1a. What lament does Christian make in the first paragraph of the allegory?
2a. What directions does Evangelist give to Christian?
3a. What is the only other way to the Celestial City besides passing through the fair?
4a. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries nearly every home in England had a copy of The Pilgrim's Progess. One reason for its popularity is the Everyman quality of Christian. What circumstances in this allegory might cause the reader to feel empathy for him?
5a. Why do you think Christian agreed to go on his pilgrimage with Pliable?
1b. What troubles Christian at the beginning of the allegory?
2b. What will Christian be told at the wicketgate?
3b. What does the pilgrims' passage through the ancient fair symbolize?
4b. The outcome of Christian's journey is evident in the complete title of the allegory: The Pilgrim's Progress From This World, to That Which is to Come: Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream Wherein is Discovered, the Manner of His Setting Out, His Dangerous Journey; and Safe Arrival at the Desired Countrey. What characteristics of Christian will help him reach his goal?
5b. If you were Christian, how would you describe the townspeople of Vanity Fair?
Puritanism. What passages did you find that reflect Puritan beliefs or practices?
Allegory. Review the cluster chart you made in Literary Tools. What do Christian, the great burden he carries on his back, Evangelist, the journey, the fair, the wicketgate, and the Celestial City represent?
1. Christian's story is told as a dream the narrator has. Write a dream record of a dream you have had.
2. Imagine you are Christian. Write a letter to your family explaining why you had to leave, what you are looking for, and what has happened to you on your journey.
3. Write a paragraph retelling the pilgrims' experience in Vanity Fair from the perspective of one of the townspeople.
Connotation. Explain the connotations of each underlined word in the sentences below.
1. Then said Evangelist, Why not willing to die, since this life is attended with so many evils?
2. The name of the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other Pliable.
3. I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way.
4. Now these pilgrims, as I said, must needs go through this fair.
5. But they, looking gravely upon him, said, "We buy the truth."
Researching Biblical References. The Pilgrim's Progress contains many biblical references. Working with several classmates, divide the references and look up those you are assigned. Then report back to your group, explaining how the biblical references tie into the passages.
Research Findings:
Sources Used:
Researching the Puritan Interregnum. The English Puritans overthrew the monarchy and, under Oliver Cromwell, governed the country during what is known as the Commonwealth, or Puritan Interregnum, from 1642 to 1646. Research the life of Oliver Cromwell or the changes to British society brought about by the Interregnum.
