Question

Which parts of this excerpt from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim’s Progress show that the central character is devoutly religious and God-fearing?
Then said Evangelist, Why not willing to die, since this life is attended with so many evils?  The man answered, Because I fear that this burden is upon my back will sink me lower than the grave, and I shall fall into Tophet  [Isa. 30:33] And, Sir, if I be not fit to go to prison, I am not fit, I am sure, to go to judgement, and from thence to execution; and the thoughts of these things make me cry

Then said Evangelist, If this be thy condition, why standest thou still? He answered, Because I know not whither to go. Then he gave him a parchment roll, and there was written within, Flee from the wrath to come. [Matt. 3.7]

The man therefore read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully, said, Whither must I fly? Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder wicket-gate? [Matt. 7:13,14] The man said, No. Then said the other, Do you see yonder shining light? [Ps. 119:105; 2 Pet. 1:19] He said, I think I do. Then said Evangelist, Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto: so shalt thou see the gate; at which, when thou knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.

Answer 1

"The man therefore read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully, said, Whither must I fly?" This shows that the central character is willing to go the path that Evangelist advises him to, it's something that he feels he wants and must do.

"Then said Evangelist, 'Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto: so shalt thou see the gate; at which, when thou knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.'" This shows that the central character is willing to follow Evangelist's instruction because of both the character's name and where he is saying he should head.

I think this is the answer, it's along the lines of what I would put. Hope it helps!

Answer 2

The religious devotion and fear of God of the character ofThe Pilgrim's Progress are expressed in the parts: "...I fear that this burden upon my back will sink me lower than the grave..." (meaning not only physical death). And when he answers the Evangelist that he sees "the yonder shinning light", where he can receive instructions to find the truth, (heaven, the Kingdom of God), which is the purpose of his pilgrimage.