Part 1 1. The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory. What is an allegory? (It might be helpful to look up in a reference work the exact meaning of somewhat related terms, parable, symbolism, metaphor, fantasy, similitude; Bunyan described his story as “delivered under the similitude of a dream.”) 2. Taking […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsJohn Bunyan Biography
John Bunyan (1628-1688), an evangelical Baptist preacher, would have been forgotten long ago if he had not written The Pilgrim’s Progress, which brought him fame and some fortune as a man of letters. The exact date of his birth is not known. But on November 22, 1628, no doubt as […]
Read more John Bunyan BiographySummary and Analysis Part 2: Section 5 – Delectable Mountains and over the River
Summary Arriving at the Delectable Mountains, Christiana and her party are welcomed by the shepherds as warmly as Christian and Hopeful had been. The shepherds show special concern about the weaker in the company — Mr. Feeble-mind, Mr. Ready-to-halt, Mr. Despondency and his daughter Much-afraid. These are singled out by […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: Section 5 – Delectable Mountains and over the RiverSummary and Analysis Part 2: Section 4 – Vanity Fair and Doubting Castle
Summary Proceeding from Gaius’ Inn to the outskirts of Vanity Fair, the Pilgrim party halts there to consider the best way of passing through the town where Christian and Faithful had been given such a rough time — Faithful, after a trial before Lord Hate-good, having been mercilessly beaten and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: Section 4 – Vanity Fair and Doubting CastleSummary and Analysis Part 2: Section 3 – Valley of Humiliation and Gaius’ Inn
Summary Descending from Palace Beautiful into the Valley of Humiliation, Christiana becomes very apprehensive, recalling that it was here that Christian had encountered and been almost killed by that “foul fiend,” Apollyon. She is reassured by Great-heart, who says that “here is nothing to hurt us unless we procure it […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: Section 3 – Valley of Humiliation and Gaius’ InnSummary and Analysis Part 2: Section 2 – Palace Beautiful
Summary Having led Christiana and her party up the lane to Palace Beautiful over the dead body of Grim and in despite of the lions, Great-heart departs to return to Interpreter’s House, his assignment fulfilled. Explaining who she is to a virgin of the Palace, a damsel named Humble-mind, Christiana […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: Section 2 – Palace BeautifulSummary and Analysis Part 2: Section 1 – To Palace Beautiful
Summary Part II of this book, like Part I, is a long continuous narrative, with no divisions, and the story accordingly will be dealt with in sections. Christian’s wife whom Bunyan names Christiana misses her husband and begins to regret her refusal to go with him when he set out […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 2: Section 1 – To Palace BeautifulSummary and Analysis Part 1: Section 10 – Beulah Land, Dark River, and Celestial City
Summary Leaving the Enchanted Ground and terminating their discourse, the Pilgrims enter “a delightful land, the country of Beulah” (Isa. 62:4; Song of Sol. 2:10-12). Here the sun “shineth night and day,” the air is sweet and pleasant, flowers bloom everywhere, birds sing continually, and “the voice of the turtle […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Section 10 – Beulah Land, Dark River, and Celestial CitySummary and Analysis Part 1: Section 9 – Delectable Mountains
Summary Still talking of the perils they have just passed through safely, thanks to God, Christian and Hopeful come to the Delectable Mountains, which Christian had seen in the distance from the roof of Palace Beautiful. The mountains are indeed delectable, with gardens and orchards, vineyards and fountains of water. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Section 9 – Delectable MountainsSummary and Analysis Part 1: Section 8 – By-Path Meadow and Doubting Castle
Summary Having passed a pillar of salt in the shape of a woman, upon which is written “Remember Lot’s wife,” Christian and Hopeful come to a very pleasant river, “which David the King called ‘the river of God,’ but John called ‘the river of the water of life’” (Ps. 65:9; […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part 1: Section 8 – By-Path Meadow and Doubting Castle