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Quizzes > Books & Literature

The Alchemist quiz: How well do you know Paulo Coelho's novel?

Quick, free Alchemist test to check your recall. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Call To Action PodcastUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cutout desert scene with pyramids, book and quill on sky blue background for The Alchemist quiz

This The Alchemist quiz helps you check what you remember from Paulo Coelho's novel, from Santiago and the crystal shop to omens and the desert. Use it to spot gaps before a test or book club, then try our The Alchemist part 2 quiz or explore characters with The Alchemist character quiz for deeper practice.

What is the name of the young Andalusian shepherd who is the protagonist of The Alchemist?
Licario
Melchizedek
Santiago
Paulo
The protagonist of Paulo Coelho's novel is Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who dreams of finding treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. His journey to fulfill his Personal Legend drives the narrative. The character's name is central to understanding his quest and symbolic transformation.
Where does Santiago begin his journey in The Alchemist?
Tangier, Morocco
Andalusia, Spain
Tarifa, Spain
Fes, Morocco
Santiago starts his journey in his homeland of Andalusia in southern Spain, tending sheep and dreaming of a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. This origin highlights the theme of returning home in unexpected ways. Andalusia's landscapes contrast with the deserts he later crosses.
What is Santiago's primary occupation at the start of The Alchemist?
Shepherd
Blacksmith
Carpenter
Merchant
At the beginning of the novel, Santiago is a shepherd who travels with his flock across the Andalusian fields. This occupation allows him solitude to reflect and dream, setting up his quest for the Personal Legend. His sheep symbolize his ties to his former life.
Who gives Santiago the two stones named Urim and Thummim?
Melchizedek, the King of Salem
The Crystal Merchant
Fatima
The Alchemist
Melchizedek, who identifies himself as the King of Salem, gives Santiago the stones Urim and Thummim to help interpret omens. These stones represent divine guidance and are tools for understanding the Soul of the World. They symbolize faith in spiritual signs.
When Santiago first arrives in Tangier, where does he find work to earn money?
In a bakery
At a textile market
At a port warehouse
In a crystal merchant's shop
In Tangier, Santiago works for a crystal merchant to earn enough money to continue his journey. His innovations, like serving tea in crystal glasses, boost sales and illustrate his personal growth. This period teaches him about perseverance and creativity.
What is the term used in the novel for one's destiny or life purpose?
Personal Legend
Maktub
Soul of the World
Omens
A Personal Legend in The Alchemist refers to a person's destiny or ultimate life purpose. Santiago's quest to find treasure under the pyramids is his Personal Legend. The novel emphasizes that everyone has one and must pursue it.
Which of these does the novel describe as the language through which the world communicates?
Currency
Omens
Dreams
Words
Omens are described as the universal language by which the world communicates its secrets. Santiago learns to read these signs throughout his journey. Recognizing omens is crucial for following one's Personal Legend.
Who is Fatima in The Alchemist?
A prophet at the oasis
The crystal merchant's assistant
The King of Salem's daughter
A woman of the desert whom Santiago loves
Fatima is a desert woman at the oasis who Santiago falls in love with. She represents true love and patience, encouraging Santiago to pursue his Personal Legend despite their separation. Their relationship exemplifies spiritual union.
What does the word 'Maktub' mean, as frequently used in the novel?
Be careful
Follow the omens
Seek treasure
It is written
Maktub is an Arabic term meaning 'It is written,' signifying fate or destiny. In the novel, characters use it to express acceptance of the divine plan. It underlines the theme of predestination in Santiago's quest.
What does Santiago believe he will find at the Egyptian pyramids?
Melchizedek's palace
A flock of sheep
The Alchemist
A hidden treasure
Santiago dreams that his treasure lies beneath the Egyptian pyramids and believes this vision guides his Personal Legend. The journey to the pyramids frames the plot's central quest. His belief in his dream's omens motivates him to cross the desert.
Why does the crystal merchant refuse to pursue his own Personal Legend after earning enough money with Santiago's help?
He loses interest in Mecca
He distrusts Santiago
He fears the uncertainty of change
He cannot read omens
The crystal merchant admits he fears losing the security and comfort of his current life, preventing him from fulfilling his dream of traveling to Mecca. Coelho uses this to illustrate how fear often holds people back from their true destiny. It contrasts with Santiago's courage.
What test does the Alchemist give Santiago at the oasis to prove he has mastered the Soul of the World?
He must turn himself into the wind
He must summon rain
He must create gold from lead
He must fly across the desert
The Alchemist challenges Santiago to transform himself into the wind to demonstrate his union with the Soul of the World. This test symbolizes spiritual mastery and understanding of the universe's language. Santiago's success confirms his growth.
How many emeralds did Santiago carry when he arrived at the Egyptian pyramids?
One
None
Three
Two
Santiago brings two emeralds given to him by the Alchemist as a safeguard when he reaches the pyramids. One emerald he uses to secure a guide to help him find the treasure, and the other remains with him. This detail underscores themes of trust and providence.
What does Santiago ultimately discover beneath the sycamore tree at the church back in Spain?
A map to the pyramids
An old book of alchemy
The Philosopher's Stone
A chest of gold and jewels
At the end, Santiago uncovers a treasure of gold coins and precious stones beneath the sycamore tree by the Spanish church. This twist reveals that the true journey was about self-discovery and that home held the reward. It reinforces the novel's theme that one's destiny lies within.
Which theme is most central to The Alchemist?
The corrupting power of wealth
The betrayal of friendship
Following one's dreams (Personal Legend)
The danger of ambition
The central theme is the pursuit of one's Personal Legend - fulfilling one's destiny and dreams. Santiago's journey exemplifies the importance of following the call of the heart. Other themes like love and fear support this core idea.
What does the desert symbolize in The Alchemist?
A place of spiritual purification and challenge
An allegory for greed
A realm of eternal danger
A barrier to true love
In the novel, the desert represents a crucible of spiritual purification where Santiago confronts his fears and deepens his understanding of the Soul of the World. It tests his resolve and patience. The harsh landscape underscores themes of trial and transformation.
The concept of the 'Soul of the World' in The Alchemist most closely parallels which philosophical idea?
Social contract theory
Universal consciousness that connects all beings
Existential absurdity
Divine retribution
The 'Soul of the World' reflects the idea of a universal consciousness binding all life and matter, a concept found in many mystical and philosophical traditions. Santiago learns to tap into this unity to achieve his Personal Legend. It highlights interconnectedness and spiritual harmony.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Characters -

