Preview

Paulo Coelho

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1222 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Paulo Coelho
THE WITCH OF PORTOBELLO
BY PAOLO COELHO

"Most of those persons condemned were convicted on the basis of spectral evidence –that is to say, prosecuting witnesses declared that they felt the presence of evil spirits or heard spirit voices" (pg. 2, Paulo Coelho). "The Witch of Portobello" by the renowned Brazilian author Paulo Coelho is a novel about love, passion, joy, spirituality, and sacrifice. The circular structure of this story is very fascinating. There are really several narrators that tell the story of Sherine Khalil (better known as Athena) in their own points of view. The main narrators are Heron Ryan (journalist), Andrea McCain (actress), and Deidre O'Neill (doctor, better known as Edda).

"No one lights a lamp in order to hide …show more content…
They are merely traveling companions, sharing the same uncomfortable feeling of "estrangement" when confronted by ever-changing perceptions, broadening horizons, closing doors, river that sometimes seem to block their path an which, in fact, should never be crossed, but followed."(pg. 213, Paulo Coelho) The doctor Deidre O'Neill, or better known as Edda is the person behind the quote. She is a very important person in the story because, if it was not for her, Athena would never have been in touch with the Mother. Edda was pretty much Athena's teacher, her mentor. She encouraged Athena to turn herself into a teacher, to be a mentor and spread the ideas of the Mother. At first, Athena finds this very difficult to achieve, until she meets Andrea and the group of actors. They decided that the strange rituals Athena taught them really helped them relax and find an inner peace. Athena and Edda met at the same time and in the same café as Athena met Heron, in Transylvania. Athena started dancing and got in trance, which mesmerized Edda. They exchanged information about each other and meet again a few months later. Edda is the woman; the mind behind
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    Francisco Goya
    • 1987 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Francisco Goya

    Through his art, Francisco Goya relayed his feelings toward the political unrest that plagued Spain during his lifetime. As an artist of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Goya lived through a time of political and social upheaval, especially throughout Europe. At the time, the ideas of the Enlightenment had captivated the minds of Spain’s most influential citizens and soon, that of Goya’s. Born in Fuendetodos, Spain, in 1746, Francisco Goya came from very humble beginnings. As the son of a gilder, Goya grew up in the lower class of society, and even after his amazing success as court painter to Spanish royalty, he highly identified himself with the everyday Spaniard or majo. It is this very bond to the people that followed him throughout his life and career. Later, Goya’s portraits, drawings, etchings, and paintings would reflect an internal division that overcame him as his fame and fortune increased. Despite his future camaraderie with the Spanish elite, Goya’s early works often depicted the upper class as somewhat artificial or masked. In fact, this masked-ness is a motif in many of Goya’s works. The contrast between classes is illustrated throughout his tapestry cartoons. These cartoons accurately depict Spanish men and women doing a range of things from enjoying leisurely activities, working, and carrying out very Spanish traditions. Although Goya had a profound connection to his majos and majas, he also shared the beliefs of enlightened thinkers of the times. Figures like Jovellanos, minister to king Charles III, appealed to the other side of Goya. Jovellanos and other Spanish reformers would later be his patrons and comrades and they certainly did not advocate a traditional Spain or for the traditional views of the majevos. Goya’s artistic talents catapulted him to the top of his craft, however he did not forget his origins. Through his art alone, he illustrated the lives of Spaniards both rich and poor in a and time of struggle and…

    • 1987 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Poem Analysis: The Odyssey And Domineering Females
    • 1887 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Poem Analysis: The Odyssey And Domineering Females

    marriage. In addition, Athena also appears before Odysseus as a young girl directing him to the…

    • 1887 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    I Rigoberta Menchu Sparknotes
    • 1639 Words
    • 7 Pages

    I Rigoberta Menchu Sparknotes

    In I, Rigoberta Menchú, Menchú, an Indian woman from Guatemala, explains the repression of Indians in Guatemala and the subsequent formation of a resistance movement. One of the most memorable parts of the book is her description of the Indian peasants’ 1980 occupation of the Spanish Embassy, in which at least 36 government officials and peasants, including her father, died. In her account, she helps the readers to understand the event through the perspective of the affected Guatemalan population. Though her depiction of this event is likely accurate, it is completely different than the portrayal of the event in The New York Times. Differences between the descriptions of the participants, purpose, and unfolding of events in these two accounts…

