Good-will is a solemn figure who guards the Wicket-gate. However, when Christian knocks and introduces himself as a sinner, Good-will gladly opens the gate for him. He then directs Christian on the straight and narrow path. In the book’s second part, when Christiana knocks at the Gate, the figure who admits her is referred to as the Keeper. It is implied throughout that the Keeper is Jesus Christ.
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Good-will/Keeper of the Gate Character Timeline in The Pilgrim’s Progress
The timeline below shows where the character Good-will/Keeper of the Gate appears in The Pilgrim’s Progress. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part 1: At the Wicket-Gate
...asking if a rebel like himself can be admitted. At last, a solemn person named Good-will answers and asks who’s there. Christian introduces himself as a poor sinner who’s fleeing the...
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Good-will gives Christian a slight pull within the Wicket-gate, explaining that Beelzebub, whose castle is nearby,...
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Good-will then shows Christian the “narrow way,” which was established by the “Patriarchs, Prophets, Christ, and...
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Part 1: The Interpreter’s House
Directed by Good-will, Christian travels next to the Interpreter’s house, where he will be shown wonderful things to...
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Part 2: The Wicket-gate
...the sound of a fierce dog barking, but she finally perseveres in knocking until the Keeper of the Gate answers.
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Christiana introduces herself and her group, and the Keeper welcomes her inside, including the children, adding, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”...
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...that she, like Christiana, has come to the Wicket-gate seeking forgiveness of her sins. The Keeper of the Gate gently guides Mercy inside, saying that all who believe in him are...
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...parlor, rejoicing. Christiana admires the fervor of Mercy’s knocking. She also assures Mercy that the Keeper of the Gate was not disturbed by her knock and that he smiled when he...
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After the Keeper of the Gate has tended to them, the group continues on their way. They pass...
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Part 2: From the Interpreter’s House to the Porter’s House
Great-heart explains that sinners’ pardon is obtained by another—namely, the Keeper of the Gate. He “has performed Righteousness to cover you, and spilt Blood to wash...
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