How was the concept of an inner journey conveyed in Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist"?

Paulo Coelho teaches us just how true those metaphors are in his novel "The Alchemist". Through a physical journey, the shepherd boy Santiago learns about mental and spiritual journeys by gaining a deeper understanding and acceptance of himself and his relationship with the world he lives in. What began as a journey for worldly goods becomes a search for the treasures within. "The Alchemist" offers the notion that inner journeys are more than reaching the …

…in life. However, his journey does not end. It continues as he finds his other treasure - gold and jewels - and starts a family with the woman he loves. He goes back to the oasis to start a life with Fatima - the beginning of a whole new journey. By using the linear structure of the novel, with the story showing each step of the journey, the concept of a never-ending journey is conveyed.