The Pilgrim’s Progress · Theme
Allegory and Symbolism
How The Pilgrim’s Progress develops 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.
Where it surfaces
- The Author's Apology for His Book
Bunyan defends his use of metaphor, types, and shadows, arguing that Scripture itself employs such devices to convey divine truth.
- The First Part
Characters like Talkative and Mr. Worldly Wiseman symbolize false piety and worldly wisdom, enriching the allegorical critique of superficial religion.
- The Author’s Way of Sending Forth His Second Part of the Pilgrim
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.