Response To Aarif's Novel Questions - Andrew Davis

1.) Santiago's parents originally thought he would be a priest when he grew up.

2.) Fatima, Santiago's crush, most likely found love in that time. This can be mainly because Santiago had spent countless hours studying and focusing on alchemy, rather than following Fatima and staying with her. Plus, since he is a traveller, Fatima would have most likely gotten lost somewhere in the world while Santiago is busy travelling. Due to this fact, it is not likely they will see each other in a long time.

3.) This serves a particular role in the story; it shows how man can be pitted against the very harsh challenges that nature can throw, and how man can overcome those challenges. For example, when Santiago attempts to cross the Egyptian desert, he is faced with intense heat, a lack of water, and a sandstorm, but manages to get through those challenges regardless. But it also, however, presented itself as an ally to Santiago. For example, when he and the Alchemist are captured by men, they only agree to release them if they can turn themselves into wind. So, Santiago thus turns to nature as an ally, and finds himself transported out afterwards.

4.) Originally, the Alchemist thinks as love as an obstacle rather than a goal.

5.) He does this because he had a vision that told him to find a treasure that lay at the foot of the Egyptian Pyramids.