THE ARCHETYPES OF HERO’S JOURNEY IN PAULO COELHO’S THE ALCHEMIST

Abstract

This research has two objectives. The first is to demonstrate the archetypes of hero’s journey in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. The second is to uncover literary elements used to reveal those archetypes.This research applied the descriptive qualitative method.This research reveals two findings. First, based on Christopher Vogler’s theory on mythic structure, 12 stages of the archetypes of hero’s journey that signify the cycle of Separation-Initiation-Return are found in the novel. Those stages are (1) The Ordinary World, (2) The Call to Adventure, (3) Refusal of the Call, (4) Meeting with the Mentor, (5) Crossing the First Threshold, (6) Test-Allies-Enemies, (7) Approach to the Inmost Cave, (8) Supreme Ordeal, (9) Seizing the Reward, (10) The Road Back, (11) Resurrection, and (12) Return with the Elixir. These twelve stages are useful to identify the road-map of the hero’s journey. The whole story of The Alchemist gives more understanding to the archetypes of hero’s journey and vice versa. The stages of the archetypes of hero’s journey help to uncover what quest is being achieved by the hero. The most interesting finding is that the transformation and heroic quality are reflected in the stage of Supreme Ordeal. The transformation is the aim of the hero’s journey. It suggests that the hero changes from the state of innocence to the state of knowledge. Hero’s transformation reflects universal human realization of the essence of life. Second, the archetypes of hero’s journey are presented through the correlation among two narrative intrinsic elements which are plot and setting of time and place. In demonstrating each stage, plot shows the level of tension that reflects six phases:  exposition, rising action, complication, climax, falling action, and resolution. Setting demonstrates the time order and the environment that signify the realm of the ordinary world and the special world.

Keywords: mythic structure, hero’s Journey, archetype