Question

How does the symbol of the thieves affect the meaning in The Alchemist?

Select each correct answer.


The thieves illustrate that people have different types of Personal Legends; some are not worthwhile.


The thieves represent all those who try to take a short cut on their journey and who, in doing so, fail to realize their Personal Legend.


The thieves harm the boy, but they are also an important part of his journey; Santiago would not have found his treasure without them.


The thieves teach the boy that violence and war are evil; nothing good can come from them.

Answer 1

C and B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

B:
In the alchemist, thieves are greedy and demand short-term riches whereas Santiago pursues his personal legend in the long term and earns a much more valuable reward(s). Essentially "being a thief is cheating", I read that in the actual book somewhere.

C:

In the story, the thieves tell the boy about a tree of which they had examined for treasure but could not find. The boy realizes this is an omen and goes and finds the treasure for himself. This also goes with another theme of the alchemist that the real treasure was the journey. The omens could have just led him to the tree but instead lead him on a great journey where he found many other treasures (both literal and symbolic, such as Fatima and experience).

Answer 2

The right answers are B and C.
The thieves represent all those who try to take a short cut on their journey and who, in doing so, fail to realize their Personal Legend.
AND
The thieves harm the boy, but they are also an important part of his journey; Santiago would not have found his treasure without them.