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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Santiago tell the Alchemist that his heart is afraid of?

2. What does the Alchemist say that people need to master?

3. What does Santiago's heart tell him as he and the Alchemist pass the encampment in Part 6?

4. What does the Alchemist tell Santiago to trade in Part 5?

5. What does the powerful and intimidating stranger in Part 5 demand of Santiago?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Alchemist tell Santiago about learning to turn lead into gold?

2. How does Santiago propose one should learn about the universal language?

3. What do Santiago and the Alchemist discuss at the beginning of their journey in Part 6?

4. What is courage the essential ingredient in, according to the Alchemist?

5. What does Santiago learn to accept as he is crossing the desert in Part 6?

6. How does the Englishman feel about Santiago's comments about learning the universal language?

7. What brave step does Santiago take at the beginning of Part 5?

8. What conclusion does Santiago make about all of the information he reads in the Englishman's books?

9. What is the only way to stay happy according to the camel driver, who is a friend to Santiago?

10. Why does the tribal chief order the members to carry weapons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character analysis essay on why certain characters disappear throughout the story. Explain how, even though the characters disappear, they still are reflected in the story until the very end of the novel. Be sure to include specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout this novel, the forces of nature figure prominently. Describe, in detail, how the forces of nature are critical components to the story. Be sure to use supporting details from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one aspect of symbolism from the text and explain it in detail. Include details such as: what is the symbol, what is it a symbol for, why is the symbolism important to the story, etc... Include specific examples from the text to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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