    • 1639 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist
    • 979 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist

    In Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, a boy named Santiago goes on a journey to follow his Personal Legend. Someone’s Personal Legend exists as something they have wanted to accomplish from birth. However, a “mysterious force” convinces people that they cannot realize their Personal Legend. People like Santiago have the ability to overcome this force and therefore can rediscover their Personal Legend. However, fear can hinder people from reaching their Personal Legend, which Coelho demonstrates through the craft elements of dialogue and mood.…

    • 979 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Agnodice's Legacy
    • 1232 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Agnodice's Legacy

    Originally, she was a wive’s tale; only the women knew of her. Then, the doctors of Athens noticed that her — or rather, “his” — services were in high demand among all these women who had adamantly refused any help from doctors in the past. It was suspicious to them that these women would only trust Agnodice, especially because the men were ignorant to her secret. “...They accused Agnodice of seducing their patients. They also claimed that the women had feigned illness in order to get visits from [her].” (“Agnodice…

    • 1232 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Malcolm Gladwell
    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Malcolm Gladwell

    Malcolm Gladwell’s arguments center around an idea he calls “thin-slicing.” Thin-slicing is the concept that our unconscious can take lightning-quick bits of experiences and use preconceived notions about behaviors and situations to interpret them. Our unconscious thin-slices the world around us on a constantly– every person we meet or even already know we thin-slice. In times of panic, our brains rely on those split-second decisions based on what we have unconsciously observed. The reactions that we have from thin-slicing are sometimes called one’s basic instincts: the inkling inside of you that you may or may not understand. This is where Gladwell gets into the idea that even when your unconscious brings these thin-slices to your conscious attention, you probably still won’t know why you feel the way you do about things. The little connections that your unconscious brain makes are behind a set of locked doors. It’s a bit off-putting to know that your brain is doing things completely unaware of what in this class we would call one’s I-function.…

    • 379 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Hunter S Thompson
    • 924 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Hunter S Thompson

    Throughout the years America has had many symbolic icons that have influenced its change. In the late 20th century one man by the name of Hunter S. Thompson made a big impact on American society. Hunter S. Thompson with his writings, satirical humor, and his strong political beliefs caused changes in our society. Through his journalism he criticized society on topics from consumerism to politics. He fought desperately for civil liberties and encouraged people to vote and get involved. American culture has always been influecened by great people who were not recognized for war or saving peoples lives but for fighting for better funding for schools and for civil rights. Although Hunter S. Thompson never fought in any wars he was a American icon for helping the innocent and making people think for themselves.…

    • 924 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Title Ix
    • 1719 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Title Ix

    "And Athena handed down her pacts of peace/ between both sides for all the years to come- the daughter of Zeus whose shield is storm and thunder, / yes, but the goddess still kept Mentor 's Build and voice"(24. 559-602). Mentoring, as we know today is based on the actions and behavior of the goddess Athena towards Odysseus while disguised as his great friend the Mentor. She serves as his advisor, guide, and provides him with emotional support throughout Homers epic poem, The Odyssey. Athena holds a lot of power among the gods; and she is able to get her way in most situations by using her power from her father, Zeus, to her fullest advantage. In the beginning of Book One, Athena mentions Odysseus to her father and how her heart breaks just thinking of this crafty man and the horrible tragedies he has endured on his way home from war. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, serves as more than just a loyal companion to Odysseus but rather a Mentor, and a shield, protecting him from harmful and risky situations, enabling him to make clever decisions, when he is not in the mindset to do so himself. The actions of Athena send Odysseus on a journey of self discovery. Athena vows to get Odysseus home safely, to inspire his son Telemechus, giving him courage to gather fellow Achaeans, and assists with plotting schemes of revenge against the mob of suitors taking over Ithaca. Odysseus, being the clever, crafty, and intelligent man he is, needs a woman to stand by his side every step of the way. Someone who will be there to help him, rather then appear physically attractive to him and act as a distraction. Athena serves as the perfect match for him under these circumstances: she is known for her wisdom, she can compete with Odysseus when it comes to craftiness, she doesn’t involve herself in sexual relationships with mortal men, and she is willing to risk anything to help him and his family in hopes of reuniting…

