How Does Santiago Use Imagery In The Alchemist

Imagine a whole new world...Where an adventure awaits When an author uses imagery, it can have a positive effect not only on the story, but also the reader. Such effects make the reader feel more involved and keeps them interested, wondering what will happen next. In “The Alchemist”, the author uses imagery to guide the reader through Santiago’s journey. Santiago meets many people while exploring the sites ahead of him and searching for his treasure. Imagery allows a story to be shown instead of told. In the story, the author uses an abundance of imagery to create a more personal experience by extensively describing what characters look like, and allow the reader to become a character in the text. The author of “The Alchemist”, Paulo Coelho, tells readers in detail what characters look like instead of making them wonder. Understanding what a character looks like can put off a certain motive and effects how the person is portrayed by the reader. “Astride the animal was a horseman dressed completely in black, with a falcon perched on his left shoulder. He wore a turban and his entire face, except for his eyes, was covered with a black kerchief” (Coelho

Imagery can be created using detailed background information or directly stating the feelings of a character. “As a child the boy had always been frightened to death that he would be captured by Gypsies, and this childhood fear returned when the old woman took his hands in hers” (Coelho 12). In the above quote the author uses background information that enables the reader to feel what Santiago feels. The reader is able to create a clear image in their mind, of Santiago sitting in the room with the old woman. Knowing his background makes the reader feel more connected to Santiago’s past and his deep, inner feelings. When an author states information of a character’s past, a reader is able to become more