The Alchemist as a Bildungsroman

The Alchemist is definitely a bildungsroman. It is a story about a young man going on a journey to find his personal legend. In an instant, Santiago gave up everything he knew and owned in order to begin his quest. Even though there were many challenges and obstacles that presented themselves along the way, Santiago never lost site of his goal. He encountered things that would prevent many from moving forward, but he persevered through it all to continue searching for his personal legend. On his way, he learned that he was never alone, and there was always someone to help him along. Meeting many who have refused their own personal legend, he also learned how miserable and unfulfilled his life would have been if he had stayed in the fields and continued being a shepherd. He also falls in love, and learns what true love is when she encourages him to leave her behind so he can continue his journey. In the end, Santiago ultimately learns that finding the treasure was not his personal legend. His personal legend was the journey that he took, the things that he experienced, and the people that he had met.