Milton and Predestination

This paper explores the Calvinistic doctrine of free will and John Milton's rejection of it in his epic poem "Paradise Lost" through a close study of the text.

1,405 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2005 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper touches on a number of critical points with regards to Milton's "Paradise Lost". Included is an explanation of the nature of epic poetry and the subsequent hall marks that such epic's are comprised of. Further, through numerous specific references to the text, the paper explains Milton's own views on predestination and his subsequent rejection of that dogma.

From the Paper:

"Adam's ability to contemplate choices requires special attention, because this theme of Milton's is central to an understanding of man's free will. By way of example, an explanation of reason, man's highest faculty, is provided in book five. Milton, via Satan, supplies Eve with a disturbing dream (4.800-809). Following Eve's recounting of this dream to Adam the following morning (5.35-94), comes an explanation of the separate faculty of reason, and its interrelated expression of free will (5.95-121). To summarize: we are not responsible for the evil that passes through our minds as long as our reason rejects it. Man's many faculties (imagination, fancy, etc.) are subservient to reason."

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APA Citation:

Milton and Predestination (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.ca/Analytical-Essay-Milton-and-Predestination/57394