Tension In John Milton's Paradise Lost

This thesis is a discussion of tension in Milton's Paradise Lost in the respects of language, character and connotation. Unlike any other discussions of the same kind, this thesis applies closing reading to analyze the tension at different levels of the text. Based on the combination of neo-classical humanist views of literature with Milton's extraordinary language arts, casting of characters, and dual connotation in this poem, this thesis distinguishes tension into three different levels and finds that there is tension existing in language, character and connotation. It asserts that it is the very conflict that produces the tension. First, language syntax is limited which means that the poet must use the recombination of limited language, vocabulary, and syntax to express the infinite objective world and the human world. To be concrete, disruption of normal syntax, breaking the normal inertia of thinking and the grammatical structure different from conventional language contribute much to the generation of language tension. In other words, it also can be said that the hidden logic is precisely where the charm of verse lies in. Readers look forward to connecting the breaking statement or sentence during the course of re-creative welding; the speculative forces broad the meaning of language and contribute to the formation of a great tension. Second, since three hundred years ago, literary critics have argued about the character images of God, Satan, Eve and so on, all of whom have dual symbolism. This is one of the reasons why Paradise Lost turns into a controversial topic. Simultaneously, it is also the critical factor to make clear of its theme. Their internal contradictory elements of character contribute much to the tension in character. Third, since William Blake perorated the famous statement"Milton has transformed into the devil's party without even realizing it'', [1] the debate over Paradise Lost has been directed into whether it should be regarded as a political poetry or a religious poetry. In fact,Milton has publicly defended the regicide of restoration as a political prisoner. It is very lucky for him to be still alive after the restoration, let alone advocating revolution openly in the poem. So he can only reveal new songs implicitly in the religious story. This will surely inspire the readers to ponder over what the poet on earth wants to express, political or religious, which helps to form the tension between the surface meaning and deep meaning.This thesis also regards that it is because of the tension at different levels that make the epic radiate unexhausted charm and become the very interest of critics of Paradise Lost.