The Symbolism of the Wind and the Desert

The desert and the wind as characters and teachers, representing the forces of nature that test and guide Santiago.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Levanter at Tarifa

The Wind of Change The Name Santiago feels the levanter, the wind that brought the Moors. It carries the smell of the desert. The Feeling of Freedom He envies the wind's freedom. He realizes he can be free too. The Omen The wind becomes a symbol of the journey he must take.

The Silence of the Desert

The Desert as Teacher The Camels' Hooves In the desert, there is only the sound of the wind and hoofbeats. The guides speak little. The Language of the Desert Santiago learns that the desert is old and wise. It speaks without words. The Lesson He must be still to hear the omens. The desert teaches patience.

The Wind as a Character in the Transformation

The Wind's Role The Dialogue Santiago speaks to the wind, asking for help. The wind is curious and proud. The Wind's Limitation The wind can create storms, but it does not know love. It sends Santiago to the sun. The Wind's Power It creates a simum that covers the camp. It participates in the miracle.

The Desert's Wisdom in the Final Dialogue

The Desert Speaks The Question Santiago asks the desert for help. The desert says it can give its sands to the wind. The Desert's Love It creates game for the falcon, which nourishes man, who returns to the desert. This is love. The Unity The desert is part of the cycle. It serves the larger purpose.

The Levanter Returns at the End

The Wind of Love The Kiss After finding the treasure, the levanter brings Fatima's kiss. It is now a wind of love, not of conquest. The Circle The wind that started the journey ends it. It is a symbol of the connection between all things. The Desert's Gift The desert and the wind have guided Santiago to his treasure.

on the fort wall

during the caravan

the climax

the transformation scene

epilogue