Journal Oct. 19

I think that it is harder to draw and tell someone else's story than it is to draw or tell your own story. This is because one cannot know every single detail of a story, such as details like who is in the background and what the weather was like. The drawer of the story has to create/imagine these details to put in the story unless they have been told them. The person whose story is being told could possibly get offended by the lack of authenticity in the story just because a few details are not accurate. It is also hard for the drawer to know what emotions the person was feeling at the time they were experiencing this event, which could pose a problem when trying to make the story emotionally accurate. However, the drawer can have a very easy time making the story interesting and intriguing because they can choose what points of the story the want to emphasize. They can also exaggerate other "scenes" of the story to make them more intense and dramatic. This can help to capture the readers attention even if it makes the story not one-hundred percent accurate.

Journal Oct. 10

I am going to write about the Englishman in the novel. I thought that it was really weird that the book randomly stopped talking about him. Pablo said that he went off to go study and practice alchemy, but the book never mentions him again. This leaves the reader with lots of questions like: is the Englishman okay, will he ever make the philosopher's stone, and will he meet the alchemist again? I think that this was poor writing on Pablo's part, but I was wondering what you guys think about it. 

Journal October 4

For my final Alchemist blog post, I would like to talk about names in this book. The book is very strange when it comes to names. Throughout the book, the author only mentions Santiago's name once, and this is when we are introduced to him. "The boy's name was Santiago" (pg. 1). I think that this is so the reader can relate to the protagonist more. A name puts another barrier between the reader and the protagonist. By not having a name for the protagonist, the reader will be able to relate their journey through life to Santiago's journey through life. Even though readers most likely won't travel through Egypt, they will be able to understand his journey to complete their goals easier since Santiago is just called the boy. They will also be able to put their name in place of the Santiago's name because he is just referred to as the boy.

Journal Sept. 28

3. I think that omens are meant to serve as a guide to the characters in the book. They help the characters stay on track during their Personal Legend. Omens also help protect the characters in the book. For example, Santiago saw two hawks fighting and believed that that meant that soldiers were going to bring war to the oasis. If Santiago hadn't seen this omen, the oasis would have most likely been ambushed. Another example is when Urim and Thummim fell out of the hole in Santiago's pocket. This reminded Santiago of the stones, which helped him make decisions that led him on the right path to his Personal Legend. Santiago's repeating dream is also an example of omens guiding a character on the path to his Personal Legend. If Santiago hadn't realized that this repeating dream was a sign from a higher power, he never would have gone on this journey to find the treasure. He would still be a shepherd traveling from place to place.

Journal September 19

I don't completely agree that when you want something the whole universe conspires to help you. If Santiago wanted to go to the pyramids, the universe should've helped him, using this logic. However, they made the trip expensive, long, and hard. He had to spend all his money that he earned from herding sheep to just travel to Morocco. Once he got there, he had to work for about nine months to go on the trip. He almost didn't even go on the trip. The universe could have made it so much easier for him to get to what he wanted. Also, not everyone gets what they want. Tons of people want to get rich, and famous but they don't. I think that the universe helps you sometimes, but not all the times. However, it helped him get to the pyramids, since he eventually decided to go there.

Journal Sept. 13

I think that the author started the book wit this modified version of Narcissus because in this story, the lake finds it true beauty through something else. I think that the lake symbolizes Santiago. In the story, the lake finds its true beauty by accident. It was only when someone else did something to the lake, 'looked in it', he was able to find himself. He was just thrown into this situation, and found his inner self through it. I think that this is kind of like Santiago. I believe that Santiago will be thrown into a journey to find this treasure because the king and the gypsy were so persistent about the treasure in Egypt. During this trip, I think that he will find his inner self, or inner beauty, just like the lake.

Journal September 4

This year in ELA, I want to become a better writer. I plan to do this by expanding my vocabulary, reading different styles of writing, and just practicing. I think that my writing could be greatly improved through out the year. I also would like to work on being able to pick out symbolism in books. I plan to do this by just reading more and more book that have multiple layers of symbolism. I would also like to just read some interesting books, as well as develop my video making skills.