Question

John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim's Progress is an allegory that traces a pilgrim’s journey. The deeper meaning revolves around the metaphor that life is a journey. In the table below, explain what concept or symbolic meaning each character from The Pilgrim’s Progress represents

Answer 1

Character Explanation

Christian: Christian is the central character. As his name suggests, he represents the search for religious truth.

Evangelist: Evangelist is the messenger carrying the gospel, which are teachings of the Christian Bible. He represents the idea that God sends us messengers who show us the path on our spiritual journey.

Obstinate: Obstinate is Christian’s neighbor. As his name suggests, he represents resistance and some people’s inability to adapt to change.

Pliable: Pliable is also Christian’s neighbor. He is kind and agrees to join Christian in the pilgrimage. Yet he lacks the will to commit and easily changes his mind. This character represents humanity’s weak will and lack of resolution. He also stands for people who are not true believers but follow the trends of the day.

Explanation: straight from edmetum

Answer 2

Character | Concept or Symbolic Meaning

--- | ---

Christian | The protagonist, representing the everyman who is on a spiritual journey towards salvation.

Evangelist | A messenger sent by God to guide Christian on his journey.

Obstinate | A person who is stubborn and resistant to change, representing those who refuse to accept faith.

Pliable | A person who is easily influenced, representing those who are open to faith but lack conviction.

Worldly Wiseman | A person who is worldly and focused on material possessions, representing those who are distracted from their spiritual journey.

Goodwill | A person who is kind and welcoming, representing those who are supportive of Christian's journey.

Faithful | A companion of Christian who represents those who have a strong faith and who are willing to suffer for it.

Hopeful | Another companion of Christian who represents those who have hope and faith in their journey.

Charity | A person who is charitable and kind, representing those who perform good deeds and help others.

Giant Despair | A personification of despair and hopelessness, representing the challenges and obstacles that Christian must overcome on his journey.

The Celestial City | The ultimate destination of Christian's journey, representing heaven and eternal salvation.