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

2. What does Christian say about Talkative?

3. What does Christian warn Ignorance?

4. Why does Christian think they should go into the By Path Meadow?

5. What does Atheist tell Christian and Hopeful?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Worldly wise suggest to Christian and how does that turn out?

2. What is at the top of the mountain? Who is there?What do they ask Christian?

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

4. What does Atheist say to Christian and Hopeful?

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

6. What story does Christian tell Hopeful and the person in question 23?

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

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

9. What happens at Lucre Hill?

10. Where do Christian and Hopeful go after they leave the castle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the characters in The Pilgrim's Progress are allegorical representations of ideas, temptations, and assets, they are an integral aspect of the novel. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Christian and Great Heart. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Christiana and Mercy. How do they seem different? Who do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Pilgrim’s Progress help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Pilgrim’s Progress is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Does the title of The Pilgrim's Progress directly relate to its contents? If so, how? If not, how might the title change to reflect its content?

3. Why do you think the author of The Pilgrim's Progress has chosen not to delineate chapters by title names in this novel? If you were to title the chapters of the book, how would you do so?

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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