After reading · Section 15

Section 15Pardon and the Uphill Road

Summary

At the cross and sepulchre, Great-heart explains pardon “by deed”: Christ’s obedient righteousness covers sinners and his blood redeems them. Christiana understands why Christian’s burden fell and responds with grateful devotion. The party then sees Simple, Sloth, and Presumption punished as a warning against opposing pilgrimage.

At Hill Difficulty, Great-heart lets muddy spring water settle before they drink, and the pilgrims reject easier byways for the hard ascent. They rest without sleeping, though Christiana briefly forgets her bottle. Near the lions, Grim denies that women and children belong on the highway. Great-heart fights and kills him; because the lions are chained, the trembling party passes safely.

Who’s who

• Great-heart — guide, teacher, and defender of the pilgrim company.
• Grim, or Bloody-man — the giant who backs the lions and blocks the highway.
• Simple, Sloth, and Presumption — punished opponents whose fate warns travellers.
• James — Christiana’s youngest son, helped up the difficult hill.