Question

Which of these quotes from The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan contains an underlying allegory representing humanity’s resistance to change and lack of will?
A) So I saw in my dream that the man began to run. Now, he had not run far from his own door, but his wife and children, perceiving it, began to cry after him to return.

B) The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time, the man was got a good distance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him.

C)Then said the man, Neighbours, wherefore are ye come?

D) I see it to be so; and, dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone: be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.

Answer 1

Answer:

B) The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time, the man was a good distance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him.

Explanation:

The names of characters from Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress reveal their characteristics.

Obstinate is the synonym of stubborn, meaning refusing to change one's course of action or opinion. Obstinate is one of Christian's neighbors in the City of Destruction. Together with Pliable, he runs after Christian to bring him back but stubbornly refuses to join him on his journey, unlike Pliable, who does so despite thinking it's nonsense.

Pliable means easily bent and easily influenced. Pliable follows Christian on his journey until both of them fall into the Slough of Despond. Pliable manages to escape from the slough and returns home. His name also fits his character - he does things for a little while and then gives up on them, lacking will.

Answer 2

Answer:

The quote from The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan that contains an underlying allegory representing humanity’s resistance to change and lack of will is The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time the man was got a good distance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him.

Explanation:

The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is the story of the liberation of the human being, the characters names represent the parts that the narrator is passing through within himself, then Obstinance and Pliable are opposites in this struggle where we can see the relation with the resistance to change according to which was predominates.