The Pilgrim's Regress

After Reason defeats the giant, she opens the door to the dungeon and invites the prisoners to come out. They remain skeptical and dismiss her as another illusion. Master Parrot briefly emerges to mock her before retreating. As Reason prepares to leave, John asks to come with her. She agrees.

John and Reason pass through the valley and emerge into a cold land. He asks Reason whether the Island is real or just his imagination. She explains that she can only reveal what John already knows. He then questions whether his longing for the Island is lust, but Reason reminds him of her earlier riddle about distinguishing copies from originals. She says that all loves might be reflections of a greater love for the Landlord, though the sciences of Zeitgeistheim dismiss this. Reason says that understanding comes from her sisters, Philosophy and Theology, who are disregarded by the sciences.

John, still wearing handcuffs, shares his worry that if humans are disgusting inside, imagination must also be tainted. Reason counters that the giant’s vision was false and that the internal reality comprises feelings and sensations.