Image for The Tinker (referring to Bunyan's trade)

The Tinker (referring to Bunyan's trade)

In Bunyan's context, "The Tinker" refers to a character representing a tradesperson who works with metal, particularly repairing household items like pots, pans, and tools. Historically, tinkers were itinerant laborers, traveling from place to place to mend metal goods for local communities. Biblically and literarily, the term symbolizes someone engaged in practical, honest work, often emphasizing themes of industry, resourcefulness, and humility. Bunyan's use of the tinker character illustrates virtues such as diligence and integrity, serving as a metaphor for spiritual craftsmanship and the importance of foundational, practical virtues in life.