Content Warning: This section references sexual assault and suicide.

The book begins with an apology from Bunyan titled “The Author’s Apology for His Book.” He explains the process of writing the book, describes his intent, and notes the work’s possible failings. Bunyan wrote the book because he believed he should—not for any ulterior motive. He published it because it might help other people. He’s concerned that the allegorical style could confuse readers, but since people understand the ways of God through metaphors, symbolism, and characterization, he hopes his audience will detect the meaning of the story and believes that there is something in it for everyone. He hopes his book will keep Christian readers on the right path and put lost readers on the Christian path.

The story starts with an unnamed narrator walking through the tough world. He arrives at a prison, falls asleep, and dreams about a man, Christian, in shabby clothes. Christian reads a book and carries a large burden on his back. He’s upset because he believes everyone in his town, the City of Destruction, is on the cusp of destruction and destined for hell.