Beginning of Journey- Leaving Interpretation

I have been keeping close track of the 'technical' definition for each character's name, and how each of these characters can only act in the way defined by thier name.

Evangelist seems to be the only character that can show Christian 'the way." Hope was able to be helpful, but couldn't direct Christian.

Symbols:

Mount Sanai, the fires, the tumbling mountain all reference the place Moses received the ten comandments, and the burning bush

The straight path to God= the 'straight path' of living

The burden= sin
The burden may only be relieved by God

I thought that the time that Christian spent with Interpretation was important, since the book itself must be interpreted by the reader, and each character and lesson interpreted by both the reader and Christian. Christian seemed ready to leave, and the Interpreter had more to show him, maybe symbolizing that the reader needs to dig for more meaning in each section, more than the surface story.

SparkNotes brought up an interesting point in its analysis-
Christian doesn't seem affected by personal relationships, didn't seem to care that he left his family, or that people traveling with him, leave him.

SparkNotes also talked about the importance of Solitude, what do you think?

I'm also enjoying the characters and what they represent. I further enjoy the Spark Notes analysis of the characters. The analysis is giving me more insight into the book.

I think it's interesting that someone who is searching for religious truth goes through so many obstacles, feelings, and personal challanges. Bunyon has made it a geographical venture as well as a spiritual one.

As I mentioned before, the parallels are many. SWB states DQ's hero is mad and PP's is a tale of a dream. These two pieces of literature shows us the key to these two books is a QUEST.

I am beginning to realize different ways that literature can meet the same goal.

As difficult as it was, I needed the Spark Notes analysis to enjoy this. There was so much ground covered in a small amount of time.

The Palace of Beautiful was enjoyable. All four mistresses had a part in opening up Christian's motivation for his journey. They also showed us the determination that Christian had. Looking at it in depth shows us that Christian's priority is with the journey, not his family.

As in most journey's there is temptation. While Christian's is not the usual lust of a woman or material wealth, he does encounter a few temptations.