Magic Realism in Paulo Coelho’sThe Alchemist

Abstract

Paulo Coelho in his text,The Alchemistnot only blurs the hierarchy between the real and the fantasyin the novel but also blurs the demarcation line between history and fiction, natural and supernatural, and the past and the present. This short of blending of magical with the real is reflected basically in his character portrayal, incidents, situations, and settings of the novel. Coelho develops the technique of magical realism to promote acceptance in fantasy to make it as a real like event and also to promotethe notion that each of us is destined for treasure, and each of us has a magical dream buried deep down within us, and that is up to us to search the reality around us until we finally discover where the magic is.In the text, Santiago, the main protagonist becomes able to foresee the upcoming events; he talks and tames the natural forces, he has the power of prognostication and overall, he once transforms himself into a dangerous whirlwind. By the magical incidents, Coelho shows the cultural realities of post colonial and postmodern society.