1. The Journey Itself: The primary external conflict is the journey itself. Santiago must overcome physical challenges, such as enduring the harsh desert environment, navigating unfamiliar landscapes, and facing the risks of travel in unknown territories.
2. Obstacles in the Desert: Santiago and the alchemist encounter various obstacles in the desert, including sandstorms, extreme temperatures, and lack of water. These environmental challenges test their endurance and determination.
3. Robbery: Santiago falls victim to a robbery while resting in Tangier. The loss of his money and belongings sets him back on his journey and forces him to work for a crystal merchant to earn enough to continue.
4. Language and Cultural Barriers: Traveling to new places means encountering different languages, customs, and societal norms. Santiago and the alchemist must adapt to these changes and find ways to communicate and navigate within different cultures.
5. Skepticism and Discouragement: As Santiago follows his dreams and pursues his personal legend, he encounters skeptics who doubt his abilities or motivations. People like the Englishman and the alchemist's friends initially question Santiago's choices, adding an external pressure to conform or give up.
6. Potential Disappointment in the Treasure: The ultimate goal of Santiago's quest is to find a treasure that symbolizes personal fulfillment. However, there's always a chance that the treasure may not meet his expectations or prove less significant than he imagined, leading to disappointment.
These external conflicts serve to test the characters' resolve and highlight their growth as they overcome challenges and obstacles in pursuit of their personal legends.
