27. Language is an important part of the theme of this fable, and although the story is told in rather simple terms, the ideas that it expresses are philosophical and deep.
Santiago is an educated young man, capable of understanding many languages
because of his seminary training. Yet, he is clearly interested in learning about the
world and about his reason for being in a way that goes beyond mere speaking
and writing. He chooses to travel, first as a shepherd and then as an adventurer
seeking his destiny, because he wants to learn how to communicate in the
Language of the World. There are many references throughout the text to this
language, and clearly it is a language that goes beyond words. He often reflects on
the "language without words," which describes the way that people communicate
to each other when they do not speak each other's language. The language without
words is also the language he speaks with his sheep. What are some of the literal
and figurative languages that Santiago realizes he has learned by the time he
completes his year of work for the crystal merchant?
T.
bont introduces