Negotiating Destiny: Interpersonal Meaning-Making and the Linguistic Dynamics of Santiago’s Social World in Coelho’s The Alchemist (1988)

Abstract

This research aims to explore the highly acclaimed novel – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho from Hallidian Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) with specific focus on the interpersonal meta-function for the analysis of the protagonist dialogues. The story of the novel center on the transformative journey of the protagonist – Santiago. This research explores the important role of language which shadows the role of narrative to put self-discovery as an outcome along with identity negotiation and social interaction. Hallidian SFL interpersonal meta-functional analysis interprets the dialogues of the protagonist which include relational exchanges and inner monologues. These relational exchanges and inner monologues are the interactions with the Englishman and the Alchemist. These interactions and dialogues reveal that social relationship and personal agency heavily rely on the use of language. The research decodes on the fundamentals of SFL analysis that protagonist’s use of Mood, Modality and Appraisal helps us to understand the spiritual maturation and philosophical evolution. Reflective tone and evolving certainty are best understood by the use of modal verbs (must and should) along with the use of declarative and interrogative moods. Research also decodes Coelho’s craft for the nuanced interplay between free will, faith and destiny by mapping Santiago’s linguistic expressions as he interacts with the mentoring figures. This all encapsulates the revelation of the ‘Personal Legend’. The study successfully bridges the scholarly gap with the application Hallidian SFL analysis for the affirmation of language as a performative and expressive tool along with its importance to shape the destiny of the protagonist through meaningful dialogues, embedded interpersonal acts and symbolic language.