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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I was excited to read this to prepare myself to watch the movie that came out a few years ago, it felt like I was reading the cartoon play out. The plot shared some twists on some of the challenges Christians face. Lost my interest towards end. Probably would have kept my interest if I was younger. Movie was better although demons were scary looking
Wasn't invested... Made me feel very convicted of sin, however. I'll definitely be reading it online, though, to finish it.
This definitely isn't my favorite book, but I appreciate the way it was ahead of its time when it comes to literature.
I have read a few books that referenced or alluded to 'The Pilgrim's Progress', and so decided to read it myself. It provided some valuable insight into those texts and enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
adventurous
slow-paced
Four stars for creating an allegory of this length; for the translation that was more readable than the original; and for some thought provoking moments. All in all, though, it was a bit of trudge through this book that basically repeated the same story twice and was a bit like reading an extended sermon. Again, the translation made it very readable; and it's one I needed to read for a while! #58/100 GAR
This is a good book for reading and discussion in a church or other book group. I wouldn't bother reading it by yourself.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'm not a big fan of analogy. This is a very black and white, skeletal analogy. I can appreciate it for being a product of its time, but it left my imagination a little bored. I realize it was written shortly after the Reformation, but it still dissapoints me when I see Protestants asserting that Catholics are not Christian. There are several jabs at Catholics in this book. I can see this being a good read if used as a personal devotional, or as an intriguing novel for a new believer, but it is not to my tastes.
I had long written off ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ as a paper-thin allegory whose Christian subtext was worn so heavily that it couldn’t be read as a story. Having read QD Leavis’ ‘Fiction and the Reading Public’ (which I didn’t completely agree with), who led me to believe it was of greater psychological depth than I expected. Added to the fact that it was also one of Samuel Johnson’s favourite books - I was ready to read it.
I was drawn in by the poem at the beginning, and got to the first line, ‘As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a den, and laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, I dreamed a dream.’ Aside from being a beautiful line, it is very similar to the beginning of the revolutionary call-to-arms, ‘Piers Ploughman’. I was intrigued by Christian’s pain and burden and wanted him to get to the Celestial City.
There were areas that worked very well for me, particularly the giant Despair who locks Christian and Hopeful in his dungeon. I imagined the frequently depressed Samuel Johnson thinking on the suicidal discussion and ideation. I was also very interested by the water around the Celestial City that has a depth depending on faith.
I have to say, that I was very tired whenever Christian met a new person. I thought ‘not another one’ as he repeats the same adventures we have already seen to the Evangelist and the Interpreter, and the actions of the Interpreter to Faithful, and all of it again to Hopeful. While I was pleased that Hopeful’s flaws and successes come from his hopefulness - I did find the characters to be on-the-nose caricatures and they tired me.
Add to that, but Christian and his fellow journeymen utterly speak to each other in allegory and the whole thing, while presenting ideas about bravery and persistence, I found ultimately tiring.
I was drawn in by the poem at the beginning, and got to the first line, ‘As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a den, and laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, I dreamed a dream.’ Aside from being a beautiful line, it is very similar to the beginning of the revolutionary call-to-arms, ‘Piers Ploughman’. I was intrigued by Christian’s pain and burden and wanted him to get to the Celestial City.
There were areas that worked very well for me, particularly the giant Despair who locks Christian and Hopeful in his dungeon. I imagined the frequently depressed Samuel Johnson thinking on the suicidal discussion and ideation. I was also very interested by the water around the Celestial City that has a depth depending on faith.
I have to say, that I was very tired whenever Christian met a new person. I thought ‘not another one’ as he repeats the same adventures we have already seen to the Evangelist and the Interpreter, and the actions of the Interpreter to Faithful, and all of it again to Hopeful. While I was pleased that Hopeful’s flaws and successes come from his hopefulness - I did find the characters to be on-the-nose caricatures and they tired me.
Add to that, but Christian and his fellow journeymen utterly speak to each other in allegory and the whole thing, while presenting ideas about bravery and persistence, I found ultimately tiring.