This thesis examines the influence of John Milton's Paradise Lost on C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. In the first chapter it discusses a number of the most clear allusions to Milton's epic...Show moreThis thesis examines the influence of John Milton's Paradise Lost on C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. In the first chapter it discusses a number of the most clear allusions to Milton's epic in The Chronicles, where they are found and what they do. The second chapter focuses on the question of gender hierarchy, and which role Paradise Lost plays in Lewis's depiction of this in his children's series.Show less
In Paradise Lost Milton revisits many of the former arguments he raised in his political prose, but this time he takes a less active stance. The political issues present in Paradise Lost are...Show moreIn Paradise Lost Milton revisits many of the former arguments he raised in his political prose, but this time he takes a less active stance. The political issues present in Paradise Lost are written from a vantage point of hindsight. Milton’s cause that he had so diligently supported, first the rebellion against the monarchy and later the republic, was defeated, and as much is reflected in Paradise Lost. Milton seems to enter into a form of discussion with his former self, in which he reflects on the arguments he raised in his political prose and reworks them within his poem. The poem also reveals more of an educational approach to Milton’s arguments.He no longer confronts his readers with his views directly, but rather guides them through situations within the poetry where they may reach these conclusions themselves. In this thesis I will look at the ways in which Paradise Lost echoes the political prose works and educates the reader through first examining four works over the course of his career as a political prose writer.Show less
Taking Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost (1667), Samir Calixto in his dance-theatre play of the same title offers a new interpretation of an old order. In his work, God is a vain tyrant, Satan a...Show moreTaking Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost (1667), Samir Calixto in his dance-theatre play of the same title offers a new interpretation of an old order. In his work, God is a vain tyrant, Satan a tragic hero, Adam a weak marionette, and Eve a brave leader who, with determination and hope, guides Adam out of the Paradise towards enlightenment and a new beautiful world. This thesis aims to examine the difference in portrayal of gender roles in the two works. The main research question seeks to explore performance of gender roles in the background of gender studies and literary criticism on Milton. The sub-questions investigate how literature influences dance and what is the relationship between the two art forms; how the physicality of dance and lack of dramatic text affect possible interpretations; and whether Eve can be seen as the embodiment of the masculine. The emergence of modern dance, particularly understood as a form not based on narrative, is described along with the notion of intermediality and postdramatic theatre. A conceptual base regarding gender theory and adaptation studies is set out with examples from Milton's poem before an in-depth analysis of Calixto's performance.Show less
According to Nicholas Tucker, “it is too much of a child to expect him to see life in the raw as it really is” (53). It is this very notion that Philip Pullman has explored thoroughly in his...Show moreAccording to Nicholas Tucker, “it is too much of a child to expect him to see life in the raw as it really is” (53). It is this very notion that Philip Pullman has explored thoroughly in his trilogy His Dark Materials. However, Pullman did present his highly critical message regarding the Church and religion to the reader, while employing conventions of children’s literature. His decision to share his polemical thoughts on the Church via children’s literature thus might be seen as a way of influencing children, but the question remains whether this was his intention.Show less
In the His Dark Materials trilogy, Philip Pullman attempts to adapt John Milton's Paradise Lost. In doing so, Pullman inverts the theological message at the heart of Milton's epic poem. This thesis...Show moreIn the His Dark Materials trilogy, Philip Pullman attempts to adapt John Milton's Paradise Lost. In doing so, Pullman inverts the theological message at the heart of Milton's epic poem. This thesis looks at the adaptation process, identifying its features and the motivations that go along with it.Show less
This thesis explores intersections between scientific, fictional and religious discourses in Milton's Paradise Lost and Cavendish's Blazing World, and the threat the scientific revolution posed to...Show moreThis thesis explores intersections between scientific, fictional and religious discourses in Milton's Paradise Lost and Cavendish's Blazing World, and the threat the scientific revolution posed to religion. Especially the development of optical instruments is taken into account.Show less
