THE ALCHEMIST ESSAY
Pick one of the following topics for your essay:
1. What is the theme of the novel? In your introduction, write a thesis statement that identifies the theme and briefly explains how the theme is developed. In your body paragraphs, give specific examples of scenes, characters’ actions, or symbols by which the author develops the theme. End the essay with a concluding statement that sums up your thesis and major supporting ideas in new words. Your conclusion may offer examples of how the chosen theme relates to real-life situations or other literary texts.
2. How do events such as omens and dreams support the novel’s theme? In your introduction, present a thesis statement in which you clearly present your main idea about the thematic role of such events. In your body paragraphs, analyze specific events of this type, using their details to show their meaning. Conclude the essay by restating your thesis and major supporting ideas in new terms. You may include a thoughtful generalization that wraps up your thesis.
3. What is the allegory in the novel, and how does it shape and support the novel’s theme? In your thesis statement, identify the allegory and give a concise statement of its relation to the theme. In your body paragraphs, explain the allegory’s meaning and specify characters, actions, or symbols that develop this meaning. End with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis and main points and connects the allegory to real-life situations or other literary texts.

Introduction Paragraph
● Hook:
● Explain/expand upon your hook:
● Introduce the novel
● Thesis statement:

Body Paragraph #1-
● Topic sentence:
● Example #1 from the text:
○ Explain and/or expand upon this example:
● Example # 2 from the text:
○ Explain and/or expand upon this example:
● Example #3 from the text:
○ Explain and/or expand upon this example:
● Sum up entire body paragraph:

Conclusion
● Restate thesis in a different way:
● Sum up what you said in your essay:
● Briefly refer to your hook so that you come full circle:
● Leave your reader with a final thought: