Modern spirituality in Paulo Coelho's the alchemist: a aeligious archetypal reading

Altabaa, Homam and Ashaary, Nadiah (2022) Modern spirituality in Paulo Coelho's the alchemist: a aeligious archetypal reading. Qourtuba Publisher. ISBN 978-967-16138-7-0

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Abstract

This book is a critical literary exploration of the theme of spirituality in the novel titled, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. The study posits that the appeal of institutional religion has diminished over the years, while the interest in spirituality has increased. Spirituality as compared to religion is considered as a more personal expression of faith. In this sense, spirituality is a path to seek an individual, contemplative, and transformative relationship with the sacred. Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist portrays the elements and themes of modern spirituality. This research utilises the framework proposed by Joseph Campbell (1990), about the archetypal journey of mythical and religious heroes, to analyse the spiritual quest of Santiago, the protagonist of The Alchemist. This analysis of the archetypal journey and symbols reflects the personal, universal, and, experiential nature of modern spirituality. This research also explores the mythical implications of the novel that form a universal spiritual experience for the readers. Ultimately, this research revolves around the subjects of modern spirituality, archetypes, myths and their interaction in the novel. The study concludes that the popularity of The Alchemist can be in part attributed to its archetypal presentation of a spiritual journey that modern readers can identify with and internalise.

Item Type:	Book
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PE English P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0080 Criticism P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Communication
Depositing User:	Dr Homam Altabaa
Date Deposited:	22 Dec 2022 11:02
Last Modified:	22 Dec 2022 11:04
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/101958

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