The Pilgrim’s Progress

The Pilgrim’s Progress

by

John Bunyan

Christian Character Analysis

Christian is Christiana’s husband and the protagonist of the story. He is an “Everyman” character—in other words, he’s an ordinary stock character with whom a broad audience is expected to identify. As such (and like most of the characters in Pilgrim’s Progress), he doesn’t have strong distinguishing characteristics. In this case, he represents an ordinary Christian passing through life on the way to Heaven. At the beginning of the book, Christian is distressed by a burden on his back (his sin), as well as the news that his hometown, the City of Destruction, will soon be destroyed by fire from heaven. Eventually, Evangelist directs him to flee to the Wicket-Gate. Christian’s family (Christiana and their sons, Matthew, Samuel, Joseph, and James) mocks and dismisses his fears, so he flees alone. Before reaching the Wicket-Gate, he is briefly diverted by Mr. Worldly Wiseman’s advice to get his burden removed by Legality, but he fears being crushed by the mountain on the way, and Evangelist gets him back on the right track. At the gate, he is welcomed as a repentant sinner and pointed along the narrow way to the Celestial City, though he doesn’t lose his burden until he sees the place of Deliverance, or the Cross. Alone, he passes through various obstacles, like fighting the demon Apollyon, before joining a fellow pilgrim, Faithful, with whom he faces persecution in Vanity Fair. Later, he journeys with a pilgrim named Hopeful, spending time imprisoned in Doubting Castle. After numerous other detours, delights, and struggles, he crosses the River of Death in harrowing fashion and attains his goal of reaching the Celestial City, where he is welcomed with great joy.

Christian Quotes in The Pilgrim’s Progress

The The Pilgrim’s Progress quotes below are all either spoken by Christian or refer to Christian. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
The Burden of Sin and Salvation through Christ Theme Icon
).
Part 1: Fleeing the City of Destruction Quotes

Then [Evangelist] gave him a Parchment-roll, and there was written within, Fly from the wrath to come.

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.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Evangelist (speaker)
Related Symbols: Wicket-gate
Page Number: 15
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Mr. Worldly Wiseman Quotes

But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many dangers attend it? Especially, since (hadst thou but patience to hear me) I could direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest, without the dangers that thou in this way wilt run thyself into […] Why in yonder Village (the village is named Morality) there dwells a Gentleman whose name is Legality, a very judicious man, and a man of very good name, that has skill to help men off with such burdens as thine are from their shoulders […] he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat crazed in their wits with their burdens.

Related Characters: Mr. Worldly Wiseman (speaker), Christian, Legality
Related Symbols: Burden
Page Number: 23
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Interpreter’s House Quotes

This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet Grace of the Gospel: the dust is his Original Sin and inward Corruptions, that have defiled the whole man. He that began to sweep at first, is the Law; but she that brought water, and did sprinkle it, is the Gospel. Now, whereas thou sawest that so soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that the Room by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wast almost choaked therewith; this is to shew thee, that the Law, instead of cleansing the heart (by its working) from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase it in the soul, even as it doth discover and forbid it, for it doth not give power to subdue.

Related Characters: Interpreter (speaker), Christian
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 34
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Cross Quotes

So I saw in my Dream, that just as Christian came up with the Cross, his Burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.

Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.

Related Characters: Christian
Related Symbols: Burden
Page Number: 42
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Hill Difficulty and Palace Beautiful Quotes

So in the morning they all got up, and after some more discourse, they told him that he should not depart till they had shewed him the Rarities of that place […] Then they read to him some of the worthy Acts that some of his servants had done: as, how they had subdued Kingdoms, wrought Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the mouths of Lions, quenched the violence of Fire, escaped the edge of the Sword; [and] out of weakness were made strong[.]

Related Characters: Christian
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 58
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Valley of Humiliation Quotes

Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his Sword, and caught it, saying, Rejoice not against me, O mine Enemy! When I fall I shall arise; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound: Christian, perceiving that, made at him again, saying, Nay, in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. And with that Apollyon spread forth his Dragon's wings, and sped him away, that Christian for a season saw him no more.

