How we cite our quotes: Paragraph (P#) or Line (Line #)
Quote #1
Then said Apollyon, I am sure of thee now: and with that he had almost pressed him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life: but as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his Sword, and caught it, saying, Rejoice not against me, O mine Enemy! when I fall I shall arise; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. (P312)
Wow. This is straight out of a classic hero movie—Ben Hur, Spartacus, Gladiator, Braveheart. Christian's battle with Apollyon is huge, exciting—but Bunyan marks the turning point in the fight with this exclamation. Christian not only proclaims that Satan is his enemy, but denies Satan's ability to conquer his faith and devotion to God. The words "when I fall I shall rise" also, of course, echo the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, Christian's greatest example of faith through death, is also for Bunyan an amazing figure of perseverance in difficulty.
Quote #2
Sometimes he had half a thought to go back; then again he thought he might be half way through the Valley; he remembered also how he had already vanquished many a danger, and that the danger of going back might be much more than for to go forward; so he resolved to go on. Yet the Fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer; but when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most vehement voice, I will walk in the strength of the Lord God; so they gave back, and came no further. (P331)
Because Christian does make it through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, it can be hard to remember just how treacherous it is—like watching an action movie where the hero just happens to survive ten consecutive bombs, fires, and sniper attacks. Of course he'll be fine, right? But Bunyan gives you a clear reason why Christian survives in this passage. Speaking his fidelity to God out-loud, and proceeding according to God's rules, the "fiends" cannot touch him. Why should Bunyan make this statement so powerful? Since this is an allegory, what do you think this action represents?
Quote #3
"I have sowed, and you have reaped; and the day is coming, when both he that soweth, and they that reap, shall rejoice together; that is, if you hold out: for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not. The crown is before you, and it is an incorruptible one; so run that ye may obtain it. Some there be that set out for this crown, and after they have gone far for it, another comes in and takes it from them: hold fast, therefore, that you have; let no man take your crown." (P462)
This encouragement is spoken by Evangelist to Christian and Faithful before they are to enter Vanity Fair. Equal parts pat-on-the-back and warning against slowing down, Evangelist's speech is the perfect half-time pep talk. It's also a good explanation of why perseverance, and not simply setting out with good intentions, is crucial to winning the "crown."