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CHAPTER II DISCUSSION
This part aims to answer the problems formulated in this study. It is divided into two sections. The first section focuses on the description of Santiago
in the novel. The second section analyzes Santiago’s intrapersonal conflicts in pursuing his dream.
A. The Description of Santiago in The Alchemist
Santiago is one of the characters in The Alchemist. According to Koesnosoebroto 1988, Santiago can be categorized as a major character because
he appears intensely in the story. Moreover, according to Forster, as cited in Abrams and Harpham 2009, he is classifed as a round character because his
characters cannot be easily described in a single phrase or sentence. Furthermore, based on Arp Johnson 2012, Santiago is described as a dynamic character
since he has been changing along the story. For instance, he eventually can speak Arabic after staying for several months in Tangier and he also changes his
clothing style as well. Further, his perception of the treasure also changes as he learns from his experience along the journey to pursue his dream. Moreover, by
using Murphy’s theory of characterization, the way Paulo Coelho describes Santiago’s characteristics in The Alchemist can be explained as follows.
1. Adventurous
Santiago is eager to try something new. It is seen when he always tries to find a new road while he is travelling in Andalusia. This characteristic is revealed
13 through Coelho’s direct comment, “Whenever he could he sought out a new road
to travel” p. 10. Besides, this characteristic can be seen through Santiago’s thought when he decides to continue going to Egypt instead of looking after his
flock again in Andalusia. His decision shows that he is ready to have a new experience. “I can always go back to being a shepherd, the boy thought. I learned
how to care for sheep, and I haven’t forgotten how that’s done. But, maybe I’ll never have another chance to get to the Pyramids in Egypt” p. 67.
Besides, his adventurous character can be seen when he is willing to take risks to pursue his dream. It is seen when he gives up his flock in order to get to
Egypt. His flock is the only thing he has. He risks selling his flock even though he has never been to Egypt and he does not know whether he will be able to find the
treasure. Another example of his adventurous character is when he has an idea to build a crystal display outside the shop. After Santiago tells his idea, the crystal
merchant is worried about it. He worries that people who pass by will only break it.
“I’d like to build a display case for the crystal,” said the boy to the merchant. “We could place it outside, and attract those people who pass at
the bottom of the hill.” “I‘ve never had one before,” the merchant answered. “People will pass by
and bump into it, and pieces will be broken.” “Well, when I took my sheep through the fields, some of them might have
died if we come upon a snake. But, that’s the way life is with sheep and with shepherd” p. 53.
From his speech, it can be assumed that Santiago wants to take risks for his plan. By giving an example of his past experience when becoming a shepherd,
Santiago wants to tell the crystal merchant that every job has its risk. The fact that some pieces of crystal may be broken is the risk of selling crystal.
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2. Determined
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