Work: A Story of Experience | Literary Precedents
The most immediately recognizable influence upon the novel's structure and theme of spiritual self-fulfillment is John Bunyan's allegorical Pilgrim's Progress, finalized in 1684, which traces the moral journey of a hero named Christian to a heavenly Celestial City. Alcott's heroine has a similar name and, particularly in early chapters, shows steps of progress made through moral lessons. Alcott's indebtedness to Bunyan's allegory is reflected in numerous depictions of temptations overcome and resting-spots along Christie's spiritual way, and in such prose as "God was very patient...
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