The Gypsy Woman's Prophecy and Claim

The old Gypsy woman's interpretation of Santiago's dream and her demand for a share of the treasure, which creates a promise that is eventually fulfilled.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Consultation in Tarifa

The Dream Interpretation The Visit Santiago goes to the old woman's house. She reads his palm and tells him that his dream is in the language of the world. The Interpretation She says he must go to the pyramids in Egypt, where he will find a treasure. She demands one-tenth of the treasure as payment. Santiago's Reaction He is skeptical and disappointed, but he agrees to the terms. He feels the whole thing is a trick.

The Promise Sworn

The Oath Sacred Heart of Jesus The old woman makes Santiago swear by the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that he will pay her one-tenth of the treasure. Significance This promise becomes a binding contract. It shows that Santiago's journey is tied to honoring his word, even to a stranger. Foreshadowing Later, the king also asks for one-tenth of his sheep. The pattern of giving a portion of one's gains is established.

Remembering the Promise at the End

Fulfilling the Obligation The Treasure Found Santiago finds the treasure chest. He remembers the Gypsy woman and decides to give her one-tenth. Reflection He thinks that Gypsies are smart, perhaps because they move around so much. He acknowledges that she was right. Closure This act completes the cycle. The promise made at the beginning is honored, tying the story's beginning and end together.

morning after the dream

during the consultation

epilogue, after finding the treasure