I had no idea what the story was about, I only knew it was frequently mentioned as a classic. 
 It is sort of a parable. I do not mind stories which (attempt to) present a specific 'lesson to be learned' or a moral. But this was quite religious, from my point of view, which I'm not very fond of. Also this style of writing felt very forced, like the entire plot was shaped to present the reader a lesson. Though, to me it did not really succeed in doing so.