The Pilgrim's Regress

The title of Lewis’s book, The Pilgrim’s Regress, refers to John Bunyan’s 1678 book The Pilgrim’s Progress. Lewis intended his novel to be an updated version of Bunyan’s story for modern times. The Pilgrim’s Progress is considered a seminal work of English literature, notable for its allegorical narrative and its impact on religious and literary traditions. The book is split into two parts, each focusing on a spiritual quest for salvation and enlightenment.

The first part of The Pilgrim’s Progress focuses on a man named Christian. He lives in the City of Destruction, which symbolizes a life steeped in sin, and feels burdened by the things he has read in a book—the Bible. Desperate to escape impending doom, Christian sets out on a journey to the Celestial City. Early in his quest, he falls into the Slough of Despond, a bog representing despair and guilt. Aided by a character named Help, Christian perseveres and reaches the Wicket Gate, where he is admitted after overcoming his initial fears and doubts. In the House of the Interpreter, he experiences instructive visions and lessons. Further on, Christian arrives at the Cross, where his burden miraculously falls off, symbolizing the Christian doctrine of liberation from sin through faith in Christ. In the Valley of Humiliation, he battles Apollyon, a demon representing Satan. Subsequently, Christian traverses the Valley of the Shadow of Death, a dark and fearful place symbolizing the trials and doubts that test one’s religious faith. Christian also goes to Vanity Fair, a town representing worldly temptations and moral corruption. Here, Christian and his companion, Faithful, are imprisoned for rejecting the values of the fair. Faithful is martyred, but Christian—aided by another companion, Hopeful—escapes. Christian and Hopeful are later imprisoned in Doubting Castle. They eventually escape using the Key of Promise. The climax comes as the pilgrims cross the River of Death, the final barrier to the Celestial City. Upon reaching the Celestial City, they are welcomed into eternal glory. The second part follows Christian’s wife, Christiana, and their children, who undertake a similar pilgrimage to the Celestial City.

The allegorical style of The Pilgrim’s Progress allows Bunyan to explore complex theological concepts in an accessible manner. Each character and location symbolizes the moral and spiritual struggles of the Christian faith. The book is also notable for its portrayal of both the personal and communal aspects of faith. This duality reflects the balance between individual spiritual responsibility and the supportive role of the community.