In the passage below, what point of view is primarily used and how does it influence Santiago's journey?

Santiago, a young shepherd, dreamed of discovering treasure hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. He felt a deep connection to the world around him, believing that his journey was guided by fate. Each step he took felt significant, as if the universe was conspiring to help him achieve his dreams.
As he traveled through deserts and met new people, Santiago learned valuable lessons about pursuing one's Personal Legend. He realized that the true treasure lay not just in gold, but in the experiences and wisdom gained along the way. Each encounter shaped his understanding of life, making him more attuned to his own heart's desires.
-from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

First-person; it allows readers to deeply connect with Santiago's personal thoughts and feelings.

Second-person; it creates a sense of immediacy and encourages the reader to join Santiago on his journey.

Third-person limited; it provides insight into Santiago's experiences while maintaining an objective distance.

Third-person omniscient, it offers a broad view of all characters' thoughts and experiences throughout the story.

1 answer

The passage primarily uses third-person limited point of view. This perspective provides insight into Santiago's experiences and thoughts while maintaining an objective distance from him and other characters.

This point of view influences Santiago's journey by allowing readers to closely follow his internal struggles and realizations, such as his understanding of pursuing his Personal Legend and what true treasure means to him. It creates an intimate connection between the reader and Santiago, enabling an exploration of his personal growth and the lessons he learns as he travels. While readers gain an understanding of his emotions and motivations, the use of limited third-person view ensures that the narrative does not delve into the inner thoughts of other characters, keeping the focus on Santiago's individual journey and the significance of his encounters. This helps to emphasize the personal nature of his quest and the importance of self-discovery.