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How much of this, if any, is considered allegorical? I find myself wondering if the characters 'stand' for something, similar to those in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress--although this is much more subtle.

John E. Norvell I don't believe MacDonald meant for the images to be intentionally allegorical. But he does want the images to resonate deeply within us, so they were…moreI don't believe MacDonald meant for the images to be intentionally allegorical. But he does want the images to resonate deeply within us, so they were intentionally chosen to trigger thoughts and feelings. Much of the setting I believe is meant to be spiritual, and many of the questions asked by Mr Vane are meant for us to ponder. If I had to summarize the major theme of this novel, it would be: selfishness is a great enemy and always comes at the expense of other people. Life is found when we willfully surrender our selfishness in a type of spiritual death.(less)

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Does anyone know what MacDonald means by "Beatrice in the white rose of the redeemed"? It's at the beginning of Chapter 7 "The Cemetery" and after looking it up, I am none the wiser.

George The image is of Dante's beloved, now part of the white rose in the Paradise section of the Divine Comedy. A loveliness like that would be great indeed…moreThe image is of Dante's beloved, now part of the white rose in the Paradise section of the Divine Comedy. A loveliness like that would be great indeed!(less)

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