Main Conflict of the King of Salem

Essay by jakeriley9Junior High, 9th grade November 2014

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Riley 1

Main Conflict of the King of Salem

In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, The King of Salem is mainly the conflict-giver, more than a person with his own conflict. He gives the main character, Santiago, Umim and Thummim, two stones that come up several times in the story. He also explains the story of the oil on the spoon to the boy, telling him "the secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon" (Coelho 32), meaning follow your dream but have fun doing it. The King talks to Santiago and convinces him to go on his personal journey, consequently leading him to his treasure. Without King Melchizedek, Santiago would never have found his treasure, let alone even attempt to follow his Personal Legend. He would have never met the crystal merchant, the Englishman, or the alchemist without the King, therefor making him a very significant and important character in relation to Santiago.