Rethinking Fate or ‘Maktub’ in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist through Taoism

Abstract

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is believed to be a work that inspires readers to reflect upon their dreams and pursue them. While it is a matter of discussion as to what makes the novel so, one of the apparent reasons is the compelling presence of philosophical ideas like Taoism. However, the presence of Taoism—the idea of going with the universe’s “flow” - contradicts Coelho’s use of the idea of “fate” or “Maktub” present in the same work. While Maktub stands for a pre-determined destiny, this research paper closely analyses how Taoist principles in The Alchemist contradict the author’s use of the concept of fate or destiny through the actions and dialogues of notable characters.

Keywords

• fiction
• novel
• Paulo Coelho
• The Alchemist
• Taoism
• fate