Related Characters: Christian, Apollyon
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 64
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Christian and Faithful Quotes

So soon as the man overtook me, he was but a word and a blow, for down he knocked me, and laid me for dead. But when I was a little come to myself again, I asked him wherefore he served me so? He said, Because of my secret inclining to Adam the First: and with that he struck me another deadly blow on the breast, and beat me down backward, so I lay at his foot as dead as before. So when I came to myself again I cried him mercy; but he said, I know not how to shew mercy; and with that knocked me down again. He had doubtless made an end of me, but that one came by, and bid him forbear.

Related Characters: Faithful (speaker), Christian, Adam the First/Moses
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 75
Explanation and Analysis:

[H]e said it was a pitiful low sneaking business for a man to mind Religion; he said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing; and that for a man to watch over his words and ways, so as to tie up himself from that hectoring liberty that the brave spirits of the times accustom themselves unto, would make him the ridicule of the times. He objected also, that but few of the Mighty, Rich, or Wise, were ever of my opinion […] But at last I began to consider […] this Shame tells me what men are; but it tells me nothing what God or the Word of God is.

Related Characters: Faithful (speaker), Christian, Shame
Page Number: 78
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Giant Despair and Doubting Castle Quotes

My Brother, said he, rememberest thou not how valiant thou hast been heretofore? Apollyon could not crush thee, nor could all that thou didst hear, or see, or feel in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. What hardship, terror, and amazement hast thou already gone through, and art thou now nothing but fear? Thou seest that I am in the Dungeon with thee, a far weaker man by nature than thou art; also this Giant has wounded me as well as thee, and hath also cut off the Bread and Water from my mouth; and with thee I mourn without the light. But let's exercise a little more patience[.]

Related Characters: Hopeful (speaker), Christian, Apollyon, Giant Despair
Page Number: 121
Explanation and Analysis:

Well on Saturday about midnight they began to pray, and continued in Prayer till almost break of day.

Now a little before it was day, good Christian, as one half amazed, brake out in passionate speech: What a fool, quoth he, am I, thus to lie in a stinking Dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty. I have a Key in my bosom called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, open any Lock in Doubting Castle. […]

Then Christian pulled it out of his bosom, and began to try at the Dungeon door, whose bolt (as he turned the Key) gave back, and the door flew open with ease, and Christian and Hopeful both came out.

Related Characters: Hopeful (speaker), Christian, Giant Despair
Page Number: 123
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Ignorance, Little-faith, and Flatterer Quotes

I know my Lord’s will, and I have been a good liver; I pay every man his own; I Pray, Fast, pay Tithes, and give Alms […] Gentlemen, ye be utter strangers to me, I know you not; be content to follow the Religion of your Country, and I will follow the Religion of mine. I hope all will be well. And as for the Gate that you talk of, all the world knows that that is a great way off of our Country.

Related Characters: Ignorance (speaker), Christian, Hopeful
Related Symbols: Wicket-gate, Roll / Certificate / Scroll
Page Number: 129
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Enchanted Ground Quotes

HOPE. […] Sleep is sweet to the labouring man; we may be refreshed if we take a nap.

CHR. Do you not remember that one of the Shepherds bid us beware of the Inchanted Ground? He meant by that, that we should beware of sleeping; wherefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.

HOPE. […] I see it is true that the Wise man saith, Two are better than one[.]

[…] Now then, said Christian, to prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into good discourse.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Hopeful (speaker), Shepherds
Page Number: 141
Explanation and Analysis:

One day I was very sad […] and this sadness was through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins: and as I was then looking for nothing but Hell, and the everlasting damnation of my Soul, suddenly as I thought, I saw the Lord Jesus look down from Heaven upon me, and saying, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. […] And then I saw from that saying, He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst, that believing and coming was all one; and that he that came […] ran out in his heart and affections after salvation by Christ, he indeed believed in Christ.

Related Characters: Hopeful (speaker), Christian
Page Number: 147
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Beulah, the River of Death, and the Celestial City Quotes

They then addressed themselves to the Water; and entring, Christian began to sink, and crying out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, I sink in deep Waters; the Billows go over my head, all his Waves go over me[.]

