The Alchemist

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. How is the story of Narcissus different from the traditional myth when the alchemist reads it?

A) A goddess appears, and the lake celebrates Narcissus’s death.

B) Narcissus does not die in this version because the lake feels guilty for drowning him.

C) A goddess appears, and the lake weeps for Narcissus after causing his death.

D) Narcissus does not die because he is saved by the goddess.

2. If magical realism is the blending of the real with the fantastical, which of the following is an example of magical realism in The Alchemist?

A) Constellations

B) The pyramids

C) The journey to Egypt

D) Personal Legends

3. How does Santiago comfort himself when he loses his guide on the way to Egypt and realizes he has been swindled?

A) He thinks of himself as an adventurer.

B) He thinks of his family and his home.

C) He thinks of the stability of his life as a shepherd.

D) He thinks of what Melchizedek said about fate.

4. What does Santiago inadvertently learn from the crystal merchant?

A) It is acceptable to be content with one’s lot in life.

B) It is important to pursue one’s Personal Legend, even if it doesn’t seem logical.

C) It is critical to fill a need in one’s society, such as by providing tea to travelers.

D) It is never enough to be happy with some when one can have more.

5. What prevents the Englishman from becoming a true alchemist?

A) He lacks the gift of foresight.

B) He does not read enough.

C) He pays no attention to the world around him.

D) He gives up on his Personal Legend.

6. Which literary element best describes the role of sheep in the novel?

A) A theme

B) A motif

C) An allusion

D) An image

7. What brings the alchemist to the oasis?

A) He has been summoned by the leaders of the caravan.

B) He comes by accident and stumbles across Santiago.

C) He believes that Fatima is in danger.

D) He has heard that someone had a vision after seeing two hawks fight.

8. Which of the following most accurately describes Santiago’s attitude when he enters the desert on the way to Egypt?

A) He wishes to learn from it as he learned from the crystal merchant.

B) He is wary because Melchizedek warned him of danger upon entering the desert.

C) He is hopeful that his journey is coming to an end.

D) He worries that he will never achieve his Personal Legend.

9. Over what do Santiago and the Englishman bond?

A) Sheep

B) Crystal

C) Omens

D) Tea

10. What advice does the alchemist give Santiago when they are in the desert?

A) “Life attracts life.”

B) “Camels are traitorous.”

C) “Reason is needed for loving.”

D) “Pride holds back the river.”

11. Where was the treasure all along?

A) In the oasis where Santiago met Fatima

B) In the crystal merchant’s shop

C) In the home of Melchizedek

D) In the church where Santiago began his journey

12. Which figure most instills in Santiago the importance of listening to his heart?

A) The alchemist

B) Melchizedek

C) Fatima

D) His father

13. What does Santiago learn about alchemy?

A) It is more than turning metal into gold; it is about transforming oneself.

B) It is a magic specifically for those who wish to evade death.

C) It is only for those who do not wish to use it.

D) It is a myth designed to encourage people to fulfill their Personal Legends.

14. How does Santiago’s relationship to wealth change over the course of the novel?

A) It starts off as meaningless to him; by the end, he sees it as critical for him to build a life with Fatima.

B) It starts as signifying success; by the end, it symbolizes his contentment after finding the treasure.

C) It starts as signifying success; by the end, it is a necessary evil.

D) It starts off as signifying his success; by the end, he sees it as a means to achieve his Personal Legend.

15. Which of the following most accurately describes why Urim and Thummim are important to Santiago?

A) They have monetary value.

B) They are a symbol of Melchizedek’s friendship.

C) They are a reminder of the lessons he has learned on his journey.

D) They help him make decisions.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. In the beginning of the novel, Melchizedek emphasizes how important it is that “a shepherd may like to travel, but he should never forget about his sheep” (Part 1). What does this suggest about the meaning and significance of sheep in the novel?

2. Give one example of fear in a character’s life and the effect of either confronting that fear or hiding from it.