Point of View

The story is in the first-person, since the author is also the narrator. The thoughts and feelings of other characters are not known unless verbalized to the narrator. In fact, very few people are referred to by their proper names. The use of the first-person allows the reader to become intimately associated with Paulo and gain a deep understanding of his quest for his sword. The first-person also enables the reader to place himself in Paulo's place within the story and to make the journey alongside him. The closeness created between the reader and Paulo permits the reader to be a third pilgrim on the Road to Santiago.

Setting

The story opens on a mountain top in Brazil but quickly moves to the mountains and fields of northern Spain and southern France. The scenery changes from chapter to chapter as Paulo and Petrus advance their journey...