The Pilgrim’s Progress · Chapter
The Author’s Way of Sending Forth His Second Part of the Pilgrim explained
In this prefatory poem, John Bunyan introduces his second part of The Pilgrim's Progress, personifying the book as a messenger to be sent out to readers.
What happens
In this prefatory poem, John Bunyan introduces his second part of The Pilgrim's Progress, personifying the book as a messenger to be sent out to readers. He instructs it to announce Christiana and her sons as pilgrims, to recount their hardships and victories, and to introduce fellow pilgrims such as Mercy, Old Honest, Mr. Fearing, Mr. Feeble-mind, Mr. Ready-to-halt, Mr. Valiant-for-the-truth, Mr. Despondency, and Much-afraid. Bunyan addresses objections about counterfeit pilgrims, regional reception, and the book's style, defending its allegorical method and urging Christiana to respond with humility and love.
Themes in this chapter
Pilgrimage and Spiritual Journey
The entire poem is a sending forth of the second part, emphasizing the pilgrimage of Christiana and her companions as a continuation of the spiritual journey.
Community and Fellowship
Bunyan introduces a host of fellow pilgrims (Mercy, Old Honest, Mr. Fearing, etc.), highlighting the communal nature of the pilgrimage and mutual support.
Allegory and Symbolism
Bunyan defends his use of 'dark similitude' and 'cloudy strain,' asserting that allegorical language stirs the mind and sticks faster in the heart than plain speech.
Characters to notice
- Christiana
The central figure of the second part, introduced as the wife of Christian and a pilgrim with her four sons.
- Mercy
Neighbor and companion of Christiana, described as a virgin pilgrim who has long traveled with Christiana.
- Old Honest
An aged pilgrim with white hairs, described as plain-hearted and bearing his cross after the Lord.
- Mr. Fearing
A good man who went on pilgrimage with fears and cries, yet won the joyful prize at last.
- Mr. Feeble-mind
A pilgrim who was weak in grace but true of heart, nearly slain but rescued by Great-heart.
- Valiant
Master Valiant-for-the-truth, a young man of great courage who helped put down Doubting Castle and slay Despair.
Key passages
“Go now, my little book, to every place, Where my first Pilgrim has but shown his face, Call at their door. If any say, Who's there? Then answer thou, Christiana is here.”
Bunyan personifies his book, instructing it to travel wherever the first part has been read and to announce Christiana at the door.
This opening sets the book as a messenger, continuing the story of Christian's family.
“What Christian left lock'd up, and went his way, Sweet Christiana opens with her key.”
What Christian left hidden or incomplete, Christiana now reveals and explains.
Bunyan suggests that the second part unlocks deeper meanings or aspects of the pilgrimage not fully explored in the first.
“Render them not reviling for revile; But if they frown, I prithee on them smile;”
Do not respond to insults with insults; instead, respond with a smile even when they frown.
Bunyan advises Christiana (and the book) to respond with humility and love to those who criticize or reject the work.