Symbolism In The Pilgrim's Progress

In The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, there is one passage which I considered appropriate for children and another reading that is suitable for adults. I believe the passage that is meant for children to read is “Christian Fighting with Apollyon” because it is literally exciting. The passage I consider appropriate for adults is “Christian in the Slough of Despond” because it is metaphorically symbolic. I will explain my argument further, by referring to illustrations by two unknown artists, of “Christian Fighting with Apollyon” and “Christian in the Slough of Despond”.
The passage “Christian Fighting with Apollyon” is appropriate for children to read as it is literally thrilling. For example, the passage begins, with a detailed description of the monster which rouses the reader’s imagination: “[Apollyon] was hideous to behold; he was clothed with scales like a fish…he had wings like a dragon, feet like a bear, and out of his belly came fire and smoke, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion” (Bunyan 55). This passage thrills the …show more content…
This is metaphorically symbolic because Christian is sinking to his doom and looking for help, but he does not let go of his faith (his bible). Furthermore, this passage is appropriate for adults as it is metaphorically symbolic because Christian could stop being faithful like Pliable (who is seen in the distance), but he continues to believe in his faith. However, this illustration is painted black and white. I believe this is metaphorically symbolic because it refers to how there are two choices; either continue your path like Christian or go home like Pliable. Therefore, this painting of “Christian in the Slough of Despond” is appropriate for adults because it is metaphorically symbolic as it illustrates life