The Pilgrim’s Progress: Part 2: Feeble-mind and a Visit to Vanity Summary & Analysis

The next morning, they arm themselves and venture out into the fields in search of a troublesome giant named Slay-good. Slay-good is a flesh-eating giant, and they find him preparing to feast on a man named Feeble-mind. Great-heart says they have come to avenge the blood of pilgrims. After a long fight, he finally beheads Slay-good and rescues Feeble-mind. Feeble-mind explains that he has always suffered from ill health, so he decided to embark on pilgrimage, even if he had to crawl the whole way. Throughout his journey, Feeble-mind has received special kindnesses, even being carried by other pilgrims. He thanks Great-heart for saving him, trusting that though  he will face further obstacles, he will make it beyond the River at last. Feeble-mind says that Mr. Fearing was his uncle, and that the two of them are very similar. Gaius welcomes him to stay at the Inn.

Just then, they receive word that a pilgrim named Mr. Not-right, who had been Feeble-mind’s companion, has been found dead, having been struck by a thunderbolt. Feeble-mind marvels that Not-right, who was nimbler and escaped Slay-good’s clutches, ended up suffering the harsher fate.

Around this time, Matthew and Mercy get married. Gaius’s daughter, Phebe, marries James. Before the group travels onward, Gaius gives them a great feast, and he refuses the pilgrims’ payment. As they set out, Feeble-mind hesitates. Because he is weak, he fears he will be a burden to the rest; he cannot bear the same things the others can bear, like laughter, flashy clothes, and speculative discussions.

Mr. Great-heart comforts Feeble-mind, reminding him that it’s his job to comfort and support the weak. The group will be gentle and charitable towards him. While they’re discussing all this, a man named Mr. Ready-to-halt, with crutches in hand, approaches. Feeble-mind is delighted to see a suitable companion. So they all set off together.

As they travel, Honest asks Great-heart to tell them some stories of past pilgrims. Great-heart mentions some of the adventures of Christian and Faithful, pointing out the spot where they met Evangelist, who prophesied the troubles to come in Vanity Fair. They discuss Faithful’s martyrdom and Hopeful’s resulting conversion. Soon, the group draws within sight of the town of Vanity themselves. They consult and decide to lodge in the home of a “Cyprusian” disciple named Mr. Mnason.

Mr. Mnason warmly welcomes the pilgrims into his home for the night. He sends his daughter Grace to gather some of his friends, including Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy-man, Mr. Love-saint, Mr. Dare-not-lye, and Mr. Penitent. The friends are delighted to learn that Christiana is Christian’s widow. Contrite explains that although the Fair makes life difficult, the people of Vanity have become milder towards the pilgrims ever since Faithful’s death, and religion is not scorned as before.

After Great-heart has given an account of their pilgrimage thus far, Mr. Mnason’s friends discuss the various traits pilgrims must have in order to progress. The group rests in Mnason’s house for a long time. During their stay, Mnason’s daughter Grace marries Samuel, and his daughter Martha marries Joseph. Over time, they get to know the people of Vanity, doing good to them. The married couples also bear children, descendants of Christian.

During their stay in Vanity, a dragon-like monster with seven heads and 10 horns emerges from the woods and begins killing townspeople, even carrying off children. Many people are also corrupted by the monster’s demands. Together with Mr. Mnason’s friends, Mr. Great-heart determines to confront this beast, so they gather their weapons and attack him. The beast continues to emerge in its usual seasons, but the brave men continue to fight him when they get the opportunity, and eventually the wounded monster retreats. The people of Vanity are so grateful that their opinion of the pilgrims is much improved.