Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor emphasize the importance of symbolism in literature. In The Alchemist, the protagonist Santiago encounters many symbols, such as the desert, the wind, and the alchemist himself, which represent different aspects of his journey and personal transformation. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that symbols are one of the most important tools that authors use to convey meaning and that readers should pay close attention to them when interpreting a text.
2. Archetypes
Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor also discuss the concept of archetypes. Archetypes are universal symbols or patterns that appear in literature and other forms of art across cultures and time periods. In The Alchemist, Santiago meets several archetypal characters, such as the wise old man, the mentor, and the trickster. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that archetypes are essential to understanding literature because they tap into our shared human experiences and emotions.
3. Intertextuality
Intertextuality is the relationship between a text and other texts. Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor discuss the importance of intertextuality in understanding literature. In The Alchemist, Santiago's journey is influenced by many different texts, including the Bible, the Quran, and the works of Rumi. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that readers should always be aware of the intertextual relationships between a text and other texts because these relationships can shed light on the text's meaning.
4. Theme
Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor emphasize the importance of theme. Theme is the central idea or message of a text. In The Alchemist, the theme is the importance of following one's dreams. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that theme is one of the most important aspects of literature and that readers should always try to identify the theme of a text.
5. Allusions
Allusions are references to other texts or events. Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor discuss the use of allusions in literature. In The Alchemist, Santiago encounters several allusions to the Bible and other religious texts. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that allusions are one of the ways that authors create intertextual relationships between their texts and other texts.
6. Irony
Irony is a literary device that creates a sense of surprise or contrast. Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor discuss the use of irony in literature. In The Alchemist, Santiago encounters several ironic situations, such as the fact that he finds his treasure in the place where he started his journey. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that irony is a powerful tool that authors can use to create suspense and tension in their texts.
7. Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is the use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in a story. Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor discuss the use of foreshadowing in literature. In The Alchemist, there are several instances of foreshadowing, such as the appearance of the old king in Santiago's dreams. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that foreshadowing is essential to understanding literature because it helps readers to anticipate what will come next.
8. Point of View
Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. Both The Alchemist and How to Read Literature Like a Professor discuss the importance of point of view in understanding literature. In The Alchemist, the story is told from Santiago's point of view, which gives readers a personal and intimate perspective on his journey. In How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster argues that point of view is one of the most important factors to consider when interpreting a text because it affects how readers perceive the characters, events, and themes of the story.
These are just a few of the connections between The Alchemist and How