The Second Level of Inquiry (complete after book is read)

Is this novel a 'fable' or 'chronicle'?

What does the central character want? What is standing in his or her way? And what strategy does he or she pursue in order to overcome this block?

Who is telling this story?

Where is this story set?

What style does the writer employ?

Images and metaphores?

Beginnings and endings?

Is this novel a 'fable' or 'chronicle'?

According to the Well Educated Mind, The Pilgrim's Progress is a fable. The character, Christian (and others), travel through a fantastical world, that represents a spiritual journey. All of the characters have one trait, and each hurdle has one lesson, not the multidemensional traits of reality.

What does the central character want? What is standing in his or her way? And what strategy does he or she pursue in order to overcome this block?

The main characters want to reach the City of Zion. Both characters want to reach their spiritual goals, but they have different obstacles, based on their own experiecnces and emotions. Each character must find their way through the lord, and overcome their own biases and weaknesses.

Who is telling this story?

The author John Bunyan is the story teller, as a dream.

Where is this story set?

The geography of the setting represents the spiritual journey that the characters must 'travel'

What style does the writer employ?

Simple Allegory

Images and metaphores?

The novel is filled with images and metaphores. Sleep seems to be a repetative image that represents laziness or sloth.

Beginnings and endings?

The beginning of each section of the story represents the beginning of the character's spiritual life and journey. The end of each section is representative of the end of their sinful lives and the beginning of their lives with the Lord.