The Alchemist

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. How is the story of Narcissus different from the traditional myth when the alchemist reads it?

A) A goddess appears, and the lake celebrates Narcissus’s death.

B) Narcissus does not die in this version because the lake feels guilty for drowning him.

C) A goddess appears, and the lake weeps for Narcissus after causing his death.

D) Narcissus does not die because he is saved by the goddess.

2. If magical realism is the blending of the real with the fantastical, which of the following is an example of magical realism in The Alchemist?

A) Constellations

B) The pyramids

C) The journey to Egypt

D) Personal Legends

3. How does Santiago comfort himself when he loses his guide on the way to Egypt and realizes he has been swindled?

A) He thinks of himself as an adventurer.

B) He thinks of his family and his home.

C) He thinks of the stability of his life as a shepherd.

D) He thinks of what Melchizedek said about fate.

4. What does Santiago inadvertently learn from the crystal merchant?

A) It is acceptable to be content with one’s lot in life.

B) It is important to pursue one’s Personal Legend, even if it doesn’t seem logical.

C) It is critical to fill a need in one’s society, such as by providing tea to travelers.