O, For Pete's Sake discussion
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The Pilgrim's Progress
Pilgrim's Progress
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Pilgrim's Progress - The Basics
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Is anyone else having trouble getting through this book? I've tried to read this a half dozen times. Was hoping this group read might provide the motivation to finish. I also attempted the audiobook this time. To no avail. I get entirely bored a couple chapters in. Think I'll add this to my likely-never-to-read list. I'm wondering if others might be of the same opinion in finding this to be a slog. Perhaps it's like Catch-22...frequently purchased and referenced but infrequently completed.
Aaaargh! I totally forgot I was even in this book club. Sorry all, I think I'm not able to fully get into the online book club as much as I thought. Really only Laura's comment reminded me of it.Laura: I've read this book probably about four times. I'm not sure what it could be for you. John Bunyan was actually not very well educated so I wouldn't say he had flawless technique. Maybe you are expecting too much from someone who isn't a great author necessarily. Try to look at it as allegory alone. Also if you have one that has scripture references that go along with the text, I find that helpful.
As for the book itself here is from what I recall. The last time I read this was two years ago so bear with me.
A: I burst into tears (good ones) the first time I read the book, at the slough of despond. The thought of God's promises helping you through a rough time in your life is very uplifting and beautiful. Bunyan's rough and heavy handed writing style was merely a tool to re-enforce the reality of a deep and abiding truth straight from scripture. If you recall, Christian is directed to use the "stepping stones" which we find are God's promises to get him out of the slough.
I also found the scene in The House of Interpreter to be very eye-opening. Sometimes things that you already agree with or know to be true can be made (I hate to say it) more real by allegory or even some works of fiction. The explanation of the law and the spirit here was one of those things.
B. There is a bit of a theological snafu going on about this book regarding the "wicket gate" and Christian's "burden" (sin). I really don't feel like I need to talk too much about it, but basically Jesus Christ IS the gate and technically Christian should have been able to leave his burden upon immediate entrance in the gate. Instead Bunyan has a separate "place of deliverance" that is meant to stand for the cross. I don't feel it's a BIG deal, but as allegory Bunyan owes it to his readers to have a more direct one-for-one, er, ness...
C. Not particularly. Read it in high school. Changed my life.
D. I don't...this is a strange question. I'm not very clever at stuff like this so I'll just wait and see what other say.
E. Ditto as former question. I don't really watch movies at all. And I really think Hollywood would ruin it. Sorry! Would love to hear others responses though.
Laura, if it is difficult to understand this book, try reading Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor. She wrote Little Pilgrim's Progress 55 years ago to simplify the concepts and vocabulary for readers. I read this one first and then ready Pilgrim's Progress and it made a lot more sense for me. Pilgrim's Progress is a wonderful and enlightening book...don't be discouraged. There is much to see within its pages. Here is a link to Little Pilgrim's Progress. You can also check it out at your local library as well. Good luck on your journey :) .......Bettinahttp://www.amazon.com/Little-Pilgrims...
Laura wrote: "Is anyone else having trouble getting through this book? I've tried to read this a half dozen times. Was hoping this group read might provide the motivation to finish. I also attempted the audio..."It is a book of commitment and I think if you are far from that commitment, the book will be alien and yes, boring. That is perfectly natural. Added to that, it is an allgory. By its nature an allegory eshews irony and mockery but irony and mockery are the hallmarks of the modern style and charcateristics in writing which everyone is used to, even addicted to and expects; therefore, when a book is without irony and mockery, the experience for a reader accustomed to such things is comparable to the taste of tea without sugar to someone who normally has three teaspoons of sugar.
Bettina wrote: "Laura, if it is difficult to understand this book, try reading Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor. She wrote Little Pilgrim's Progress 55 years ago to simplify the concepts and vocabulary f..."Can someone explain to me what the problem with vocabulary is supposed to be?
Please note the subject letter in your post.
A. Likes:
What did you like best about this book? What did you find most impactful? What will you take with you?
B. Dislikes:
What aspect of this book could you have done without?
C. Memories:
Do you have any sensory memories to share that are linked to reading this book now or previously? (Ex: hiding behind grandpa's chair in his den, reading in a ray of sunshine, while smelling the aroma of his pipe)
D. Meals:
If the author came to visit, what kind of meal would you prepare or purchase that reflects your opinion of the novel? Where would you take him out to dinner?
E. Movie:
Who would you select to portray the main characters in a movie? To portray the author? Why?