In "The Cider House Rules," the protagonist's journey is influenced by the literary works of Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte, which shape his understanding of storytelling and character development. These classic authors introduced him to complex characters and rich narratives, creating expectations for meaningful, well-rounded stories.

However, as he navigates his own experiences, he finds himself confronted with characters and tales that lack depth and coherence. This disconnect highlights the struggles between his literary background and the realities of life, presenting a contrast between expected narratives and the often chaotic nature of human experiences.