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Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Key Examples in The Pilgrim’s Progress
Part 1: The Valley of Humiliation
Explanation and Analysis—Sword of the Spirit:
While passing through the Valley of Humiliation, Christian is attacked by a devilish fiend named Apollyon, who nearly overpowers Christian with shameful reminders of what a sinner he is. Christian finally beats Apollyon using his sword, which is a metaphor for knowledge of the Bible:
Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his Sword, and caught it, saying, Rejoice not against me, O mine Enemy! When I fall I shall arise; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound: Christian, perceiving that, made at him again, saying, Nay, in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. And with that Apollyon spread forth his Dragon's wings, and sped him away, that Christian for a season saw him no more.
Related Themes:
Part 1: The Delectable Mountains
Explanation and Analysis—The Blind Pilgrims:
When Christian and Hopeful meet the Shepherds in the Delectable Mountains, the Shepherds point out some would-be pilgrims in the distance who are stumbling around blindly. Blindness is used as a metaphor for losing one's way spiritually:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Then said the Shepherds, From that Stile there goes a path that leads directly to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair; and these men (pointing to them among the Tombs) came once on Pilgrimage, as you do now [...] [The Giant Despair] at last did put out their eyes, and led them among those Tombs, where he has left them to wander to this very day, that the saying of the Wise Man might be fulfilled, He that wandereth out of the way of understanding, shall remain in the congregation of the dead. Then Christian and Hopeful looked upon one another, with tears gushing out[.]
Related Themes:
Part 2: Matthew’s Illness
Explanation and Analysis—Gospel Pills:
Earlier in the novel, Christiana's son Matthew had eaten fruit that belonged to the devil. Later, when the group is staying at the Porter's House, Matthew gets a terrible stomachache from the fruit, so, in Bunyan's metaphor for salvation from sin, an old doctor named Mr. Skill makes Matthew a:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[purge] to the purpose, ’twas made Ex Carne & Sanguine Christi. (You know Physicians give strange Medicines to their Patients.) And it was made up into Pills [...]. Now he was to take them three at a time fasting, in half a quarter of a pint of the Tears of Repentance.
Related Themes:
Part 2: Valiant-for-Truth
Explanation and Analysis—By Faith, Not By Sight:
When Christiana's group of pilgrims passes through the Enchanted Ground, Bunyan uses a biblical allusion to show that faith is indispensable to their journey:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Now they had not gone far, but a great Mist and a Darkness fell upon them all, so that they could scarce for a great while see the one [or] the other. Wherefore they were forced for some time to feel for one another by Words, for they walked not by Sight.
Related Themes:
