THE SOLACE OF PILGRIMS: MOVEMENT, REST, AND SLEEP IN THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

Abstract

Abstract Scholars of John Bunyan have understandably emphasised the progress of The Pilgrim’s Progress. However, the description of the places of rest along Christian’s journey call into question the role of the pause in the pilgrim’s journey, as well as the exclusive ‘futureness’ of the peace and rest of God as depicted by Bunyan. The encounter with Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, the Arbour on the Hill Difficulty, and the temptation of the Enchanted Ground are shown as moments of illusory or disobedient rest, where falling asleep is equated with spiritual drowsiness. The House Beautiful, the Delectable Mountains, and Beulah prove places that challenge the idea of unrelenting progress as ideal for the faithful pilgrim.