Original and eternal seduction: Satan's psyche in Paradise lost

UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Melissa Dawn Brown (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
Advisor
Lewis Walker

Abstract: Religion and psychoanalysis share similar difficulties in literary application and analysis. Both are relevant and dependent on readers and their personal experience. John Milton's Paradise Lost is a blend of religious interpretation and a progressive psychoanalytic journey for both the characters and readers. Milton asserts his intention is to justify the ways of God to man by explaining man's first disobedience, but he takes an unexpected approach by developing Satan as the primary character. Using the Genesis tradition Milton develops a fictional story that provides the reader insight into the mind of this infamous foe of man. Applying psychoanalytic theory and techniques to the evaluation of Satan's developing psyche allows the reader to understand the complex approach of seduction and ultimately reveals and explains man's susceptibility to sin.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
A Thesis submitted to the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Milton John 1608-1674. Paradise lost--Criticism and interpretation
Subjects
Milton, John, 1608-1674. Paradise lost -- Criticism and interpretation

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