The Pilgrim's Progress

“As I walk’d through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place, where was a Denn; And I laid me down in that place to sleep: And as I slept I dreamed a Dream. I dreamed, and behold I saw a Man cloathed with Raggs, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own House, a Book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.”

Bunyan introduces the story with imagery to create a picture for the narrator and Christian. Bunyan tells the reader that the story they’re about to read is a dream, preparing them for the work’s symbolic (rather than realistic) sequence of events. Realism is not the same as truth, however, which Christian’s book symbolizes. The dream is an allegory for Christianity: It represents what Bunyan believes to be the truth about God, Jesus, and their followers.

“The Man therefore Read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully; said, Whither must I fly? Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide Field, Do you see yonder Wicket-gate? The Man said, No. Then said the other, Do you see yonder shining light? He said, I think I do. Then said Evangelist, Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto, so shalt thou see the Gate; at which when thou knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.”

The dialogue between Evangelist and Christian gives Christian a clear goal and propels the story. He has to get to the Wicket Gate. Bunyan uses imagery to enhance the allegorical meaning: The gate is “shining” because it reflects the light (truth, goodness, etc.) of God, and the field is “wide” because of the length of the Christian journey.

“[Y]e cannot be justified by the Works of the Law; for by the deeds of the Law no man living can be rid of his burden: therefore Mr. Worldly-Wiseman is an alien, and Mr. Legality a cheat: and for his Son Civility, notwithstanding his simpering looks, he is but an hypocrite, and cannot help thee.”

Evangelist emphasizes the themes of Human Laws and Customs Versus Christian Devotion and Faith’s Necessity for Salvation. With a confident tone, Evangelist makes it clear to Christian that the law—including the law set forth in the Bible—isn’t the path to salvation.