The Pilgrim's Progress

by John Bunyan

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Student Question

In John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, which characters divert Christian from the true path?

Quick answer:

In The Pilgrim's Progress, Mr. Worldly Wiseman diverts Christian from the true path by advising him to seek relief in Village Morality, misleading him with promises of comfort and safety. This causes Christian to stray until Evangelist intervenes to guide him back. Additionally, characters like the Flatterer and Giant Despair physically impede Christian, with the Flatterer trapping him and Giant Despair imprisoning him, though they do not divert him from the path like Mr. Worldly Wiseman does.

Expert Answers

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In The Pilgrim's Progress, two characters physically incapacitate Christian: the Flatterer and Giant Despair. The Flatterer leads Christian (and his companion, Hopeful) into a net. Meanwhile, Giant Despair beats Christian and imprisons him in his castle. Christian later uses the key of Promise to escape the giant's clutches.

However, only one character turns Christian temporarily away from the true path: Mr. Worldly Wiseman.

In the story, Mr. Worldly Wiseman tells Christian that he is going the wrong way, and that he will encounter many dangers if he persists on the same path. He advises Christian to head to Village Morality and look for a man named Legality.

Mr. Worldly Wiseman tells Christian that Legality can relieve him of his burdens. In addition, he can also send for his family as Village Morality has reasonably priced homes and a good standard of living. Mr. Worldly Wiseman explains that Christian will have fine neighbors and enjoy a good life there.

Upon hearing this, Christian leaves his path and heads for the Village. As he draws closer, he sees a high hill. The hill so intimidates him that he doesn't proceed further. It's here that Evangelist finds him and helps to set Christian on the right path again.

You can read more about Mr. Worldly Wiseman in Part 1 Chapter 5. To learn how Evangelist sets Christian back on the right path, read Part 1 Chapter 6.

For more information, you can refer to the eNotes guide on The Pilgrim's Progress linked below.

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