Book 4 Final (Listicle)

5 Reasons why Santiago is a hero.

Throughout the course of the book "The Alchemist" I've noticed reoccurring themes that indicate the potential of Santiago being a hero. Santiago demonstrates the role of a hero in several aspects. While you can argue Santiago was a hero from the beginning with predominantly good intentions, the characteristics he's demonstrated make him a hero in my opinion... here's why.

1.(Santiago is brave) Santiago from the beginning is bold. Santiago encourages Tangier, a merchant from early stages in the novel to take risks in his business, and because of this, helps the merchant succeed and becomes very wealthy. Santiago also demonstrates bravery in how he accepts, and effectively determines his personal legend. Santiago is brave in how he confronts his legend, and pushes through all the obstacles to get there. He's also brave for leaving Fatima, and trusting an unknown alchemist to guide the path you're taking. He's brave for leaving behind paradise in search of his own personal legend.Santiago also proved brave when he told the chiefton that his village would be attacked.

2.(Santiago is friendly) Throughout the novel, Santiago demonstrates many cases of being an overall good person. Santiago advising the chiefton that the village would be under attack also proved Santiago to be sympathetic, and caring for the civilians of his village. Santiago also gives a boy enough gold to buy 2 sheep, and keeps to his word. He also keeps to his word by returning to Fatima. Santiago promises his return to Fatima after discovering, and exploring his personal legend, which is exactly what he does.

3.(Santiago is modest) Santiago has almost anything a person could want. Santiago encouraged the crystal merchant Tangier to take risks, and in turn ended up striking rich, and presented the opportunity for Santiago to become chief of the oasis. This demonstrates that Santiago was very successful. Santiago had 50 gold pieces, and a high ranking status in a community. As well as wealth and status, he also had a beautiful girl friend. Even through such success, Santiago remained modest and served to help others, and complete his personal legend, as opposed to him simply living comfortably.

4.(Santiago is persistent) Santiago always tries to make the best out of each situation, and he does this with reliable persistence. Santiago is so committed to his personal legend, that he persists on regardless of the circumstances present. For example, Santiago quickly grew frustrated looking for life in the desert, however he pressed forward, and explored his options further to ultimately succeed in finding life. This persistence is the same reason he became so wealthy, and adored. Persistence is a mandatory trait in becoming a hero, as no renowned hero gives up.

5.(Santiago is inspired) From the beginning of the novel, Santiago discovers his own personal legend. Once discovered he sets out for it. Santiago was inspired from within himself, which is an important component to understanding why he's a hero. A true hero  has a true persona that comes from within themselves. While Santiago may have second guessed his legend, all he needed was a push.