The Pilgrim's Regress

Central to The Pilgrim’s Regress both structurally and thematically is the search for spiritual truth, which Lewis depicts through John’s symbolic encounters and philosophical reflections along his quest. John’s journey symbolizes the human drive to seek meaning and spiritual truth in the world around us. From the novel’s beginning, Lewis depicts John as driven by a deep, inexplicable yearning for the Island he sees in a vision—an Island positioned as symbolic of ultimate truth and spiritual fulfillment, a distant, unattainable ideal that propels him onward. The various philosophies and worldviews that John encounters on his travels each promise truth but ultimately fall short. For instance, characters like Mr. Sensible and the Clevers reflect the inadequacies of rationalism and intellectualism in satisfying spiritual hunger. Mr. Sensible, who Lewis positions as representing a pragmatic approach to life, offers temporary comfort but lacks the spiritual depth to address John’s true yearnings. Similarly, the Clevers, with their intellectual arrogance, fail to acknowledge the limits of human reason and the necessity of divine revelation. Lewis’s portrayal of characters like Superbia and Ignorantia illustrates the dangers of pride and ignorance, which he suggests are common obstacles on the journey toward spiritual understanding.