MYSTICISM, DESTINY, AND THE HERMENEUTICS OF SELF-DISCOVERY IN PAULO COELHO'S THE ALCHEMIST

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is examined as a spiritual narrative that uses mysticism, destiny, and hermeneutics to explore self-discovery. Drawing on Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur, the paper argues that Santiago's journey—interpreting dreams, omens, and symbols—is a hermeneutic process of identity formation. The Personal Legend is presented as a metaphysical framework for self-actualization, showing that the novel transforms a conventional quest into a lesson in reading the language of the universe. It affirms that spiritual awareness, courage, and perseverance lead to existential fulfillment.

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Abstract

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is one of the most influential spiritual narratives of contemporary literature, celebrated for its philosophical insights into destiny, self-discovery, and human fulfillment. The novel chronicles the transformative journey of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd whose search for worldly treasure evolves into a profound quest for spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. This paper explores the interrelationship between mysticism, destiny, and hermeneutics in The Alchemist. Employing the theoretical perspectives of Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur, the study examines how Santiago's encounters with dreams, omens, symbols, and mystical experiences function as interpretative acts that contribute to the formation of identity. The paper argues that the concept of the Personal Legend serves as a metaphysical framework through which Coelho articulates a philosophy of self-actualization. Through close textual analysis, the study demonstrates that The Alchemist transcends the inconventional quest narrative and presents self-discovery as a hermeneutic process in which the individual learns to interpret the language of the universe. Ultimately, the novel affirms the significance of spiritual awareness, courage, and perseverance in achieving existential fulfillment.