Final answer:
Coelho is using the Rule of Three in his novel to build tension and suspense before Santiago discovers where the alchemist lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coelho is using the Rule of Three in his novel when Santiago talks to the woman dressed in black, the man, and the young woman at the well, before discovering where the alchemist lives. The Rule of Three is a literary device that involves grouping ideas or elements in threes for emphasis and impact. By having Santiago engage in three separate conversations, Coelho creates a pattern that builds tension and suspense, leading up to Santiago's discovery. This technique helps to captivate the reader and heighten the significance of the encounter with the alchemist.