“Write an essay that analyzes one work of literature that you have read from the perspective of a quotation. In your essay, interpret the quotation and explain whether it applies to a work of literature you have read. Support your opinion using literary terms and elements as well as details from the text.

the christian mystic saint john of the cross wrote about the ´dark night of the soul´ to describe the passage from sin towards true righteousness. he writes about the toil and tribulation which leads the sinner towards a greater appreciation of the works of god, which will ultimately lead him on to greater self-peace and fortitude.before one can strive for the rewards of the blessings of god there must be some sort of test of character which proves that the holy spirit allows the individual to partake in the holiness which is bestowed by god. the progress from an initial state, where the character of the individual is in a raw unworked   form, towards a final end where the person will receive the love of God in a full manifestation, is only brought about through a test of character.the character of the person who is looking to receive god´s grace is tested in the shadows of their own pride. even though that person may perform righteous acts before others and themselves, the truth of a person´s character,   which god will ultimately judge, lies within their interior wanting for a higher spiritual state.the desire for spiritual pleasure is not the same as attaining a higher revelation of god´s glory. as such, humility is very important as well as temperance in striving towards the highest light. to contemplate the darkness of our own soul implies a test of character beyond spiritual vice.

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