The Refutation of the Agglomeration of Function in Coelho’s The Alchemist: Marcel’s Idea on Religious Existentialism

Abstract

This research focuses on aspect of refutation of agglomeration of function in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist based on Marcel’s idea on religious existentialism. The researchers manage qualitative research using the novel The Alchemist as the source of data. The research findings show that the novel The Alchemist is a novel that is steeped in existentialism ideology which emphasizes the idea of ​​a person's necessity to create an authentic and unique life. The novel's author uses the main character in his novel, Santiago, as a medium for depicting how a person lives and creates his authentic life. This is proven by Santiago's decisions starting from becoming a shepherd to the decision to go to realize his dream and find treasure in the pyramid. Apart from containing atheist existentialist ideology, this novel also contains the religious view of existentialism which, according to Marcel, a religious existentialist, one of the indicators of religious existentialism is the refutation of the agglomeration of functions. Santiago refuses to be an ordinary shepherd by adding some more value to himself and his life by having the ability to read books, believing in the interpretation of his dreams, and deciding to make those dreams come true then become an adventurer.