Rethinking Fate or Maktub in Paulo Coelhos The Alchemist through Taoism

Title

Rethinking Fate or Maktub in Paulo Coelhos The Alchemist through Taoism

Creator

Sebastian R.

Description

Brazilian author Paulo Coelhos 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 Taoismthe idea of going with the universes flow - contradicts Coelhos 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 authors use of the concept of fate or destiny through the actions and dialogues of notable characters. 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source

Cogent Arts and Humanities, Vol-10, No. 1

Date

2023-01-01

Publisher

Cogent OA

Subject

fate; fiction; maktub; novel; Paulo Coelho; philosophy; Taoism; The Alchemist

Coverage

Sebastian R., Department of English and Cultural Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India

Rights

All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 23311983

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2023.2257018

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