The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

5 out of 5 stars  *****

This story flows with characters having names that are actual human qualities. For example, Christian and Hope encounter many obstacles and characters on their pilgrimage to the Celestial City. Some of the people Christian encounters have names like Faithful and Pliable, who is scorned by townspeople for not being able to stay on track when necessary. Bunyan uses this opportunity to refer to scripture, Jeremiah: 29:18, 19, when he writes, "...because he hath forsaken the way." 

Like life, trials and tribulations pave the path to righteousness. Therefore, many pilgrims go astray and enter into suspect places that also bear names of qualities; city of Destruction or the Slough of Despond. Faithful encounters a hill called Difficulty where he meets an old man named Adam the First from the town of Deceit. Adam offers Faithful a place to stay where he can enjoy delicious food, live his desires, and use his slaves that he has, "of his own begetting." Then he tempts Faithful with his three daughters, the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life. Bunyan refers to 1 John: 2:16, at this time. 

Faithful, later, explains to Christian that he refuses Adam's tantalizing offer due to his suspicion of becoming another one of Adam's slaves. Adam is so angry at Faithful's decision that he sends someone after him as Faithful climbs Difficulty. That someone catches Faithful and shows no mercy knocking him back down the hill and nearly killing him. The pilgrim is spared when one with holes in his hands and in his side passes by and bids the merciless one to restrain himself. 

Christian, talking to Faithful about his recount, tells him that the man who overtakes him is Moses, who does not show mercy to those who transgress the law. Obviously, the one who forbears Moses from his merciless duty is Jesus Christ, who forgives all who accept him of their transgressions with His crucifixion. The author, Paul Bunyan, does not spell out this meaning in the story; rather, the story moves along with another tale when Faithful meets Discontent in the Valley of Humility.

Their adventures require that Christian and Faithful depend on each other to keep themselves vigilant; to focus on their goal when one falters. Shepherds give them advice along the way but the pilgrims forget their wisdom and suffer admonishment to learn the lesson that puts them back on the right path. Bunyan's brilliance shines in this delightful book which creates a world of fiction about the pertinent life messages in the Bible. The imagery transcends all age groups making this one of my favorite classics.