ANTHROPOCENTRIC ANALYSIS OF PAULO COELHO’S THE ALCHEMIST: HUMAN IDENTITY AND SELF-REALIZATION

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive literary and philosophical analysis of Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist, focusing on the symbolic meanings and aesthetic functions of nature imagery, archetypal characters, and existential concepts. The study reveals that elements such as the desert, wind, sun, oasis, and stars serve not merely as background settings, but as active spiritual milestones guiding the protagonist Santiago toward self-realization and his "Personal Legend". Furthermore, the article explores the synthesis of Eastern Sufi philosophy-specifically the concept of sayr-i suluk and ibnu waqt-with modern existential and psychological paradigms, highlighting how external journeys reflect inner alchemy and spiritual purification.