– The Alchemist & Educated
Literature has the remarkable ability to transport readers to different worlds, captivating their minds and emotions along the way. In this comparative study, we will delve into two powerful and thought-provoking books: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Educated” by Tara Westover. Though these books might seem vastly different in terms of genre and narrative style, both offer profound insights into the human spirit, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
“The Alchemist,” a globally acclaimed novel first published in 1988, takes readers on a mystical journey through the deserts of Egypt and Spain. Written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, this allegorical tale follows the story of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who embarks on a quest to find his personal legend. Through encounters with various characters and the exploration of themes such as destiny, purpose, and the importance of listening to one’s heart, Coelho weaves a spiritually enlightening narrative that has resonated with millions of readers worldwide.
On the other hand, “Educated,” a memoir published in 2018, provides a raw and deeply personal account of Tara Westover’s life growing up in rural Idaho. This gripping autobiography recounts Westover’s experiences within her highly dysfunctional and isolated family, where education was marginalized and the outside world remained virtually unknown. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Westover’s determination to seek knowledge and gain an education eventually leads her on a transformative path towards self-realization and empowerment.
While “The Alchemist” explores the realm of fiction, drawing upon inspirational and philosophical elements, “Educated” delves into the poignant reality of a person’s struggle for education, identity, and emancipation. By juxtaposing these two books, we aim to uncover the thematic similarities and differences, examining how both authors tackle universal human themes such as the pursuit of dreams, self-discovery, and the power of knowledge.
Through this comparative study, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the different paths individuals embark upon in their search for meaning and personal growth. Let us embark on this intellectual journey, exploring the unique insights offered by “The Alchemist” and “Educated” as they illuminate the diverse aspects of the human experience from both fictional and non-fictional perspectives.
Summary of Two Books
The Alchemist
“The Alchemist” is a renowned novel written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. Originally published in Portuguese in 1988, it quickly gained international fame and has since been translated into numerous languages. The book portrays the journey of self-discovery and personal transformation through the eyes of its protagonist, Santiago.
Set in Andalusia, Spain, the story begins with Santiago, a young shepherd who dreams of finding a hidden treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after encountering a recurring dream. Seeking guidance, he meets a wise old man named Melchizedek, who encourages him to pursue his Personal Legend, or his true purpose in life.
Santiago embarks on a transformative journey across the vast Sahara Desert, encountering various individuals who guide and inspire him along the way. One of the most significant individuals he encounters is an Englishman who studies alchemy, teaching Santiago about the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the transmutation of base metals into gold.
The central theme of “The Alchemist” revolves around following one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart, which Coelho refers to as the “Language of the World.” Santiago learns to trust this language and follow the omens and signs that appear on his path, guiding him towards his destiny.
Throughout his journey, Santiago discovers that true treasures lie not only in material possessions but also in the lessons and wisdom gained from pursuing one’s dreams. He learns to appreciate the present moment and embrace the unknown, developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
In the Sahara Desert, Santiago meets an alchemist who helps him understand that the true essence of alchemy lies in the transformation of oneself. The alchemist teaches him about the importance of listening to the Soul of the World and facing one’s fears to fulfill one’s Personal Legend.
As Santiago finally reaches the Egyptian pyramids, he realizes that the treasure he sought was within him all along. The ultimate message of the book is that by following our dreams, we discover our true purpose and find fulfillment in life.
“The Alchemist” has captivated readers worldwide with its poetic prose, philosophical insights, and profound spiritual teachings. It serves as an inspirational allegory urging individuals to pursue their dreams fearlessly, trust in their intuition, and seek their own personal legend.
Educated
Educated” is a memoir written by Tara Westover, an American author. The book provides a compelling and emotional account of her journey from growing up in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho to pursuing education and eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
Tara’s early life was marked by harsh living conditions, as her family lived off the grid and followed a fundamentalist Mormon lifestyle. They did not believe in formal education or mainstream medicine. Despite these obstacles, Tara developed a thirst for knowledge through self-education and reading books found in her father’s junkyard.
As Tara grew older, she became determined to attend school and escape the limitations imposed by her upbringing. She faced resistance from her family, who feared the influence of the outside world. However, with the support of some of her siblings, Tara managed to take the ACT exam and gain admission to Brigham Young University.
At college, Tara’s lack of prior formal education presented numerous challenges. Nevertheless, she excelled academically and discovered a passion for learning. Her newfound knowledge led her to question her family’s beliefs and traditions, causing conflicts within herself and strained relationships with her loved ones.
Over time, Tara’s educational pursuits took her to various institutions, including Harvard University and Cambridge University. Along this journey, she encountered difficulties assimilating into mainstream society, coping with her traumatic past, and reconciling her identity with the expectations of her family.
“Educated” delves into themes such as the power of education, the struggle for self-discovery, and the consequences of breaking away from one’s roots. It explores the complexities of family dynamics, the resilience of the human spirit, and the impact of upbringing on personal development.
Throughout the book, Tara vividly portrays her experiences, emotions, and the challenges she faced as she fought for an education and sought to understand her place in the world. “Educated” is not only a story of triumph over adversity but also a reflection on the transformative power of education and the pursuit of knowledge.
Comparison Between the Two Books
Similarities in Self-discovery
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Educated” by Tara Westover are two compelling books that explore the journey of self-discovery amidst personal growth and transformation. While they differ in plot and setting, there are notable parallels between these books regarding the theme of self-discovery. Here are some of the similarities:
Quest for Identity:
In both books, the central characters embark on a quest to discover their true selves. Santiago in “The Alchemist” and Tara in “Educated” grapple with their identities and strive to break free from societal expectations and limitations imposed upon them.