Then said the other, Be of good cheer my Brother, I feel the bottom, and it is good. […] These troubles and distresses that you go through in these Waters are no sign that God hath forsaken you, but are sent to try you, whether you will call to mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Hopeful (speaker)
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 161
Explanation and Analysis:

The men then asked, What must we do in the holy place? To whom it was answered, You must there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your Prayers and Tears, and sufferings for the King by the way. In that place you must wear Crowns of Gold, and enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of the Holy one, for there you shall see him as he is. There also you shall serve him continually with praise, with shouting, and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in the World, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of your flesh.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Hopeful (speaker), Shining Ones (speaker)
Page Number: 164
Explanation and Analysis:
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Christian Quotes in The Pilgrim’s Progress

The The Pilgrim’s Progress quotes below are all either spoken by Christian or refer to Christian. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
The Burden of Sin and Salvation through Christ Theme Icon
).
Part 1: Fleeing the City of Destruction Quotes

Then [Evangelist] gave him a Parchment-roll, and there was written within, Fly from the wrath to come.

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.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Evangelist (speaker)
Related Symbols: Wicket-gate
Page Number: 15
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Mr. Worldly Wiseman Quotes

But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many dangers attend it? Especially, since (hadst thou but patience to hear me) I could direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest, without the dangers that thou in this way wilt run thyself into […] Why in yonder Village (the village is named Morality) there dwells a Gentleman whose name is Legality, a very judicious man, and a man of very good name, that has skill to help men off with such burdens as thine are from their shoulders […] he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat crazed in their wits with their burdens.

Related Characters: Mr. Worldly Wiseman (speaker), Christian, Legality
Related Symbols: Burden
Page Number: 23
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Interpreter’s House Quotes

This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet Grace of the Gospel: the dust is his Original Sin and inward Corruptions, that have defiled the whole man. He that began to sweep at first, is the Law; but she that brought water, and did sprinkle it, is the Gospel. Now, whereas thou sawest that so soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that the Room by him could not be cleansed, but that thou wast almost choaked therewith; this is to shew thee, that the Law, instead of cleansing the heart (by its working) from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase it in the soul, even as it doth discover and forbid it, for it doth not give power to subdue.

Related Characters: Interpreter (speaker), Christian
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 34
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Cross Quotes

So I saw in my Dream, that just as Christian came up with the Cross, his Burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.

Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.

Related Characters: Christian
Related Symbols: Burden
Page Number: 42
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Hill Difficulty and Palace Beautiful Quotes

So in the morning they all got up, and after some more discourse, they told him that he should not depart till they had shewed him the Rarities of that place […] Then they read to him some of the worthy Acts that some of his servants had done: as, how they had subdued Kingdoms, wrought Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the mouths of Lions, quenched the violence of Fire, escaped the edge of the Sword; [and] out of weakness were made strong[.]

Related Characters: Christian
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 58
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Valley of Humiliation Quotes

Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his Sword, and caught it, saying, Rejoice not against me, O mine Enemy! When I fall I shall arise; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound: Christian, perceiving that, made at him again, saying, Nay, in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. And with that Apollyon spread forth his Dragon's wings, and sped him away, that Christian for a season saw him no more.

Related Characters: Christian, Apollyon
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 64
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Christian and Faithful Quotes

So soon as the man overtook me, he was but a word and a blow, for down he knocked me, and laid me for dead. But when I was a little come to myself again, I asked him wherefore he served me so? He said, Because of my secret inclining to Adam the First: and with that he struck me another deadly blow on the breast, and beat me down backward, so I lay at his foot as dead as before. So when I came to myself again I cried him mercy; but he said, I know not how to shew mercy; and with that knocked me down again. He had doubtless made an end of me, but that one came by, and bid him forbear.

