Innocence Versus Sin
In “Paradise Lost” by John Milton, Satan is the protagonist of the story. The epic poem provides a vivid picture of both innocence and the corruption that comes along with it. Stories like “The Nutcracker”, “Peter Pan”, and “Alice in Wonderland” convey a similar message about the innocence of children. These stories explore the transitioning of a child into an adult. They must rebel against the villains, also known as rats, Captain Hook, and The Red Queen.
These stories provide a basic foundation of what it is like to be innocent. The innocent must work against people of opposing nature in order to better understand the world around them. After all, if there is innocence then there must be corruption. The children must grow up to realize that acknowledging the sinful side of things will help fight against it.
On the other hand, shows and movies for teenagers and adults center around a different plot. It is more mature, but there are also more unvirtuous scenes being displayed.
These movies show the sinful side of the world, whether it is promoting adultery or distorting the lines of what is good and bad. Like the epic poem, movies can alter our perspective and shape our choices on what is right and wrong. John Milton is able to make satan the hero of the story. It focuses on rebelling against god. God is good and Satan is bad. This is the depiction that everyone understands. However, “Paradise Lost” turns Satan into the main character. It provides a different perspective for the readers rather than simply saying God is better. A whole new way of thinking is presented.
These two movies are examples of when the bad guy is the protagonist. In “Megamind” the villain is the new hero who must save the city from corruption. It puts the hero into an immoral perspective. The movie, “Joker” has a different take on it. The audience is able to sympathize with a troubled man who transforms into a madman due to his past. Even though he is the villain, he is given a chance to prove why he is the way he is. Psychology plays a major part in Joaquin Phoenix’s role. Because his innocence and kindness were stripped away, he seeks to fill corruption in the hearts of many. Sharing a traumatic past creates a character who can either become a villain or the hero of the story. Rebellion and causing pandemonium are attributed to Satan. These characters can be compared to the devil in the poem. Rebelling against good brings temporary excitement to the characters.
An example of a novel which distinguishes innocence from sin is “A Brave New World.” Society is filled with corruption, but it is the norm. Once a savage or an outsider enters society, he realizes how terrible the reality of these people are. They are living in a fantasy while he enters a nightmare.
In conclusion, these stories relate to the theme of “Paradise Lost.” Each story shows a different perspective on innocence and the perversion of it. Both moral and immoral things must be taken into account.
