The term “progress” in literature serves as an adaptable metaphor that spans literal movement, intellectual advancement, and societal transformation. At times it marks a physical journey—a character’s measured steps through challenging landscapes, as when an ascent impedes movement [1, 2] or when the pace of travel is dictated by external forces [3]. In other contexts, it symbolizes inner development or the steady refinement of ideas, illustrated by the gradual evolution of a pupil’s learning or the cumulative advances of civilization [4, 5, 6]. Authors also use it to encapsulate the dual nature of change: an element that promises improvement but can equally disrupt order, emphasizing both constructive innovation and the disorganization that sometimes accompanies it [7, 8]. Thus, whether describing the journey of a single character or the broader sweep of human achievement, “progress” is a richly layered concept that reflects the complexity of moving forward.