The Pilgrim's Progress: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Pilgrim's Progress" is an allegorical narrative detailing the journey of Christian, a representation of a devout Protestant grappling with spiritual trials. The story begins in the City of Destruction, where Christian, initially named Graceless, feels burdened by his sinful life and sets out alone in search of salvation after his family refuses to join him. Throughout his journey, he encounters various characters who either impede his progress or offer guidance. Key figures include Evangelist, who provides crucial advice and direction, and Faithful, a loyal companion who ultimately is martyred for his beliefs. Christian faces formidable adversaries such as Apollyon, a monstrous embodiment of evil, and Giant Despair, who captures and torments him in Doubting Castle. The narrative highlights Christian's reliance on the support of friends like Hopeful, who encourages perseverance, and the transformative power of faith. Other characters, such as Mr. Worldly Wiseman and Ignorance, symbolize the distractions and misconceptions that challenge genuine spiritual growth. This rich tapestry of characters and events illustrates the complexities of the spiritual journey toward redemption and eternal life.
The Pilgrim's Progress: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Bunyan
First published: part 1, 1678; part 2, 1684
Genre: Novel
Locale: Indeterminate
Plot: Allegory
Time: Any time since Christ
Christian, an example of all God-fearing Protestants, whose adventures are recounted as events in a dream experienced by the narrator. Originally called Graceless, of the race of Japhet, Christian becomes distressed with his life in the City of Destruction and insists that his wife and four children accompany him in search of salvation. When they refuse to leave, Christian determines to set out alone. Henceforth his life story consists of hardships, sufferings, and struggles to overcome obstacles—physical, human, and emotional—that beset his path. At the outset, Christian's family and neighbors, Pliable and Obstinate, try to dissuade him from breaking away from his sins of the past. Then Evangelist appears with a parchment roll on which is inscribed, “Fly from the Wrath to Come.” On his long journey, Christian finds that human beings he meets offer distractions and hindrance, even bodily harm and violence. Mr. Worldly Wiseman turns him aside from his set purpose until Evangelist intervenes. Simple, Sloth, Presumption, Formalist, Hypocrisy, Timorous, and Mistrust seek to dissuade or discourage Christian because of the rigors of the straight and narrow way. The Giant of the Doubting Castle and his wife beat and torture Christian and Hopeful. In the Valley of Humiliation, Christian engages in mortal combat with a monstrous creature named Apollyon for more than half a day but at last emerges triumphant. In many times of peril, Christian is fortunate in having companions who can assist him: Evangelist, who gets him out of difficulties or warns him of impending strife; Help, who assists him to get out of the Slough of Despond; Faithful, who is by his side at Vanity Fair; Hopeful, who comforts him at Doubting Castle and encourages him to give up bravely at the River of Death. In this narrative of a pilgrim's adventures, Christian must constantly overcome temptations and dangers that will thwart his goal, impede his progress toward eternal life, or prevent him from reaching Heaven; but with the aid of his religious fervor and the advice and counsel of a few true friends, he achieves salvation.
Evangelist, Christian's adviser and guide, particularly in times of danger. Evangelist shows him the way to avoid destruction, directs him to the Wicket Gate, and warns him of such people as Mr. Worldly Wiseman and of the dangers at Vanity Fair.
Apollyon (uh-PAHL-yuhn), the fiend in the Valley of Humiliation. Apollyon has scales like a fish, feet like a bear, wings like a dragon, a mouth like a lion; he spouts fire and smoke from his belly, and he discourses like a devil in his attempt to persuade Christian from honoring his religion.
Giant Despair, the giant owner of Doubting Castle. He imprisons Christian and Faithful, beats them, and threatens them with death until Christian uses a key of Promise to make their escape.
Faithful, Christian's traveling companion. Imprisoned, tortured, and put to death by the people of Vanity Fair, he is transported to the Celestial Gate in a chariot.
Hopeful, another wayfarer. He joins Christian at Vanity Fair and accompanies him through various adventures on the way to eternal salvation.
Good-Will, who tells Christian to knock and the gate that is blocking his way will be opened, so that he may see a vision of the Day of Judgment.
Ignorance, a native of the country of Conceit. Refusing to accept the beliefs of Christian and Hopeful, he continues on the journey until he is seized and thrust into Hell.
Mr. Worldly Wiseman, a dweller in the town of Carnal-Policy. He advises Christian to go to Legality and get relief from the burden of sins that Christian carries on his back.
Three Shining Ones, who clothe Christian with new raiment after his burdens fall off before the Cross.
Obstinate and Pliable, neighbors of Christian. Both try to keep Christian from leaving the City of Destruction. Obstinate remains behind, but Pliable goes with Christian until he deserts him at the Slough of Despond.
Interpreter, who instructs Christian in the mysteries of faith.
Discretion, Prudence, Piety, and Charity, virgins who arm Christian with the sword and shield of faith.
Pope and Pagan, giants whose caves Christian must pass after reciting verses from the Psalms to protect himself from devils issuing from one of the gates of Hell.
Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, shepherds who point out the Celestial Gate to Christian and Hopeful.