close reading

What more can we say about The Alchemist? It is not a book that was written for close analysis. An afternoon read in a hammock perhaps, but really-- I hate to admit it but, Jon is right. *sigh -- this book is really awful. Though, that said, does that mean I have awful taste in literature? I don't often enjoy such trash, why was I drawn to this book? I knew when I was reading it that it was not well written but I enjoyed it anyway-- twice! Why does this book sell so many copies? Are we really that desperate for inspiration that we let these glaring inadequacies go? Obviously there is little analysis done of the books people choose to read on their spare time, but isn't it better that they are reading books than voting for the next American Idol? Is it so bad that people enjoy reading trash if they have turned off their TV’s to do so?

However, this is a book being discussed in a university setting, which means that we must do a close reading of it, so if I must, I must:

• First of all, there is nothing deep or profound about the message within. What is said is meant literally. For example, Santiago’s treasure turns out to be just that, a treasure, gold treasure in fact. It is disappointing that his treasure didn’t turn out to be something more symbolic.

• Second, there is little variation in sentence structure (the first page contains three simple sentences, four compound sentences, one complex-compound sentence and no complex sentences), and also little variation in vocabulary (on page 116, starting at the star, until the end of page 117, “boy” is mentioned twelve times, “alchemist”, eleven times and “desert” seven times—this would seem like a lot if you were to actually count the number of words in that section, there aren’t many as the print is large and double spaced).

• Third, the “Personal Legend” description, as we discussed in class, is faulty. It’s vague and doesn’t take into consideration that a) life is complicated, and b) “dreams” are complicated. Not everyone has one sole dream or purpose. What happens when that dream is fulfilled? Just stop dreaming? And to say that one’s life has one purpose is oversimplifying things. Furthermore, it gives the impression that everyone has one great and amazing reason for being on the planet, but let’s face it, we’re not all Owen Meanie. If there was one simple reason for us all hanging out down here together on Earth, would there be so much violent disagreements over religion? Life’s just not that simple.