Table of ContentsIntroductionSacrifice of Familiarity: Beginning of the Personal LegendChange and Growth in The AlchemistConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionChange is a universal concept that transcends boundaries, as it touches the lives of individuals around the world entire. The impact of change is undeniable, whether it is favorable to us or whether it is imposed on us. Paulo Coelho, the author of “The Alchemist,” explores the theme of change in his novel, emphasizing its importance in personal development. In The Alchemist, personal legend serves as the driving force for the protagonist, Santiago, who consciously abandons his worldly existence as a shepherd. Through Santiago's journey, Coelho highlights the idea that accepting change is vital for individual growth and the pursuit of one's true purpose. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essaySacrifice of Familiarity: The Beginning of the Personal LegendTo begin with, Santiago, originally a shepherd, decides to sell his sheep in order to Power sets off on his journey to get to the pyramids and find the treasure he saw in his dreams. Even though Santiago is very emotionally attached to his sheep and “he knew everything about each member of his flock” (Coelho 29), he decides to sell them to his friend because he realizes that he will have no way of access the riches he has. seeks without changing their current lifestyle. Although it pains Santiago to give up the feeling of friendship he found in the sheep during their travels together, he knows it is the right thing to do to get rid of it. “My friend immediately bought all the other sheep” (Coelho 31). He sells all his sheep to his friend and gives 6 of them to the king of Salem in payment for the advice the king gives to Santiago. He chooses to leave his sheep behind even though he has become accustomed to them and even enjoys their company. By leaving his sheep behind even though he cares for them, Santiago shows that he values ​​his journey to becoming a better person more than the feeling of comfort and friendship he feels when he is with his sheep. Change and Growth in The Alchemist Abandoning his sheep and his identity as a shepherd allows Santiago to become a more independent person who does not need to be restrained by the animals he is accustomed to caring for. When Santiago leaves his sheep behind, he shows that he must abandon what he is accustomed to and change his lifestyle in order to achieve the inner metamorphosis he now seeks. Additionally, Santiago leaves Tarifa, Spain, and boards a boat heading to Tangier, Morocco, leaving behind the land he has always known. He leaves Spain in the hope of finding his treasure in Africa. Santiago leaves his homeland behind, even though he is afraid of finding himself in an unfamiliar place. “If he sold just one of his sheep, he would have enough to cross to the other side of the strait. The idea scared him” (Coelho 28). Santiago is afraid of finally having the freedom he has always sought. He dives into the unknown despite his fears demonstrating his resilience to achieve his “personal legend” or what he is destined to do. Santiago's choice to leave Spain for Africa proves that change is imperative to achieving growth. “He had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have” (Coelho 30). Santiago had to choose between staying in Spain and continuing his life or going to Africa and pursuing change. If he had stayed in Spain, he would have had no way to grow and learn from all the people he meets in., 2015.