54 pages 1 hour read

John Bunyan

The Pilgrim's Progress

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1678

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Essay Topics

1.

Consider the relationship between the two parts of the work. Does Part 2 simply adapt the ideas of Part 1 for the female pilgrim? If so, in what ways does Bunyan see the Christian woman’s journey as different from the Christian man’s? If not, how does Part 2 expand on Part 1’s advice to all pilgrims?

2.

Through the names of the pilgrims and the situations they conquer, Bunyan shows the traits people need to reach salvation. Pick one pilgrim or conflict and explain why that trait or scene is important.

3.

In his article for The Guardian, Robert McCrum identifies an “engaging sense of humour” in The Pilgrim’s Progress. Choose two or three comedic moments in the book. Discuss what makes them funny and how the humor supports Bunyan’s goal of producing an accessible, instructive work.