Paulo Coelho's narrative choice to use direct address in
his novel The Alchemist is a particularly effective way to reach
Coelho's audience.
First, this method of address makes the
story take on an immediacy (and "intellectual adjacency"). The ideas and precepts do not
necessarily take place in the past, but appeal to the modern audience as if the elements
of the novel could be taking place here—today
and anywhere in the world. This
timelessness adds to the credibility of the story, which is not restricted to a
particular culture, race, religion or intellectual group. The book's themes—life
truths—are universal. The manner of direct address allows the reader to feel Coelho is
speaking to each reader personally, and this creates the story's
credibility.
The author's choice of direct address makes
the reader feel as if he/she is being addressed almost conversationally. At first
glance, one could believe that this might rob the story of its subtle
elegance. However, the author's ability to speak so succinctly and
clearly—while presenting themes of enormous value—is accomplished with grace and is
something of a surprise. Interestingly (and worth noting), it is not until the reader
sits down with the book a second or third time that he/she realizes that this is
not a one-dimensional story, but something with multiple layers.
Each time we read the book, we learn and internalize something new. The method of using
direct address puts the reader at ease. We do not feel as if we are reading a technical
journal or a textbook, but we are reading a book about life. One might anticipate that
the presentation of such significant ideas might be much more
sophisticated, but in avoiding a tone of heaviness, the author can appeal—reach out—to a
wider audience. And although the reading seems straight-forward and almost effortless,
the depth of meaning is waiting beneath the service if only the inquisitive mind chooses
to pick it up and look for personal meaning between the pages.
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