Question

The old man tells Santiago the story about the miner and the emerald on p. 24. How does it connect to Santiago’s situation? What does he mean when he says that "treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents"? What does this quote have to do with the miner/emerald story?

Answer 1

Answer:

In Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," the old man's story about the miner and the emerald connects with Santiago's situation because he was about to give up on his dreams just like Santiago. Besides, it demonstrates that when you put your whole life into your dreams, you cannot give up.

Similarly, when the old man says that "treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents," he means that treasure is uncovered when you are young and have dreams; however, it is later buried by the reality you face in life. In fact, the anger and frustration that cause the miner to give up then make him break the stone and find the emerald he has been looking for.