An Analysis of the Dual Character of Satan’s Image in
Paradise Lost
《失乐园》中撒旦形象的双重性分析
[摘 要] 在约翰.弥尔顿所有的著作中,《失乐园》是最复杂,最难理解的一部作
品,并为他赢得了永久的荣誉。在《失乐园》中,撒旦的形象是最生动,逼真的,他的巨大影响力和矛盾的情感,以及其复杂性,掩盖了其他所有的形象包括上帝。作为《失乐园》中最重要的形象,撒旦显然是令人钦佩的,而且有着巨大的影响,这种矛盾的情感吸引了众多批评家的目光,引起了几个世纪的争论。这篇论文将要把撒旦的双重形象分成三种类型进行分析:第一种类型是把撒旦作为革命者的形象;第二类是把撒旦作为魔鬼的形象进行分析;第三类是以评论家的观点,保持中立,认为撒旦的形象,除了是由人们构想的,是抽象的以外,撒旦带给我们更多的是好与坏的混合体。而且本论文还将要查明影响撒旦双重性格形象的因素,从分析正文看作者的写作意图;从十七世纪的社会背景看弥尔顿个人的经历和信仰。更多的是那些潜在的读者的背景和他们独特的欣赏力,也被作者考虑在内。所有的这些分析得出的观点是,撒旦是一个仅有的英雄和一个真正的恶魔,从他所有的看法和情感得到一个多方面的性格。他的矛盾情感鲜明的遍及整个诗篇。
[关键词] 《失乐园》 撒旦 革命者 魔鬼 清教徒
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An Analysis of the Dual Character of Satan’s Image in
Paradise Lost
[Abstract] All of John Milton’s great works. Paradise Lose is the most
complicated and most profound one, which wins him endless honor. The image of Satan
in Paradise Lost is supreme vivid, powerful, ambivalent and complex, overshadowing all the other characters including God. As the main character of Paradise Lost, Satan is obviously
impressive and powerful, whose ambivalence catches all critics’ eyes and leads to centuries’ disputes. This dissertation will analyze the dual character of Satan’s image into three groups: The first group that the image of Satan as a revolutionist, the second group that the image of Satan as a devil, while the third group of critics, stand in the middle, seeing both sides of Satan. They identify Satan either as an abstract conception or else, more immediately, as someone who is an evil mixed with good. On the other hand, check the factors that influence his dual character of image, from the analysis of the text to the author’s intention, from the 17th century social background to Milton’s personal experiences and belief. What’s more, the potential readers’ background and individual taste will also be taken into consideration. And all these analysis lead to the point that it is too simple and arbitrary to say Satan is a mere hero or a pure devil, since he is a round character full of thoughts and emotions. His ambivalence is obviously throughout the whole poem.
[Key Words] Paradise Lose Satan revolutionist devil puritan
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Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Bual Character of Satan’s Image
1.1 The Image of Satan as a Revolutionist
1.1.1 Sadan owns the spirit of hero as a revolutionist 1.1.2 Sadan’s wisdom and emotion 1.2 The Image of Satan as a Devil
1.2.1 Sadan is vicious and furious 1.2.2 Sadan’s other wrong deeds
Chapter 2 Historical Factors Contributing to the Dual Character of Satan’s
Image
2.1 The Influence of the puritan movement 2.2 The Influence of the restoration
Chapter 3 Potential Readers’ Influence on the Formation of the Dual Character
of Satan’s Image
3.1 Puritans’ view of Satan 3.2 Revolutionists’ idea of Satan
3.3 Neutral modernists’ interpretation of Satan Conclusion Acknowledgement References
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