How does the symbol of the desert affect the meaning in this passage? the desert represents the struggles everyone must face if they want to realize their dreams. the desert symbolizes the dreams the crystal merchant has sacrificed for his shop. by keeping his trip to mecca a dream, the desert symbolizes the cowardice and foolishness of the crystal merchant. by reflecting the courage of others, the desert symbolizes the life the crystal merchant could have had if he were braver. read the passage. excerpt from the alchemist by paul coelho "you dream about your sheep and the pyramids, but you're different from me, because you want to realize your dreams. i just want to dream about mecca. i've already imagined a thousand times crossing the desert, arriving at the plaza of the sacred stone, the seven times i walk around it before allowing myself to touch it. i've already imagined the people who would be at my side, and those in front of me, and the conversations and prayers we would share. but i'm afraid that it would all be a disappointment, so i prefer just to dream about it." how does the symbol of the desert affect the meaning in this passage? the desert represents the struggles everyone must face if they want to realize their dreams. the desert symbolizes the dreams the crystal merchant has sacrificed for his shop. by keeping his trip to mecca a dream, the desert symbolizes the cowardice and foolishness of the crystal merchant. by reflecting the courage of others, the desert symbolizes the life the crystal merchant could have had if he were braver.