Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a novel by Hannah Hurnard that has become a classic in the allegory genre. The book tells the story of Much-Afraid, a young woman who embarks on a journey from her Fearing family to the High Places of the Shepherd, guided by her two companions Sorrow and Suffering. The novel is an allegory of a Christian devotional life from salvation through maturity.
The story of Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegory, meaning that its characters and events represent specific ideas and concepts, which are usually moral, political, or religious. The allegory is a literary device that has been used for centuries to convey complex ideas through simple stories. Hurnard uses this device to explore the themes of faith, courage, and transformation in the life of a Christian believer.
The novel has sold over a million copies and is still widely read and distributed. It draws on some of Hurnard’s own experience and interior life, making it autobiographical in a sense. The novel has been compared to Pilgrim’s Progress, the allegorical novel penned by John Bunyan in the 17th century, which has also become a classic in the Christian literary tradition.
Background of Hinds’ Feet on High Places
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel written by Hannah Hurnard and first published in 1955. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Much-Afraid and her journey from fear to faith. The novel is set in the biblical landscape of Israel and is filled with Christian symbolism.
The novel is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Much-Afraid’s journey to the High Places and the second part focusing on her journey through the High Places. Throughout the novel, Much-Afraid is guided by the Shepherd, who represents God, and her companions Sorrow and Suffering.
Hurnard wrote the novel while she was living in Israel, and it was inspired by her own spiritual journey. The novel has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It is considered a classic in Christian literature and is often used as a devotional tool.
Main Characters
Much-Afraid
The protagonist of the story, Much-Afraid, is a young orphan who is despised and mocked by her relatives due to her physical maladies. She embarks on a journey to the High Places of the Shepherd, guided by her companions Sorrow and Suffering. Throughout the story, Much-Afraid faces seemingly impossible obstacles that test her faith and courage.
Chief Shepherd
The Chief Shepherd is a central figure in the allegory who represents God. He guides Much-Afraid on her journey and provides her with the strength and courage she needs to overcome her fears. He is depicted as a loving and compassionate figure who cares deeply for his flock.
Companions
Sorrow and Suffering are Much-Afraid’s companions on her journey to the High Places. They represent the difficulties and hardships that believers face on their spiritual journey. Despite their names, they are depicted as comforting and supportive figures who help Much-Afraid grow in her faith.
Antagonists
The Fearing family and their allies are the antagonists of the story. They represent the forces of fear and doubt that seek to keep believers from reaching their full potential. They are depicted as cruel and oppressive figures who seek to undermine Much-Afraid’s faith and discourage her from following the Chief Shepherd.
Plot Summary
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel by Hannah Hurnard. The story follows Much-Afraid, a young woman who lives in the Valley of Humiliation with her Fearing family. Much-Afraid is deeply unhappy with her life and longs to escape the valley.
One day, the Chief Shepherd appears to Much-Afraid and invites her to come with him to the High Places. Much-Afraid is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to go. The Chief Shepherd gives her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering, to help guide her on her journey.
As they journey towards the High Places, Much-Afraid faces many obstacles and challenges. She must learn to trust the Chief Shepherd and rely on him for strength and guidance. Along the way, she meets other characters, such as the Shepherd’s watchful eye, who help her on her journey.
Eventually, Much-Afraid reaches the High Places and is transformed into a new person. She is given a new name, Grace and Glory, and is filled with joy and peace. The story is a powerful allegory of the Christian life and the journey towards spiritual maturity.
Major Themes
Transformation
One of the major themes of “Hinds’ Feet on High Places” is transformation. The protagonist, Much-Afraid, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel. Initially, she is a fearful and weak character, but as she progresses through her journey, she becomes stronger and more confident. This transformation is a representation of the transformative power of faith and trust in God.
Faith and Trust
Another major theme of the novel is faith and trust. Much-Afraid’s journey is one of faith and trust in the Shepherd, who represents God. She learns to trust in the Shepherd’s guidance and provision, even when the path is difficult and unclear. This theme emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in one’s spiritual journey.
Overcoming Fear
The theme of overcoming fear is also prominent in “Hinds’ Feet on High Places.” Much-Afraid’s journey is one of overcoming her fears and doubts. She learns to face her fears and trust in the Shepherd’s protection. This theme emphasizes the importance of facing one’s fears and trusting in God’s protection and provision.
Overall, “Hinds’ Feet on High Places” is a powerful allegory that explores themes of transformation, faith, trust, and overcoming fear. The novel encourages readers to trust in God’s guidance and provision, even in the midst of difficult circ*mstances.