    Use the free alchemist quiz to identify and remember the major figures in The Alchemist Part 1, such as Santiago, Melchizedek, and the crystal merchant.

  2. Outline Plot Events -

    Trace the main storyline and sequence of events in The Alchemist to confidently answer questions about the alchemist trivia.

  3. Analyze Central Themes -

    Examine core ideas like personal legend, omens, and destiny to deepen your understanding for paulo coelho quiz questions.

  4. Interpret Symbolic Elements -

    Unpack the significance of symbols - such as the desert, alchemy, and the alchemist - to enhance your literary analysis skills.

  5. Evaluate Interpretations -

    Compare different readings of key passages and quotes to strengthen your critical thinking for questions about the alchemist.

  6. Apply Knowledge in Trivia -

    Leverage your comprehension of plot, character, and theme to tackle the alchemist quiz and measure your literary prowess.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Personal Legend and Santiago's Journey -

    Coelho frames Santiago's quest for his Personal Legend as the central narrative arc, emphasizing self-discovery and purpose. Scholarly analysis from the University of Porto highlights how recognizing one's Personal Legend propels every major plot twist. Remember this when answering questions about the alchemist's motivations on any the alchemist quiz.

  2. Alchemical Symbolism and Transformation -

    The process of turning lead into gold in The Alchemist mirrors the protagonist's internal transformation, a device explored in Harvard's Symbolism in Literature seminars. Noting this metaphor helps decode key passages where raw materials become spiritual insights. Use this when tackling the alchemist trivia about the alchemy lessons.

  3. The Desert as a Living Setting -

    Cambridge University's comparative literature review notes the desert functions as both adversary and guide, testing Santiago's resilience. Its shifting dunes symbolize life's unpredictable challenges and hidden rewards. Drawing parallels helps answer questions about the alchemist quiz on setting details.

  4. Omens and the Language of the World -

    Brown University research on mythic structures underscores how omens in The Alchemist represent a universal language that connects all beings. Santiago learns to interpret these signs as dialogue with the Soul of the World, guiding his journey. This concept is often featured in free alchemist quiz questions about Coelho's use of signs.

  5. The Soul of the World and Universal Love -

    According to UNESCO's literature program, the Soul of the World embodies the novel's core message of unity and interconnectedness. Love, as portrayed through Fatima, becomes the ultimate test of pursuing one's Personal Legend without fear. Recall this theme when reviewing paulo coelho quiz questions on love versus destiny.

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