A Visual Journey Through John Bunyan's Allegory
This infographic follows the path of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, visualizing the key trials, characters, and concepts from the classic tale.
The journey begins with Christian, distressed by a heavy burden, fleeing his home. He is directed by Evangelist toward the Wicket-Gate, despite the protests of his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable.
After escaping the Slough of Despond, Christian is deceived by Mr. Worldly Wiseman, who sends him on a dangerous path to the Village of Morality, leading to the terrifying Mount Sinai (The Law).
Rescued by Evangelist, Christian reaches the Wicket-Gate and is sent to the House of the Interpreter. Here, he is shown a series of allegorical visions to instruct him for the journey ahead.
The defining moment of Christian's journey: he reaches the Cross, and his burden falls from his back into a sepulchre. Three Shining Ones give him new garments, a mark, and a sealed roll.
After climbing the Hill Difficulty (and losing his roll for a time), Christian finds rest and fellowship at the Palace Beautiful, which represents the Church. He is armed for the trials ahead.
Christian faces his most intense spiritual battles. First, he fights the demon Apollyon in the Valley of Humiliation. Next, he endures psychological torment in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
A comparison of the spiritual peril faced in Christian's two greatest trials. He narrowly wins the physical combat with Apollyon, but the mental and spiritual darkness of the second valley represents a deeper, more profound test of faith.
Alongside his new companion, Faithful, Christian enters Vanity Fair, a town representing the world's materialism, temptations, and hostility to faith. Their refusal to conform leads to their trial and Faithful's martyrdom.
A breakdown of the temptations sold at the fair, representing the worldly systems that endanger a pilgrim's soul.
Faithful is put on trial with false testimony from witnesses representing the world's malice:
Christian and his new companion, Hopeful, are lured into By-Path Meadow, leading to their capture by Giant Despair. They are imprisoned in Doubting Castle, but finally escape using the Key of Promise.
The pilgrims' spiritual state plummets after taking an "easy" path, leading to capture and despair. Only by remembering the "Key of Promise" (God's promises) can they regain their hope and escape.
The pilgrims navigate the last dangers, including the self-righteous Ignorance and the alluring Silver Mine of Demas. They must force themselves across the Enchanted Ground, a place of spiritual drowsiness, to stay awake.
The pilgrims must cross the River of Death. Christian, overwhelmed by fear, nearly sinks but is saved by Hopeful. They enter the Celestial City, but Ignorance, lacking a sealed roll, is rejected.
| Pilgrim(s) | Credentials | Final Reception |
|---|---|---|
| Christian & Hopeful | Sealed Roll (Faith in Christ) | Admitted |
| Ignorance | Good Works (Self-Righteousness) | Rejected |