The Pilgrim’s Progress: Part 2: Introduction Summary & Analysis

Bunyan begins Part 2 with another long poem. He addresses his book in an apostrophe, telling it to go everywhere that the first part has gone, in order to tell Christiana’s story. If readers enjoyed Christian’s story, then they ought to welcome Christian’s wife and boys, who have now become pilgrims, too.

In response to Christiana’s objection that she will not be well received because others have circulated counterfeit stories of Christian, Bunyan says that it will be obvious from his book’s language that it is authentic. Bunyan further argues that Christiana shouldn’t fear rejection, because in all lands—even among “Highlanders and Wild Irish,” and in New England—the first part has been warmly received. Young and old, men and women, city and country folk alike have enjoyed the first part.

Bunyan again defends the use of seemingly obscure metaphors to “allure” readers’ minds and stick more firmly in their memories. Furthermore, the “Second Pilgrim” will reveal some things which the first left concealed. If people still refuse to read the Second Part, rejecting it as mere romance, then perhaps Bunyan’s writing is simply not to their taste.

It’s Christiana’s job now to introduce not only herself and her sons, but her friends Mercy, Honest, Fearing, and many others with whose stories the reader might find something in common. He closes with the prayer that each “pilgrim,” and even some who have gone astray, will find something suited to their needs.