An Analysis of the Relationship Between Frankenstein and the Creature in Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, Relying on Paradise Lost and the Myth of Prometheus
John Milton was an English poet and a fierce champion of civil and religious liberty, who is best known for his epic poem, Paradise Lost His works have long been studied and discussed in philosophical, literary, and theological contexts. Milton’s writings, especially his poem Paradise Lost, raise many questions concerning the human condition, especially our relationship to God, our purpose in life, the presence of evil, and our own mortality.
These themes have given rise to some incredibly interesting and thought-provoking essay topics to further explore Milton’s work. These five examples demonstrate how broad the scope of study can be; from debates about human agency to the nature of evil, each topic will bring more insight into Milton’s works, and challenge the reader to think critically about the implications of his message.
1. The Nature of Evil in Paradise Lost – Milton wrote Paradise Lost during a time of conflicting religious and social beliefs, and as such, evil plays a significant role in the poem. Does Milton see evil as something inherent in human nature, or as something external? How is freedom of choice and human agency involved in the presence of evil in Paradise Lost?
2. Satan in Paradise Lost – The character of Satan has captivated the minds of readers since the poem’s first publication. What exactly is Milton saying about Satan? Is he a hero, a villain, or something in between? How does Milton’s view of Satan relate to his views on God and human nature?
3. Free Will and Predestination – Milton also used Paradise Lost as an opportunity to debate the notion of predestination versus free will. How does he present the idea of human agency in the poem? Does God’s plan for mankind leave room for personal choice?
4. Death and Mortality in Paradise Lost – Death and mortality are common themes in Milton’s work. How does this motif contribute to the themes of evil, freedom, or predestination? How does Milton explore the idea of life beyond death?
5. Theodicy in Paradise Lost – Milton’s poem deals with many complex ideas, including the concept of theodicy: the attempt to reconcile the goodness of God with the evil that exists in the world. How does he deal with this age-old question? What are the implications of his answer?
Each of these topics offer an interesting opportunity to study John Milton’s work. Looking into their implications will shed some light on his views and attitudes, and lead to further discussion and debate around some of the most captivating philosophical questions raised by Paradise Lost.