Final answer:
The phrase "the soul of the world" denotes a deep existential experience where the character feels a profound connection with the essence of life and universal consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Referring to the omen, the boy said he "suddenly felt himself to have plunged to the soul of the world." This evocative statement encapsulates a profound existential experience, often signifying a deep connection or a profound realization relating to the essence of life and universal consciousness. Literature frequently employs such phrases to denote moments where characters encounter pivotal changes or profound revelations.
The phrase "the soul of the world" suggests an immersion into the fundamental and most intrinsic element of existence, which is a common theme explored in various literary works. This moment of connection with the universal energy is illustrated in the context where characters often perceive their fate's convergence with the broader forces at play in the world.