Connecting to One's Higher Self

Despite the obvious allusions and direct biblical references, this novel can be categorized as simply a spiritual book, or even of the self-help variety. With the exception of the Shepherd, every single character in the book is named for an idea, an attitude, or a state of mind. It is not necessary for one to look very far to see how the entire story could be the chronology of a single person's internal struggle to connect to his or her higher self. For example, Resentment is the embodiment of his name. He is constantly needling Much-Afraid, reminding her how unfair everything is, distracting her from the task at hand. Self-Pity also displays the characteristics of his designation. He tells Much-Afraid how pathetic she is and as a result encourages her feeling that everyone should feel sorry for her. Mrs. Dismal Forebodings is a miserable...