How do the trials santiago experiences in the desert develop the theme in the alchemist?

santiago must overcome external and internal obstacles; this develops the theme that we must face new challenges to realize our true purpose.

santiago is robbed frequently in the desert; this develops the theme that greatness can only be realized at one’s lowest point.

santiago is forced to rely on luck and chance because the desert is so temperamental; this develops the theme that one's fate is predetermined.

santiago experiences war and conflict in the desert; these battles demonstrate the theme that life is valuable.

cabeza de vaca was an spanish explorer and n his long exploration of 11,000.km. from florida to present-day mexico, he went through a series of calamities and setbacks that only added to his deeds. he applied his religious creed with the humanist idea, always current and universal, that all men were equal before god and destiny without any discrimination. as an explorer, he became a slave to the tipinoga, then his shaman pointer, later and after an operation of heart to an indian (from which both came alive) he achieved stardom and became a hero followed by a crowd that professed unusual respect and admiration.

citizens are given 25 years of life to prove their worth to society; if they fail to do great things