What are the motifs in What Dreams May Come: A Novel by Richard Matheson?

Spiritual perfection is a recurring idea in the story. The entire purpose of life and consciousness is to work toward the achievement of spiritual perfection. Each time a soul is incarnated, the life on earth is lived to learn, to improve oneself, and to be of service to others. Death is a continuation of that life on another level. Death does not bring about wisdom or happiness. The choices one makes are what improve the spiritual nature of his soul. When Chris reaches Summerland, he discovers that it is not the highest level of Heaven and he must continue to learn and improve himself for the ultimate meeting with God.