/insights are
showing up in your life, and take heed.” Let us be like Elijah, we must not
refute from our hardships – otherwise, learn from them in order to achieve
our dreams.
That simply is the basic principle of dreams that both novels want us to
learn about. Dreams are meant to inspire us. We must never easily defeat.
The Fifth Mountain is a very inspirational novel that teaches us the power of
believing our goals, dreams and aspirations. Dreams are only the most
powerful medium for us to succeed.
(http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Fifth_Mountain___The_-_Paulo_Coelho-
71061-1.html)
Lastly, the most significant theme of both novels is – The Journeys in
Life. Santiago had his own journey, a pilgrimage to the pyramids of Egypt to
discover the treasure which was for him while Elijah had his journey in
seeking a new self – in a place called Akbar.
Both journeys symbolize hope, and a new beginning. This
generalization is derived from the reviews below.
The Alchemist was reviewed as "A wise and inspiring fable about the
pilgrimage that life should be," stated by M. Scott Peck, M.D., author of "The
Road Less Traveled" (http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9780062502186).
Jordan Foos once commented that “The book is symbolic of everything that
happens to us along our journeys. Greatness and dreams rest just around the
bend. This book dares us to look around that bend and see what we can
find.” Each of us takes his own journey in life. Why don’t we peek and rest for
a while. Is this the life we really wanted?
 Each of us has his own purpose in life. Only God knows. Henri Frederick
Amiel once said: “Life is short and we have never too much time for
gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.”
(http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_life.html)
Parallel to Santiago’s journey, is Elijah’s journey. Cygnus Books tell us
remarks how “Paulo Coelho turned the trials of Elijah into an intensely
moving and inspiring story - compellingly bringing out the universal themes
of how faith and love can ultimately triumph over suffering.”
(http://www.cygnus-books.co.uk/mind_body_spirit_books/fifth-mountain.htm)
Yet, nonetheless, every journey begins with a single step. It is us who
makes the journey not others, not the society, not our friends. It is us who
makes our own destiny, our dreams, and our meaningful journey in life.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION