The word “difficulty” in literature conveys a range of challenges, both tangible and abstract. In some works, it denotes a mere inconvenience or physical obstruction—instances where characters navigate practical tasks without great hindrance, as in the ease of following directions [1], evading obstacles [2], or even reuniting acquaintances [3]. In contrast, other authors employ “difficulty” to express deeper intellectual, emotional, or philosophical quandaries; for example, Rousseau and Kant invoke it as a challenge in framing arguments and understanding complex ideas [4, 5]. Additionally, historical and narrative texts use the term to illustrate obstacles that must be overcome, whether those be the literal hardships of battle and travel [6, 7] or the metaphorical impediments to moral or social progress [8, 9]. This diverse use—from the quotidian to the existential—demonstrates how “difficulty” is a flexible literary tool, enhancing both plot development and thematic depth across genres [10, 11, 12].