Transformational Journeys:
Both stories depict transformative journeys where the protagonists undergo significant personal growth. They confront obstacles, face their fears, and learn valuable lessons along the way, ultimately leading to profound self-discovery.
Unconventional Paths:
Santiago and Tara deviate from the conventional paths set for them by society, family, and culture. They choose to follow their own ambitions and passions, which challenges their existing beliefs and leads them to uncover hidden aspects of themselves.
Spiritual Awakening:
Spirituality plays a crucial role in both narratives. Santiago’s journey in “The Alchemist” involves spiritual encounters, omens, and a search for his Personal Legend, while Tara’s exploration in “Educated” explores the impact of religion and spirituality on her understanding of self and the world around her.
Seeking Knowledge and Wisdom:
Learning and education are fundamental aspects of self-discovery in both books. Santiago seeks wisdom from various sources, including an alchemist, while Tara pursues knowledge outside her isolated upbringing through formal education, exposing herself to new ideas and perspectives.
Overcoming Fears and Challenges:
Both Santiago and Tara face numerous challenges and overcome deep-rooted fears throughout their journeys. Their perseverance and resilience help them discover inner strength, confidence, and a sense of purpose that they previously lacked.
Connection with Nature:
Nature serves as a significant backdrop in these narratives, symbolizing the protagonists’ connection with something greater than themselves. Both Santiago and Tara find solace, inspiration, and guidance in nature, which facilitates their self-discovery and aids their understanding of the world.
In essence, “The Alchemist” and “Educated” share several common threads when it comes to self-discovery. Both books emphasize the importance of embracing one’s true identity, seeking knowledge, overcoming challenges, and finding one’s own path in life. Through their respective journeys, Santiago and Tara undergo transformative experiences that lead them to profound self-realization and personal growth.
Divergence in Self-discovery
While both “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Educated” by Tara Westover explore the themes of self-discovery, they present different perspectives and journeys for their respective protagonists. Here are the key divergences regarding self-discovery in these books:
Cultural Background:
The protagonists in these books come from vastly different cultural backgrounds. In “The Alchemist,” Santiago is a shepherd from Spain who embarks on a quest to find his personal legend, while in “Educated,” Tara Westover grows up in a strict and isolated environment in rural Idaho, with her family rejecting mainstream society and education. This disparity in cultural setting influences the characters’ self-discovery processes.
Journey vs Education:
In “The Alchemist,” Santiago’s self-discovery is primarily driven by his journey through the desert and encounters with various people who guide him along the way. His path involves spiritual exploration and listening to the omens of the universe. In contrast, Tara Westover’s self-discovery in “Educated” is strongly intertwined with her pursuit of education outside her family’s oppressive environment. Education becomes her catalyst for self-discovery, helping her challenge her upbringing and broaden her worldview.
Spirituality vs Knowledge:
While both books touch upon spirituality and knowledge as avenues for self-discovery, they emphasize them differently. “The Alchemist” places a greater emphasis on spiritual elements, like the belief in a personal legend that guides individuals towards their purpose. Santiago’s self-discovery involves connecting with the soul of the world and understanding the language of signs. On the other hand, “Educated” emphasizes the transformative power of knowledge and education. Tara’s self-discovery is fueled by her hunger for learning, which enables her to question her family’s beliefs and discover her own identity.
Individual vs Family:
Another divergence lies in the importance of individuality versus familial influence in self-discovery. In “The Alchemist,” Santiago’s journey is deeply personal, with little focus on familial relationships. His self-discovery is about understanding himself and fulfilling his own destiny. In contrast, “Educated” emphasizes the impact of family dynamics on Tara’s self-discovery. She grapples with her loyalty towards her family and the desire for personal growth, leading to conflicts and a complex exploration of her identity within the context of her family unit.
In summary, “The Alchemist” focuses on a spiritual journey through which Santiago discovers his purpose, whereas “Educated” explores the power of education and its role in Tara Westover’s self-discovery process. The divergences in cultural background, journey versus education, spirituality versus knowledge, as well as the emphasis on individuality versus family, contribute to the distinct approaches to self-discovery presented in these two books.
Conclusion
Both “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Educated” by Tara Westover are highly acclaimed books that offer valuable insights and perspectives. However, they differ significantly in terms of genre and subject matter. Here’s a brief overview of each book to help you decide:
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho:
This novel is a philosophical and allegorical tale that follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago as he searches for treasure and discovers his personal legend.
Coelho weaves themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams into a narrative filled with symbolism and spiritual insights.
The book offers an inspirational message about following one’s passion and listening to the heart’s desires.
“Educated” by Tara Westover:
This memoir recounts the author’s own life growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho, where she was denied a formal education.
Westover’s journey towards self-education and transformation highlights themes of resilience, the power of knowledge, and the quest for personal identity.
The book explores family dynamics, the impact of education on personal growth, and the challenges of breaking free from oppressive environments.
Both books have garnered widespread acclaim, but their genres and themes differ significantly. If you enjoy allegorical tales with spiritual undertones and themes of self-discovery, “The Alchemist” might be more appealing to you. On the other hand, if you prefer memoirs that explore personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of education, “Educated” would be a compelling choice. Consider your personal interests and what you’re looking for in a book to determine which one aligns better with your preferences.