    • 1719 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Elie Wiesel
    • 316 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Elie Wiesel

    1) One of the most tragic themes in Night is Eliezer's discovery of the way that atrocities and cruel treatment can make decent people into brutes. Does Elie himself escape this fate? Use specific events to convey your opinion.…

    • 316 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Stephen King
    • 645 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Stephen King

    overview - Its obvious that the united states would have to compromise it ideals to preserve the grand alliance if we didnt it would be like american dominating over all the countries which would result in conflict.To create the united nations the united states had to make compromises Just like they made compromises with the declaration of the liberated europe for example we did not wish to have any repermations,However in the final document the othe nations wanted to have access to german labor and prodction as a form of reconstructing the losses they took during the war.Economically the untied nations and the U.S were on the same page we believed that it was best not to get involved in germanys economy.Militarly we also agreed with the unitted nations we believed that of the ideals of demilitarization and our view of nazism conincided with the UN.We also got what we wanted for the border listed below.With the following question of keeping peace after the war roosevelt debated with thhe other countries on a voting system that passes where each country /slash unit got one vote and each unit was composed of 7 members .In all America did come up with the majority of the ideas and did have most of them in the final document However America made compromises to details within each article/measure The grand alliance would have never made if if Some of the American ideals were not compromised .American were opened to discusion along with the other countries which is why the metting and the united nations agreement was sucessful.To wrap it up you can not have an agreement with other countries if you do not compromise…

    • 645 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Elie Wiesel
    • 693 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Elie Wiesel

    “You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind” (Gandhi). Gandhi talks about how when one is faced with incredible pain and suffering, their mind will also have freedom. In the memoir, Night, written by Elie Wiesel, the author and many millions of other victims, were presented with this very dilemma of trying to retain their individual thoughts despite everything they were facing. Throughout his memoir, Elie Wiesel uses memories of when he was faced with the pressures of extreme hunger and his experience with witnessing death to convey his struggle to maintain his humanity.…

    • 693 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Disguise And Deception In The Odyssey
    • 865 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Disguise And Deception In The Odyssey

    There are many times Athena disguises herself for Odysseus' well being. One disguise she uses often is that of a mentor. As the mentor she helps orchestrate every part of the journey while Telemachus takes care of the household. Athena is Odysseus' guardian angel. Odysseus' fate is to return home alive, however, it is his destiny, and punishment that he will endure and suffer this long journey. Throughout the poem, Odysseus prays to Athena that she will help him make it home, because he does not know that his fate is to make it home alive. Athena does help him get home, however she vows not to show Odysseus her real form until he returns to Ithaca.…

    • 865 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    William Faulkner
    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages

    William Faulkner

    William Faulkner encouraged the graduating class at Oxford that they would have to overcome their fears and stand up for what they believe in. Faulkner organizes his speech by telling the class their faults and weaknesses. Towards the end of his speech he explains to them how they can overcome their fears and change the world. William Faulkner's purpose of his speech was to encourage young minds all over the world to overcome their fear of certain things that kept them from living up to their potential in order to change the world for a greater good. Faulkner was able to establish a sense of paternity with his audience through the use of pathos. As for logos and ethos Faulkner is able to incorporate them throughout his whole speech. Faulkner sets a lot of styles in his speech like repetitive, irony, imagery, and allusions.…

    • 521 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    William Faulkner
    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages

    William Faulkner

    William Faulkner was an enormous man in literature despite the fact that he stood less than five foot six. He reshaped the way in which the world views literature today. Faulkner was one of the greatest influences to American culture of his time. In fact, his influence spread throughout many years to come. Faulkner started out as a child with a dream, and with this dream he redefined the literary society of America.…

    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    terry pratchett
    • 589 Words
    • 3 Pages

    terry pratchett

    “All witches are selfish, the Queen had said. But Tiffany’s Third Thoughts said: Then turn selfishness into a weapon! Make all things yours! Make other lives and dreams and hopes yours! Protect them! Save them! Bring them into the sheepfold! Walk the gale for them! Keep away the wolf! My dreams! My brother! My family! My land! My world! How dare you try to take these things, because they are mine!” ― Quote by Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men (Discworld, 30)…

    • 589 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More

Related Topics