Allegorical Elements
Character Representations
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel, meaning that its characters and events represent specific ideas and concepts. The characters in the novel are symbolic representations of different aspects of the Christian faith. For instance, Much-Afraid represents the human soul, while the Shepherd represents God. Other characters, such as Sorrow and Suffering, represent the hardships that people face in life.
Symbolism in the Journey
The journey that Much-Afraid takes in the novel is symbolic of the Christian life. Her journey from the Valley of Humiliation to the High Places represents the journey of a believer from a life of sin to a life of spiritual maturity. The obstacles that Much-Afraid faces along the way, such as the Desert of Testing and the Forests of Danger and Tribulation, represent the challenges that believers face in their walk with God.
The High Places
The High Places, where Much-Afraid ultimately reaches, represent the spiritual realm where believers can experience a deeper relationship with God. The journey to the High Places is not an easy one, and requires sacrifice and perseverance. The novel teaches that the rewards of a life lived for God are worth the challenges that believers face along the way.
Literary Analysis
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel that uses various literary devices to convey its message. The author, Hannah Hurnard, uses symbolism, metaphor, and personification to represent abstract concepts such as faith, hope, and love.
Throughout the novel, Much-Afraid’s journey is a representation of the Christian life, from early belief to salvation to maturity. The characters and challenges Much-Afraid faces along the way represent the struggles and obstacles that Christians may encounter in their journey of faith.
Hurnard also uses vivid imagery to enhance the reader’s understanding of the story. The author uses descriptive language to paint a picture of the settings and characters in the reader’s mind. For example, the mountains represent the high places of faith, while the valley represents the low points of life.
The use of literary devices in Hinds’ Feet on High Places creates a rich and engaging story that appeals to a wide range of readers. By using allegory to convey spiritual truths, the author can communicate complex ideas in a way that is accessible and relatable to readers.
Reception and Impact
Hinds’ Feet on High Places has been widely read and appreciated by Christian readers since its publication in 1955. The book has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into more than 50 languages. Its allegorical nature and inspiring message have made it a popular choice for personal and group study.
The book’s central message of overcoming fear and embracing faith has resonated with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Many readers have found comfort and encouragement in the character of Much-Afraid and her journey to the High Places. The book’s themes of perseverance, trust, and surrender have helped readers to deepen their own faith and trust in God.
Hinds’ Feet on High Places has also been influential in the Christian publishing industry. The book’s success paved the way for other allegorical works such as The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. Its enduring popularity has ensured that it remains a beloved classic in Christian literature.
Comparisons to Other Works
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegorical novel that explores the Christian devotional life from salvation through maturity. The novel has been compared to other works of Christian literature, including The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
Like The Pilgrim’s Progress, Hinds’ Feet on High Places follows a protagonist on a journey filled with obstacles and challenges. Both novels use allegory to explore the Christian life and the challenges that believers face. However, while The Pilgrim’s Progress focuses on the journey of a man named Christian, Hinds’ Feet on High Places centers around the journey of a young woman named Much-Afraid.
Similarly, like The Chronicles of Narnia, Hinds’ Feet on High Places uses anthropomorphic animals to represent characters and concepts. In The Chronicles of Narnia, characters like Aslan the lion and Mr. Beaver represent Christ and other biblical figures. In Hinds’ Feet on High Places, the protagonist Much-Afraid is accompanied by two companions named Sorrow and Suffering, who represent the difficulties that believers face on their journey towards spiritual maturity.
Overall, Hinds’ Feet on High Places stands out as a unique contribution to the genre of Christian allegory. While it shares similarities with other works of Christian literature, it offers a fresh perspective on the Christian life and the challenges that believers face on their journey towards spiritual maturity.
Lessons and Takeaways
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a powerful allegorical novel that teaches valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Here are some of the key takeaways from the book:
Overcoming Fear: One of the central themes of the book is the idea of overcoming fear. Much-Afraid, the main character, is initially crippled by fear and doubt, but she learns to trust in the Shepherd and overcome her fears. This is an important lesson for anyone who struggles with fear and anxiety in their own life.
Perseverance through Trials: Another key lesson from the book is the importance of perseverance through trials. Much-Afraid faces many challenges on her journey, but she never gives up. Instead, she continues to trust in the Shepherd and push forward, even when things seem impossible. This is a powerful reminder that we can overcome any obstacle if we stay committed and persevere.
Trusting in God’s Plan: Finally, Hinds’ Feet on High Places teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s plan for our lives. Much-Afraid learns that the Shepherd has a purpose for her journey, even if she doesn’t understand it at first. By trusting in God’s plan, she is able to find joy and fulfillment in her journey, even in the midst of hardship.
Overall, Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a powerful allegory that teaches valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Whether you are facing your own challenges or simply looking for inspiration, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and encouragement.
