PL CRITICS

Question 1

C.S.Lewis and irony of PL

Answer 1

Irony that PL defends hierarchy when Milton so against monarchical hierarchy : this is because Milton felt that God was rightful ruler of all, monarchs were not.
Therefore felt no qualms about defending God’s sovereignty whilst also attacking Charles I and II

Question 2

Diane K McColley and Eve

Answer 2

Milton’s Eve is distinguished from all other Eve’s - takes her work seriously

Question 3

Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Satan’s greatness

Answer 3

Satan’s flawed greatness is the greatness of a tragic hero - his driven obsessiveness arouses readers’ pity and fear
- rather reign in hell rather than serve in heaven

Question 4

Denis Danielson

Answer 4

• Evil is caused by the misuse of free will

- choices cannot be wholly controlled by God, will is free

Question 5

Mary Wollstonecraft

Answer 5

• women only equal until equal in workplace

- ‘Vindication of women’s rights’

Question 6

Fowler

Answer 6

“mastering heaven’s supreme”

- avoids ‘God’ - keep rivalry

Question 7

Percy Shelley

Answer 7

Satan is superior to God - perseveres in purpose

Question 8

Stanley Fish

Answer 8

Satanic rhetoric

Question 9

William Empson

Answer 9

Milton’s portrayal of God = injustice of Christianity - restrictive obedience
- BUT Milton = puritan