Literary Analysis: The Alchemist

     I have two ideas for my literary analysis: either research alchemy and relate it back to the text or do some research on the author, Paulo Coelho.
     If I researched alchemy I would find out what it really is and how it relates to the book. I think if I understood more about alchemy, I could understand the book better considering that is what much of the book is about.
     The reason that I might be interested in researching Paulo Coelho is because when I started looking for information, one of the first things I saw was that he actually did a pilgrimage himself. I believe this could have much to do with The Alchemist, and the things he learned along his journey most likely contributed to his motivation for writing this book. Perhaps his pilgrimage was a lifelong dream of his.

The Alchemist

So far in this novel, I've noticed that fate has a lot to do with The Alchemist. The author talks about the universal language and personal legends. Coincidence is not a factor in the boy's happenings. Rather, things are good omens and they are "written." It is an interesting way to look at life. As the boy is traveling with the caravan he comes along the Englishman who also talks about omens. I think that many people probably share this feeling in the world.

Burton vs. Carroll: Alice in Wonderland

     Just reading Carroll's version of Alice in Wonderland, I picture a colorful, vibrant world with flowers and decorative objects. I envision it as a light-hearted place despite the madness of all the characters and the Queen's harsh tone.
     After watching a clip from the movie, I noticed a vast difference in the way I imagined Carroll's Wonderland and the way Burton's is portrayed. The setting is much darker, the dishes and houses are nearly in ruins, and the characters have a sense of evil besides their absurdity.
     Right away, Alice's age stood out. She is much older in the movie than the book, which changes the effect in a way. Instead of Alice's silly remarks being a normality for a young girl, they would seem out of place for someone as old as Burton's Alice.

Alice's Encounter with the Caterpillar

     That girl just doesn't seem to know who she is or what she wants. She tried telling me that she doesn't know who she is, but couldn't explain herself. Supposedly, this girl has changed sizes multiple times today which is her reasoning for her uncertainty. I find it very absurd that someone should not know who they are. She then continued that someday I would have an identity crisis, too, when I go through the process of changing into a butterfly. I told her I will feel no different at all.
    
      She began to leave, but since I found this girl interesting, I decided to ask her to stay so I could help her figure out who she is. I asked her to recite a poem, which she did not do correctly. That poor girl... The only way I could think to give her some hope was to assist her in returning to her desired size by eating from this mushroom. I was quite offended when she told me she thought three inches was "a wretched height", seeing as this is my exact height, but gave her advice nonetheless.

--Caterpillar

Catcher in the Rye

     I read Catcher in the Rye my junior year for English class. It quickly became a top favorite on my list of books. The reason that I enjoyed it so much was because of the narrator, Holden Caulfield. He's a young, rebellious boy who tends to do and say as he pleases. In return, Holden gets himself into trouble wherever he goes. As badly behaved as he is, he is a very likable character. Sometimes I would actually laugh out loud at Holden's flabbergasting and derogatory comments. I stayed interested throughout the entire book as Holden told of his adventures of his teenage life.