Thesis : Coraline is a better example of the hero’s journey than Santiago. She had a stronger ally and a less self-centered elixir.
Coraline has more allies than Santiago because they are willing to sacrifice more for her. Coraline was surrounded by many friends but the cat was her most important one. Coraline’s world seemed to crumble when a cat took away the ghostly child’s right eye. She believed that everything was lost. Coraline’s tears were streaming down her face as the Cat arrived with the rat whose eye was missing. The Cat said “I hate rats but you seem to need this one”(Selick, Coraline). Coraline came to the Cat for help when she was most in need, even though it is known that he dislikes rat. Coraline was fortunate to have an ally who sacrificed everything for her. Santiago, on the other hand, did not. Santiago’s ally, a Crystal Merchant, was miserable and had never pursued his dream. Santiago was able to return to his familiar fields to care for his flock. He was sure of his words, but now he wasn’t happy with it (Coelho 66). Santiago debates whether to return to Spain or go to the Pyramids. Thanks to the Crystal Merchant’s advice, he decided to go to Egypt. Coraline is more loyal than Santiago because the Crystal Merchant sacrificed less, while the Cat gave up his time and effort to obtain the eye of the ghost child. Coraline was trapped in a new world and she challenged another mother to a challenge. Coraline could choose her reward. Coraline responds, “If I win, then you can let me, my parents, the ghosts, and everyone else you have trapped here go.” Coraline chose her elixir based on what she thought would benefit others, not herself. Coraline’s potion was not self-centered, while Santiago’s potion was. Santiago’s treasure was found at the beginning of the church. He realized this as soon he was defeated by the pyramids. After he returned home, he began digging. “Half-an-hour later, his shovel struck something solid.” A chest of Spanish coins was in his hands an hour after he started digging. Also, there were gold masks embellished with red, white and blue feathers as well as stone statues with embedded jewels (Coelho 169). Santiago finally found the treasure he was looking for, but it didn’t help anyone. Nor did he save anyone. Coraline has a superior elixir to Santiago. Santiago’s wealth is not as valuable as Coraline. Coraline’s task was more effective than Santiago’s due to Coraline’s ability to face down the villain. Coraline’s parents were not located by the time the game ended. Coraline was told by her other mother that she would be staying there forever. Coraline responded, “No. I won’t!” (Selick) and hurled a cat in the direction of the other mom. Coraline fought to the death after she lost. Coraline stood in front of the villain, while Santiago remained silent. Santiago began digging in search of treasure at the pyramids when he arrived. But he did not find anything. “As soon as the sun arose, the men started beating the boy.” His clothing was shredded, and he was bruised. He felt as if death was imminent. Santaigo finally received his reward when he was accosted by men. Rather than fight back, he stood and let them beat him. Coraline’s task was more difficult than Santiago’s, as she actually fought. Works Cite
Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist is a novel that follows the story of a shepherd boy on a journey to discover his destiny. Along the way, he encounters many obstacles and discovers the importance of fulfilling his personal legend. HarperCollins Publishers released a book in 2014.
Selick, Henry, et al. Coraline. Focus Features released the movie in 2009.
