Symbols in The Alchemist (Part 1)

Urim(אוּרִים) and Thummin(תּוּמִים)

Urim and Thummin appears in the ancient Israelite religion and culture as a phrase from the Hebrew Bible. Traditionally, Urim is "light" and Thummin is "perfections". Literally, Urim and Thummin mean revelation and truth respectively. The two stones are used by Hight Priest to determine God's will in some situations. However, it is unclear on how God's will is transmitted through Urim and Thummin.

In The Alchemist, Urim and Thummin help Santiago read the omen. I think that the 2 stones represents the teaching of the old King in the Alchemist because everytime Santiago see the stones he automatically thinks of the old King and the things he said to Santiago. When we think more deeply we can see that everyone Santiago meets (characters as significant as the Alchemist or even as little noticed as the merchant daughter he meet in the beginning of the book) teaches him something. In the end they all lelf behind something for Santiago whether that thing is life lessons or 2 stones or even just memories. The 2 stones would represent those things lelf behind by strangers who passes by our lives.

I believe in fate. It is fate for you to meet someone in the world with billions of people. I believe that everyone we meet change our lives in some ways. Some will have big impact while other may just change the way we brush our teeth every morning. But everyone DOES change our life in one way or another.

My Reflection toward The Alchemist

This is an oasis in the middle of the desert (in case you can't tell ^^). I choose the picture of an oasis to represent part 2 of The Alchemist. An oasis in the middle of the desert not only provides water to the desperate travellers but also signifies hope for the future. Desert has always been classified as a waterless land. Even in this lack of water, an oasis can still exist with its abundance of water. This shows that even in harsh times of our life when the future is unclear and the present is full of malicious truth, there still exists a light that lights up the future, a smile that warms your heart, and a joke that makes your day. An oasis in the middle of the desert is like an ear that listens to your deepest thoughts when the world refuses to hear you, a gentle hand on your shoulder that offer to shares your troubles when all the problems in the world is rushing at you, and a house with an open door for you when even the cheapest hotels refuse to welcome you.

In the Alchemist, Santiago and the caravan aim at the oasis for water. In life, we aim at the "oasis of our life" for peace, for support, for help, and for understanding.

Independent Reading Book Journal

Topic: Today, journal on your blog about your independent reading book by selecting at least one of the following prompts...
b. What is the most important word in your book? The most important passage? The most important event? Explain.

I think the most important word and phrase in my book is right in the title which is "I know what you did last summer." After receiving this short note, the 4 main characters' lives were never the same again. This pharse not only recalled the painful and regretful experience that the 4 main characters have been trying to hide but also taught them a lesson about responsibility and courage to face the consequences of their actions.

The most important event in the whole book is the night when the 4 main characters killed a little boy ridding a bike in a car accident. They were drinking, smoking a little pot, and drivng too fast. After hitting the kid, they were afraid and decided to run away and call the police in a nearby public phone instead of staying with the boy. Even after nearly a year has passed, every detail of that horrible night still stays within each of the 4 characters' memories and hearts.

Changes in Santiago

Topic: Post #2 (at least 100 words)- Look over what we have read in The Alchemist so far. Describe the changes you have noticed in Santiago. What has he learned? Does he react differently to things than in the beginning? What has he discovered about himself that he wasn't aware of at the beginning of the story? Visit at least 2 other people's blogs, read their posts, and comment on them. Return to your blog, and add anything new you learned to your post.

Santiago has changed a lot after working for the crystal merchant for almost a year. The change is most visible when he decided to observe the caravan instead of reading his book. Now his world is not only around books and sheep but rather it is full with observations of the surrounding. From observing the caravan, Santiago builds up his omen-reading skill and understanding of the language of the world. He discovers that no matter what happens he can still go back and be a shepherd. This discovery gives him the strength and will to go and pursue his dream and his treasure.

Letter to the author

Topic: Post #1 (at least 200 words)- Look back over what you have read in your independent reading book this week. You should be almost finished reading it. Write a letter to the author that expresses your thoughts and feelings about the book. Also, ask him/her any questions you have that remain unanswered or about things that don't really make sense to you in the book. Then, go and read at least 3 other people's letters (you can link to classmates' blogs via my blog, click below). Submit your comments on their letters (what you thought, what they did well, any questions YOU have about their books)

Dear Mr. Duncan,

I have finished reading one of your famous books which is "I know what you did last summer." The book is full of suspenses that capture all of my attention and make it hard to put the book down once I started it. I really like that idea that Bub is the same person as Collin and he is the one behind all the messages and the shooting. Somehow, one of the sentences in the book stays in my head even after I have finished it. It is "one short sentence is enough to shatter their life." This short sentence not only shows me the power of words but also reminds me of a time when I hurted someone I care about with just a sentence. After I finish the book, there is a question of what will happen to Helen, Cox, Julie, and Ray. Will they be sent to jail because they hit-and-run and end up killing a small boys? Their irresponsibility not only killed a boy but also destroy a family that was once full with happiness and laughter. I think that Collin is not to be blamed because after all he is one of the victims of Cox's reckless driving.

With Blessing

One of your reader