Allegory and Symbolism

The entire work is a sustained allegory where places (e.g., Slough of Despond, Celestial City) and characters (e.g., Obstinate, Pliable, Great-heart) symbolize spiritual states, moral qualities, and theological concepts.

Bunyan defends his use of metaphor, types, and shadows, arguing that Scripture itself employs such devices to convey divine truth.

Characters like Talkative and Mr. Worldly Wiseman symbolize false piety and worldly wisdom, enriching the allegorical critique of superficial religion.

Bunyan defends his use of 'dark similitude' and 'cloudy strain,' asserting that allegorical language stirs the mind and sticks faster in the heart than plain speech.