Another theme is the importance of opportunity. In 'from rags to riches' Chinese novels, the characters often encounter some unexpected opportunities that change their fates. It could be meeting a noble - minded person who gives them a chance or stumbling upon a precious treasure or martial arts manual that enhances their abilities.
Hard work is a common theme. In these novels, the protagonists usually have to strive hard to change their situations. For example, in many martial arts novels, the young hero starts from a nobody and practices martial arts day and night to become a master and gain fame and fortune.
Moral integrity also plays a role. Even though the characters are aiming for wealth and status, those who maintain their moral integrity are usually the ones who are truly successful in the end. They don't sacrifice their principles for short - term gains, and this is often emphasized in Chinese novels of this type.
One common theme is self - discovery. In these novels, the characters often start off not knowing much about themselves or their potential. As they journey from rags to riches, they learn about their strengths and weaknesses. For example, in 'The Alchemist', Santiago discovers his true calling. Another theme is hard work. Characters usually have to work hard to overcome their initial poverty. In 'Great Expectations', Pip has to study and strive in London society. And the theme of perseverance is also important. They face many setbacks but keep going, like Jane in 'Jane Eyre' who endures a lot at Lowood and later in her life but still moves forward towards a better life.
One common theme is the power of hard work. In many rags to riches stories, the protagonist has to work extremely hard. For example, in 'Great Expectations', Pip studies hard to fit into his new upper - class life. Another theme is the role of chance or fate. Like in 'The Alchemist', Santiago's journey is set in motion by a recurring dream, which could be seen as fate guiding him. And self - discovery is also a theme. Jane in 'Jane Eyre' discovers her own strength and worth through her difficult experiences, which helps her move from a state of poverty and low status to a better life.
One famous 'from rags to riches' Chinese novel is 'A Dream of Red Mansions'. It mainly tells the rise and fall of the Jia family. Although it's not a typical 'rags to riches' story in the most straightforward sense, it shows the transformation of characters within a large family in the context of wealth and status changes. Another is 'Journey to the West'. Monkey King starts from a relatively low - status monkey but gradually becomes a great hero through his own efforts and adventures.
Hard work is a common factor. People like Steve Jobs worked extremely hard to build Apple from the ground up. Another factor is having a clear vision. Take Elon Musk, he had a vision of sustainable energy and colonizing Mars which drove him to success. Also, the ability to take risks. For example, Richard Branson was not afraid to venture into various industries like airlines and space travel.
Typically, they have a character who starts in a low - economic or difficult situation. For example, in many of these novels, the protagonist might be an orphan or from a poor family. Then, there is a journey of growth. This could involve education, like in 'David Copperfield' where David's learning is part of his path to success. There is also often a theme of perseverance. The characters don't give up easily despite the odds.
The 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho can also be considered. The protagonist, Santiago, is a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey in search of a treasure. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and learns valuable life lessons, ultimately achieving a kind of spiritual and material 'riches'. It's a story about following one's dreams and how they can lead to unexpected rewards.
Hard work is a major factor. These athletes put in countless hours of training. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his rigorous training regime. He didn't let his humble beginnings stop him from constantly striving to improve his skills.
Vision and innovation play a big role. Take Steve Jobs. He had a vision for user - friendly and beautifully designed technology products. His ideas, like the graphical user interface for the Mac, were innovative at the time and set Apple apart from its competitors. This kind of forward - thinking allowed him to build Apple into a huge success.
Hard work is crucial. Most of these individuals put in countless hours to achieve their goals. For example, Andrew Carnegie worked his way up from a poor immigrant boy to a steel magnate through long hours in the steel industry.
One common trait is determination. People like Steve Jobs, who was ousted from his own company but came back and made Apple even greater, had an unwavering determination to succeed. They don't let setbacks stop them.