Deconstructing the Miltonic Exaggerations in Paradise Lost

Abstract

Paradise Lost has become a controversial epic in misrepresenting characters especially among pious critics and religious scholars. Based on applying the deconstruction theory analysis on Paradise Lost, this paper discusses three main purposes about the Miltonic exaggerations in Paradise Lost: the infringement of God divinity, the high power position of Jesus Christ, and Oliver Cromwell; as the intended symbolic political figure by Milton.In fact, the Bible and the Holy Quran are considered two main sources to the paradise story, so they apparently deconstruct the Miltonic thoughts in this epic poem. According to deconstructionism in Paradise Lost, Milton consecrated the ideology of the Trinity concept which is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament. He also exceeded the reasonable limitation of divinity by ignoring the role of the Great God and overstating the role of Jesus Christ as the whole mercy and justices. In addition, Milton came out with Paradise Lost after Oliver Cromwell’s death in order to express his grief about Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth fall as well.