Final answer:
The novel shows human dignity as a universal right tied to understanding, wisdom, compassion, and moral actions, rather than social status or wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The novel suggests that human dignity is a complex concept that cannot be limited to one's social status, wealth, or education. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in affording dignity to others. The idea that you can't offer others dignity unless you try to understand them resonates throughout the text, highlighting that dignity is a universal right that should be extended to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Wisdom, compassion, and courage are regarded as moral qualities that contribute to one's sense of dignity, and moral reflection, particularly at the end of one's life, underscores the significance of how one treats others over material possessions.