Milton's Outsiders: The Decentralization of Morality in Paradise Lost
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Date
2008-06
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
This thesis explores the notion of “otherness” in John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Arguing that the true source of moral complication in the poem lies in the struggle between Milton’s need to uphold the authority of God while simultaneously legitimizing opposition to the will of God, this analysis proposes that Milton employs otherness –elements which are literally or figuratively outside of God’s created system –In order to create a legitimately questionable, but ultimately beneficent God. This thesis further asserts that the presence of otherness makes God’s position, and moral authority, relative; this, in turn, provides Milton with the proper context in which to justify the ways of God to man.
Thesis Advisor: Derek B. Alwes
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Keywords
John Milton, Paradise Lost, Areopagitica, Chaos