In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, what is the function of dreams in the novel and their link with personal treasure?

In 's
, dreams are the things that lead one to find his or her Personal Legend.
In Santiago's case, his dreams seem to be calling him to the Pyramids where he will find
treasure. However, personal treasure in this story does not refer first and
foremost to literal treasure. Santiago finds treasure at the end of the story, but by then it is
a secondary reward. He achieves his Personal Legend and falls in love with Fatima. The treasure
he discovers when he returns home is an added bonus.

The recurring dream that
Santiago has drives him toward the places where he will meet those whose actions will move him
closer to achieving his Personal Legend. First he sees the Gypsy. When he starts to explain that
he does not want his palm read, she already knows:

"You came so that you could learn about your dreams," said the old woman.
"And dreams are the language of God."

As the
woman speaks of the boy's dreams, she mentions that God speaks to one through dreams. Then the
boy tells...