After reading · Section 20

Section 20Keeping Watch on Drowsy Ground

Summary

The Enchanted Ground makes the pilgrims drowsy as thorns, mud, mist, and fatigue impede them. They keep together by calling through the darkness and reject an inviting arbour. At a misleading junction, Great-heart lights and consults his map, avoiding the clean-looking road to a pit. Heedless and Too-bold lie enchanted in another arbour, answering attempts to wake them with incoherent sleep-talk. When the children pray, wind clears the fog.

Near the ground’s edge, the company finds Stand-fast giving thanks after resisting Madam Bubble. She had offered him her body, purse, bed, and worldly advancement, but he recognized her and prayed for help. Great-heart identifies her as the world’s deceptive power, joining sensual pleasure, wealth, and honor while dividing human loyalties. He exhorts Stand-fast to remain true to his name, and the pilgrims sing about sin’s hidden forms.

Who’s who

• Heedless and Too-bold — Professed pilgrims overtaken by enchanted sleep.
• Stand-fast — A pilgrim found praying after refusing temptation.
• Madam Bubble — The alluring personification of worldly pleasure, wealth, and status.