How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #1
It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. Something that exerted the same force whenever two pairs of eyes met, as had theirs here at the well. (2.256)
This is love the way cartoons and chick flicks show it—but it might also be, well, natural. Even Nat Geo believes in love at first sight. Here, Coelho gives it even greater weight than what we're used to seeing in pop culture: it's the oldest force, older than humanity.
Quote #2
He had been told by his parents and grandparents that he must fall in love and really know a person before becoming committed. But maybe people who felt that way had never learned the universal language. (2.257)
The universal language tells us about love that is ancient and solid, not something that comes and goes with the Top 40. Santiago feels that he can go against the advice of his elders because he has learned to follow signs that they aren't accustomed to seeing. Yeah. Santiago and every other sixteen year old in the history of ever.
Quote #3
"Maktub," she said. "If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day." (2.291)
The Arabic term maktub translates to "It is written," and it means that events are written down in the grand plan before they even happen. This is Coelho's way of reminding us that Fatima and Santiago come from different cultures. Fatima's Arabic culture has made her comfortable letting events occur and trusting that they will work out for the best, whereas Santiago is super uptight about controlling the future. But who cares about silly things like culture and language when it comes to twu wuv?