In the Maccabees, and the Pilgrims Progress there are numerous correlations regarding thematic nature. In both of these works of literature, themes such as dealing with adversity and accomplishing victory are seen through each protagonists actions. Maccabeus is faced with difficulties with his enemies who are trying to destroy him and his people. Christian from Pilgrim’s Progress is faced with the apollyon and has to face one of his fears of going through rough ditches and dark paths. Both protagonists similarly face adversity in their prospective environments while figuring out a way to combat them.
In Maccabees Chapter 13 Maccabeus is in charge of the Jewish revolt. In attempt for more help he allies with Rome which ultimately increases the strength of Jerusalem’s armed forced. In war, the more people means the more powerful so Maccabeus was doing himself a favor by allying with Rome. Although Maccabeus had help from Rome, it was still not enough as, “when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go” (Maccabees 13:16). This demonstrates that Maccabeus believed he was still not safe as he said “he may not revolt from us”. This is similar to the Pilgrims Progress 151 comparing to the struggles faced by Christian. Straight off the bat, Christian was faced with the Apollyon. According to the text it states, “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” (Bunyan 151). This signifies that the Apollyon’s goal was to make Christian think of his life as a failure. To overcome this adversity he would have to defeat the Apollyon. On top of this, he has to enter a valley known as “The Shadow of Death”. Dangers consist of this path such as deep ditches and very frightening paths not many would want to go on. Christian adversities relate to Maccabeus because they both could overcome them to fix the conflict. If both of them defeat their enemies and conquer their fears, the dilemma can be solved.
Another thematic similarity between both works of literature is overcoming adversity and achieving ultimate victory. First Maccabeus did this by defeating his enemies. He overcame the hardships of a revolution and captured Gazara. Also, he kicked all the non-Jewish people. All in all this made Jerusalem way safer than it had been, “and when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazara.”(Maccabeus 13:53). This marks the point in the Maccabees where Maccabeus overcame the hardship at hand. He made the people feel extremely safe and ultimately that was his call. Next, in the Pilgrim’s Progress, with God’s help, Christian defeats the Apollyon. This was not an easy mission for him but with plenty courage he achieved victory. When Christian stated, “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”(Bunyan 163), the reader knew that he overcame his adversity. He continued his way on the “Shadow of Death” using acts of courage to power his way through. Maccabeus and Christian compare in a thematic manner of overcoming fears and achieving victory because they both defeated the struggle that was at hand for both of them. With courage and perseverance, both protagonists fought for their victory and gained a new sense of esteem that powered them through the rest of the literature.
The Maccabees chapter 13 and Pilgrims Progress paragraph 151-170 were a great representation of overcoming adversity. Each plot related to each other in a thematic manner where victory was achieved in the end.
Leave a Reply