Introduction
Paradise Lost, written by John Milton, is often hailed as one of the most outstanding literary achievements in English literature. This epic poem recounts the biblical story of the fall of man, highlighting the struggles between God and Satan and exploring profound philosophical and theological questions. Milton’s poetic genius beckons readers to contemplate not just the epic’s pages but the essence of the human soul in general and Milton’s soul in particular. That is, the text is filled with the author’s conscious and subconscious thoughts. Therefore, with the use of psychoanalytic literary criticism and insights from another literary critic, Tadd Graham Fernée, one can discern the psychological figure of John Milton behind characters, symbolism, and narrative nuances in Paradise Lost.
Psychoanalytic Concepts
Id, Ego, and Superego
Milton intricately examines characters through a Freudian lens, aligning them with the id, ego, and superego. Satan, symbolizing the id, embodies primal desires and unrestrained impulses in his rebellious pursuit of pleasure and power, as seen in his defiance against God: “and with ambitious aim Against the throne and monarchy of God” (Reidhead and Johnson book 1, lines 41-42).
God, representing the superego, exudes moral authority and ethical principles, acting as an unwavering moral compass: “Such I created all th’ ethereal Powers And Spirits, both them who stood and them who failed” (Reidhead and Johnson book 3, lines 100-101). In Eden, Adam and Eve are the ego, balancing innate desires and moral considerations imposed by a higher power (Reidhead and Johnson book 4). Their decision to eat the forbidden fruit symbolizes the perpetual struggle between instinctual desires and conscientious constraints.
Oedipus Complex
In the familial fabric of Paradise Lost, an exploration of the Oedipus Complex reveals intricate dynamics. The relationship between Adam and God unfolds as a father-son dynamic, with God guiding and instructing Adam within the divine framework of Eden (Reidhead and Johnson book 8).
Eve’s connection with Adam and God introduces complexities reflective of the Oedipus Complex. Her role as Adam’s partner, shaped by divine design, and her reverence for God imply a nuanced interplay of familial ties (Reidhead and Johnson book 4).
Furthermore, Satan’s rebellion is a compelling form of Oedipal conflict (Reidhead and Johnson book 1). His defiance against the divine hierarchy can be interpreted as a rebellion against the celestial father figure, encapsulating an intricate psychological struggle reminiscent of the Oedipus Complex.
Repression and the Unconscious
In the realm of Paradise Lost, the exploration of repression and the unconscious unveils concealed desires and conflicts within its characters. Within the lush Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve grapple with repressed desires, the allure of forbidden knowledge, and the subtle undercurrents of temptation. For instance, unspoken but deeply felt, Adam’s inner conflicts manifest in the pivotal moment of succumbing to the forbidden fruit: “not deceived, But fondly overcome with female charm.” (Reidhead and Johnson book 9, lines 998-999).
Moreover, symbols intricately woven into the narrative, such as the forbidden fruit or a tempting serpent, serve as gateways to the characters’ unconscious realms. They reveal layers of meaning and unspoken desires that add depth to Milton’s exploration of the human psyche in Paradise Lost.
Symbolism and Its Psychological Implications
Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden profoundly reflects Milton’s psyche, embodying the idyllic state of innocence and the potential for moral choices and consequences of free will. Its pristine beauty and divine order echo Milton’s vision of an ideal world. However, the symbolism of the forbidden fruit within this utopian setting introduces profound psychological implications, representing the allure of knowledge and the irresistible temptation inherent in the human experience (Fernée 55). Adam and Eve’s consumption of the forbidden fruit becomes a pivotal moment, symbolizing the collision between human curiosity, the desire for knowledge, and the moral boundaries imposed by a higher power.
Serpent
The Serpent is a potent symbol, encapsulating both temptation and the manifestation of hidden desires within the narrative. Examined through the lens of symbolism, it becomes a metaphor for the allure leading individuals astray, enticing them to indulge in forbidden knowledge or desires. Particularly noteworthy is Satan’s transformation into a serpent, the “subtlest beast of all the field,” which carries profound psychological implications (Reidhead and Johnson book 9, line 86). This metamorphosis suggests a complex interplay of deceit, manipulation, and the infiltration of temptation into the Edenic realm.
Choosing the Serpent as the vessel for Satan’s influence, Milton underscores the cunning nature of temptation and delves into the psychological dimensions of veiled desires. This notion proves to have even more depth, considering Satan as the manifestation of the id. The Serpent, therefore, becomes a poignant symbol through which Milton explores the intricate dynamics of human psychology, temptation, and the consequences of succumbing to hidden desires.
Chaos and Order
Paradise Lost intricately explores the psychological significance of chaos and order, encapsulating the cosmic struggle within the narrative as a reflection of Milton’s worldview and the societal tensions of his time. The juxtaposition of chaos and order serves as a symbolic canvas, mirroring not only the internal conflicts within the human psyche but also the broader political and religious upheavals of the 17th century in England. Milton, deeply influenced by the tumultuous events of his era, such as the colonial world, the English Civil War, and the Scientific Revolution, embeds his convictions into the narrative (Fernée 53). The cosmic battle becomes a microcosm of societal and moral struggles, with chaos representing political rebellion, societal disorder, and order symbolizing divine authority and moral rectitude.
Author’s Unconscious Motivations
Milton’s authorial voice and narrative choices in Paradise Lost provide a rich ground for analysis. Through meticulous language and tone, he crafts a complex tapestry, reflecting the grandeur and gravity of the epic’s themes. Rich in biblical and classical allusions, his language evokes awe and reverence, with a tone oscillating between the majestic and tragic, aligning with the cosmic scale of the narrative.
For instance, Milton compares Satan’s wrath to a burning comet, vividly and incomparably portrays Heaven and Hell, or depicts the battle of millions of entities (Reidhead and Johnson book 2, lines 707-709; book 1, lines 249-250; book, one lines 65-68; book 6, lines 217-222). These choices illuminate Milton’s unconscious motivations, unveiling a complex interplay of religious convictions, political ideals, and personal struggles. The deliberate construction of characters, symbols, and the unfolding plot mirrors Milton’s desires, conflicts, and quest for moral and intellectual clarity. A close analysis of language and narrative choices reveals the nuanced contours of Milton’s unconscious motivations, shaping Paradise Lost into a profound exploration of the human condition.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence presented above, one can unravel the intricate layers of the author’s psyche woven into Paradise Lost. Delving into Eden’s landscapes allows readers to explore human desires, the allure of forbidden knowledge, and the perpetual struggle between instinct and morality. Characters of Satan, embodying the id, and God, the moralizing superego, illustrate the complex psychological forces shaping Milton’s narrative. The Oedipus Complex unveils familial dynamics, while symbolism in the Garden and the Serpent reflects Milton’s worldview and unconscious motivations. Lastly, the cosmic struggle of chaos and order mirrors societal tensions in Milton’s time. Overall, this exploration not only illuminates the intimate relationship between the creator’s psyche and the literary masterpiece but also unveils profound psychological intricacies inherent in the human condition.
Works Cited
Fernée, Tadd Graham. “Tolerance or a War on Shadows: John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the English Civil War, and the kaleidoscopic early modern frontier.” English Studies at NBU, vol. 3, no. 2, 2017, pp. 53-73. Web.
Reidhead, Julia and Marian Johnson. The Norton Anthology of English Literature – Core Selections Ebook. 10th ed., W. W. Norton Limited, 2022.