The Alchemist Group

Question:

lovely_nae89
lovely_nae89
Student
High School - 11th Grade

How does the King assist Santiago in recognizing omens? When does Santiago use this help?

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Posted by lovely_nae89 on Tuesday September 16, 2008 at 4:16 AM and tagged with the alchemist, themes.

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  1. rugator Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    The king opens Santiago's eyes to the possibility that there are signs/omens all around him and that he needs to be on the look out for these as he goes about his life. Sort of like when you first learn a new vocabulary word. Did you ever notice that once you learn a new word, you start noticing that word more? The thing is, that new word you're starting to notice isn't just appearing for the first time around you. It's been there before. You just hadn't noticed it before. Once your eyes have been "opened," you begin to see things that have always been there but you weren't "open" to seeing. And such is life.

    Without the king pointing this reality out to Santiago, he might have continued on his journey with no success.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/alchemist

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    Posted by rugator on Monday October 5, 2009 at 7:09 PM