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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hopeful say about his life to Christian?

2. Why might the waters to cross be shallow for a pilgrim?

3. What must pilgrims cross to enter the Celestial City?

4. What two places do the shepherds show Christian and Hopeful?

5. What is located at the Lucre Hill?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hopeful say about his own life?

2. What does Faithful say about some of the people he has met on his journey?

3. What does Evangelist tell Faithful and Christian about the city they are about to enter?

4. What does Atheist say to Christian and Hopeful?

5. What does Evangelist tell Christian about Worldly Wiseman and what does Christian ask Evangelist? What is Evangelist’s answer to Christian’s question?

6. What happens to Christian and Hopeful after the flood on By Pass Meadow blocks them from leaving?

7. What does Faithful tell Christian about why Faithful is there?

8. What does Christian pass on his way through the valley and what does he do about it?

9. Where does Christian go from the valley in question 10 and what is bad about it?

10. What are some of the images Interpreter shows Christian?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a Christian allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress demonstrates a number of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, foreshadowing, etc. Discus the following:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Pilgrim’s Progress. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Bunyan chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Why do you think Bunyan chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Bunyan's use (or lack) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Bunyan use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, and theme).

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following regarding the literary technique of the dream sequence that is employed in The Pilgrim's Progress:

1. What is a dream sequence in narrative literature? How does this term apply to the narrative in The Pilgrim's Progress?

2. What are the advantages of employing a dream sequence or frame in a novel? What are the disadvantages?

3. What does the frame of the dream sequence say about the content of the story itself?

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, considering whether or not they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Do you think that John Bunyan's beliefs and life are reflected in The Pilgrim's Process? If so, how?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Pilgrim’s Progress help a reader to know him/herself? In what ways do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Pilgrim’s Progress?

3. Choose one specific incident in The Pilgrim’s Progress and compare a character's response to how you think you would respond. Would you respond differently to the circumstances? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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