Related Characters: Faithful (speaker), Christian, Adam the First/Moses
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 75
Explanation and Analysis:

[H]e said it was a pitiful low sneaking business for a man to mind Religion; he said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing; and that for a man to watch over his words and ways, so as to tie up himself from that hectoring liberty that the brave spirits of the times accustom themselves unto, would make him the ridicule of the times. He objected also, that but few of the Mighty, Rich, or Wise, were ever of my opinion […] But at last I began to consider […] this Shame tells me what men are; but it tells me nothing what God or the Word of God is.

Related Characters: Faithful (speaker), Christian, Shame
Page Number: 78
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Giant Despair and Doubting Castle Quotes

My Brother, said he, rememberest thou not how valiant thou hast been heretofore? Apollyon could not crush thee, nor could all that thou didst hear, or see, or feel in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. What hardship, terror, and amazement hast thou already gone through, and art thou now nothing but fear? Thou seest that I am in the Dungeon with thee, a far weaker man by nature than thou art; also this Giant has wounded me as well as thee, and hath also cut off the Bread and Water from my mouth; and with thee I mourn without the light. But let's exercise a little more patience[.]

Related Characters: Hopeful (speaker), Christian, Apollyon, Giant Despair
Page Number: 121
Explanation and Analysis:

Well on Saturday about midnight they began to pray, and continued in Prayer till almost break of day.

Now a little before it was day, good Christian, as one half amazed, brake out in passionate speech: What a fool, quoth he, am I, thus to lie in a stinking Dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty. I have a Key in my bosom called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, open any Lock in Doubting Castle. […]

Then Christian pulled it out of his bosom, and began to try at the Dungeon door, whose bolt (as he turned the Key) gave back, and the door flew open with ease, and Christian and Hopeful both came out.

Related Characters: Hopeful (speaker), Christian, Giant Despair
Page Number: 123
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Ignorance, Little-faith, and Flatterer Quotes

I know my Lord’s will, and I have been a good liver; I pay every man his own; I Pray, Fast, pay Tithes, and give Alms […] Gentlemen, ye be utter strangers to me, I know you not; be content to follow the Religion of your Country, and I will follow the Religion of mine. I hope all will be well. And as for the Gate that you talk of, all the world knows that that is a great way off of our Country.

Related Characters: Ignorance (speaker), Christian, Hopeful
Related Symbols: Wicket-gate, Roll / Certificate / Scroll
Page Number: 129
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: The Enchanted Ground Quotes

HOPE. […] Sleep is sweet to the labouring man; we may be refreshed if we take a nap.

CHR. Do you not remember that one of the Shepherds bid us beware of the Inchanted Ground? He meant by that, that we should beware of sleeping; wherefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.

HOPE. […] I see it is true that the Wise man saith, Two are better than one[.]

[…] Now then, said Christian, to prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into good discourse.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Hopeful (speaker), Shepherds
Page Number: 141
Explanation and Analysis:

One day I was very sad […] and this sadness was through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins: and as I was then looking for nothing but Hell, and the everlasting damnation of my Soul, suddenly as I thought, I saw the Lord Jesus look down from Heaven upon me, and saying, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. […] And then I saw from that saying, He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst, that believing and coming was all one; and that he that came […] ran out in his heart and affections after salvation by Christ, he indeed believed in Christ.

Related Characters: Hopeful (speaker), Christian
Page Number: 147
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1: Beulah, the River of Death, and the Celestial City Quotes

They then addressed themselves to the Water; and entring, Christian began to sink, and crying out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, I sink in deep Waters; the Billows go over my head, all his Waves go over me[.]

Then said the other, Be of good cheer my Brother, I feel the bottom, and it is good. […] These troubles and distresses that you go through in these Waters are no sign that God hath forsaken you, but are sent to try you, whether you will call to mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Hopeful (speaker)
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 161
Explanation and Analysis:

The men then asked, What must we do in the holy place? To whom it was answered, You must there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your Prayers and Tears, and sufferings for the King by the way. In that place you must wear Crowns of Gold, and enjoy the perpetual sight and vision of the Holy one, for there you shall see him as he is. There also you shall serve him continually with praise, with shouting, and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in the World, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of your flesh.

Related Characters: Christian (speaker), Hopeful (speaker), Shining Ones (speaker)
Page Number: 164
Explanation and Analysis: