The Alchemist is about a shepherd who tells a gypsy about a reuccuring dream where a child tells him to seek treasure at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago consults a gypsy woman to interpret the dream, and to his surprise she tells him to go to Egypt. Then he meets a strange old man named Melchizedech who turns out to be the King of Salem. He teaches Santiago abou Beginner's luck and following your dreams. Santiago sets out on his journey and meets other adventurers on the way who have similar goals as him. Eventually in Egypt he meets The Alchemist who teaches Santiago about the Soul of Nature and eaches Santiago about his own powers. Last Santiago has his original dream and figure out that the treasure is in the abandoned church in Spain at the first setting in the book.
One word:Perserverence- The book shows a boy doing what he always wanted to do, but had no passion. He learns from many teachers and friends on his journey to follow his dreams and never give up. On his journey he is going through a metaphorically metamorphesis.