Abstract

John Milton’ s masterpiece, Paradise Lost, is an epic poem in blank verse about man’s degeneration. It has sparked heated debates since its publication, especially on the image of Satan. This paper discusses the image of Satan in Milton ’s Paradise Lost. Using the method of formalistic criticism, biographical criticism and historical criticism, this paper tries to refute the positive image of Satan and prove the negative image. Considering Milton’ s identification , his other works, his experience, his belief, literature traditions and social values and the epic itself, the analysis and research shows that Satan is a negative image rather than a positive image in traditional views. The analysis and interpretation about the image of Satan is the key to the understanding of this whole epic. By analyzing it, readers can have a deeper and more objective maybe new interpretation of the epic and use multi- angle criticism and way of analysis to interpret works.

Keywords:  Satan;  positive image; negative image; Milton; epic

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1.Introduction.1

1.1 Background1

1.2 Reasons for the  positive image of Satan 1

1.3 Reasons for the  negative image of Satan1

2. Refutations for the positive image of Satan.3

2.1  The precedent of Satan ’ s heroic image in Caedmon ’s Hymns .3

2.2  The  positive depiction about the Satan in the first two books.3

2.2.1 The use of the figure of speech –contrast.3

2.2.2  The separate deeds from purposes 4

2.2.3  The balance between minor characteristics and core characteristics.4

2.3 The full depiction of  Satan ’s image  and pale depiction of God’s  image4

 2.3.1 The successful depiction of character is not equal to the positive depiction of character.4

2.3.2   The reverence toward God .5

2.4 The symbol of the failed but progressive bourgeoisie5

3.Arguments for the negative image of Satan.6

3.1 The author ’s  belief and social values.6

3.2 The analysis of the title and plot6

3.3 The purpose of writing this epic6

3.3.1 The author ’s statement in the beginning6

3.3.2 The evidence in his another poem----On His Blindness.8

3.4 The portrayal of Satan in the epic. 10

3.4.1 Evilness 10

3.4.2 Arrogance. 11

3.4.3 Hypocrisy .11

4. Conclusion.13

References14