An Analysis of The Pilgrim’s Progress

A question has arisen concerning the conflicts used in John Bunyan's The Pilgrims Progress; the first half of the book was originally published in sixteen seventy-eight while the second half was published in sixteen eighty-four. Guilt, deception, shame, and fear are all major conflicts the author uses that challenge the main characters, Christian and Christiana, on their journey to the celestial city. Perhaps the hardest conflict Bunyan has Christian and his wife face is guilt. John Bunyan’s books have been some of the most popular books in Christian society. The novel itself has even been called second to the bible. (Second is referring to the number of copies that have been sold.) While the book itself has Christian represent “an example of all God-fearing protestants”. (Salem Pres Inc). While this book was popular with older generations it is starting to fall out of style.

Bunyan’s writing style is largely biblical. Many of his books deal with the bible or reference it. Throughout Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress the characters sing hymns and praises. Since John grew up in a poor family he did not have a scholar’s education. Bunyan uses irony in the book itself. For example, Christian has to stay behind instead of entering the celestial city. Meanwhile his friend Faithful is killed and allowed to go into the celestial city before him. The irony behind this would most likely be that both of them want to go to the celestial city, but only one can go and in order to do so he has to die. Bunyan also uses forms of symbolism throughout his book. For example, the cave in chapter one is referring to the time Bunyan was in p...

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...fact he could turn “what could be a dry, pessimistic sermon into high adventure.”(Marlowe). John Bunyan's success most likely was because of his ability to draw readers into the story line even though he did not have a proper education. His book has influenced many young christens on their own separate journeys and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Works Cited

Bunyan, John. The Pilgrim's Progress. Rev 21st century. Alachua, FL: Bridge logos, 1998. 2-160. Print.

Marlowe, Jean G. "The Pilgrim’s Progress Master plots, Revised Second Edition." htpp://web.ebscohost.com. 1996. Salem Press, Web. 20 Nov 2009. .

Bardertscher, Eric. "John Bunyan." http:/wf3dnvr1.webfeat.org historical reference. Web. 20 Nov 2009. .

The Pilgrim’s Progress. 3rd edition. Pasadena Ca: Salem press Inc, 1998. Print.