The Role of Cultural Identity and Globalization in Paulo Coelho's Fiction

This paper explores the concept of multiculturalism in the novels of Paulo Coelho. Coelho, as a literary phenomenon, transcends his culture of origin, establishing a deep connection with readers worldwide through what has been termed his “universal language” (Damrosch 197). The study examines the rhetorical narrative appeal of Coelho's works and delves into his cognitive theory on how readers from various cultural backgrounds, genres, and age groups resonate with his narratives. His works often feature cosmopolitan characters who embody a globally inclusive mindset, reflecting a hybrid cultural nexus between the author and his diverse readership. This cultural blending, in turn, has propelled Coelho to sell over 350 million copies of his books, translated into more than 80 languages. The remarkable global reach of his works raises intriguing questions about how a Brazilian author, writing in Portuguese, can so deeply resonate with individuals across the world. Through his novels, Coelho has constructed a cultural bridge that transcends national borders, embodying a multifaceted, multicultural approach to both reading and writing.