The heavy burden that Christian carries at the beginning of his journey symbolizes his sin, as well as the guilt and dread of God’s condemnation that accompanies his sin. Christian’s burden is what initially prompts him to seek salvation.
What was Christian’s burden in the Pilgrim’s Progress?
Christian is weighed down by a great burden—the knowledge of his sin—which he believed came from his reading “the book in his hand” (the Bible). This burden, which would cause him to sink into Hell, is so unbearable that Christian must seek deliverance.
What does the wicket gate represent?
The wicket-gate symbolizes Jesus Christ as the savior of sinners. When Christian desires freedom from his burden—itself symbolic of his sin—Evangelist instructs him to flee to the Wicket-gate, declaring that it’s the only place where Christian will find salvation.
What does the scroll represent in Pilgrims Progress?
After Christian loses the burden of his sin and guilt at the Cross, an angel gives him a roll to read as he continues his pilgrimage to the Celestial City. The roll, alternately referred to as a certificate or scroll, symbolizes Christian’s assurance of his salvation.
Who does the interpreter represent in Pilgrim’s Progress?
By John Bunyan
The House of the Interpreter is sort of like school for Christian. “The Interpreter” who lives there takes him from room to room, showing the new pilgrim images representing Christian principles. You can also think of it as your own training ground for reading the allegories of the story as a whole.
What symbolizes Christian’s first accomplishment towards salvation?
Christian’s certificate, or the roll that he receives from the one of the three Shining Ones after losing his burden, symbolizes Christian’s first accomplishment toward salvation.
What does Apollyon represent in Pilgrim’s Progress?
Apollyon signifies subjection to worldly forces. He represents the opposite of the spiritual freedom that Christian expresses in leaving behind his worldly existence. Apollyon’s name evokes the Greek god Apollo, lord of the beauty and form that dominates worldly values.
Who are the shining ones in Pilgrim’s Progress?
The Shining Ones are angels who minister to Christian throughout his travels—for example, giving him new clothes and a sealed roll after he loses his burden of sin at the Cross.
What does Vanity Fair represent in Pilgrim’s Progress?
Though the name Vanity Fair comes from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Thackeray uses the concept in a very different way from Bunyan. For Bunyan, Vanity Fair comprises all the worldly activities which distract the Christian from salvation and lead to damnation; they are vanities for this reason.