Life’s Eternal Battle
“Paradise Lost,” by John Milton, is an age-old epic poem that loosely recounts the events leading up to the Book of Genesis from the Christian Bible. From the defeat of the fallen angels by Archangel Michael to the curse of Original Sin by Adam and Eve. It is hailed as one of the most remarkable works of English literature for its time, and still stands presiding among the present.
To the reader’s surprise, Milton roughly portrays Lucifer (a.k.a. the Devil) in a more favorable light than anticipated. That Lucifer is merely fighting for liberty. And arguably, we are romanticized into the notion that it is “better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven” (263). Ironically, this sympathy is short lived as the unethical intentions of the fallen are revealed at the capital of Hell, Pandemonium, with Lucifer at the center of them. It is decided that they will corrupt the “root” of mankind, “all to spite / The great Creator” (lines 384–385).
In all, Milton’s poem resembles that of a Shakespearian tragedy, as the “fall of man” is dramatically displayed. Although it is understood to not be Biblical canon, it serves Christians and non-Christians in a variety of ways. And primarily, these ways now are illustrated through the media.
Today, the media we will be focusing on is film.
For starters, “Paradise Lost” introduces and reintroduces the themes of Good vs. Evil, Good prevailing over Evil in the end, and loyalty. Popular movies such as Star Wars and Batman invoke these ideals.
In George Lucas’ Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker after a long stint on the good side of the force, betrays his jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi on the lava planet of Mustafar in the above clips. This betrayal draws comparison to that of Satan and his revolt against God, as both Anakin and Satan were coaxed by the dark side. In addition, Anakin ultimately is defeated and fails, like Satan, but in the course of doing so the themes of Good vs. Evil and Good prevailing over Evil are established. Also shown in the clips is Obi-Wan’s commitment to the good side of the force. He explicitly tells Anakin that his loyalty will not waver. And this is only reinforced by his willingness to fight Anakin, someone he deeply cared for.
In Christopher Nolan’s Batman, Bruce Wayne is forced to grow up an orphan after the ruthless murder of his parents. He faces questions of who he is and who he wants to be constantly, as a result he leaves his home in Gotham. And eventually, joins a radical organization by the name of the league of shadows. But in doing so he learns who he truly is, a man of righteousness. Abruptly, he then leaves the cruel, league of shadows and tasks himself with protecting the innocent (especially those in his city of Gotham). In all three Batman movies by Christopher Nolan, we are shown the most wicked individuals who seek society’s downfall. A continuous state of hate, anarchy, and destruction. Yet, everytime the wicked seem triumphant, Batman and the city of Gotham rise to the occasion by showing their commitment to good in the face of evil.
Furthermore, “Paradise Lost” introduces and reintroduces the themes of chaos and order, a desire for revenge, and a quest for power. Popular movies such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar invoke these ideals.
In Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, before Sauron there was peace and prosperity present in Middle-earth. The Elf, Dwarf, and Man lived together. With each their own kingdom. Then Sauron, the necromancer of Mordor, casted a ring. It was the most powerful ring of all the rings that were once casted by Elf, Dwarf, and Man. And, this particular ring granted its user abilities (one of which being invisibility). Unsurprisingly, Sauron would use this ring to his advantage to conquer Middle-earth. And he would wipe out anyone who stood in his way. Thus, displaying the themes of chaos and order along with a quest for power. Somehow, in the midst of his climb to absolute power he is defeated while wearing the ring by Prince Isildur (in a stroke of luck). Yet, Sauron only loses his body. He returns later in the movies to take the shape of an omnipresent eye, in search of the ring he once wore so that he may exact his revenge. And, to continue his conquest.
In James Cameron’s Avatar, humans in the future are seeking planets to colonize following the natural resource demise of Earth. Luckily, they stumble upon the planet of Pandora. A world full of exotic creatures, plants, and natural resources. And, after a few scientific excursions another intelligent species like humans, the “na’vi” are discovered. Soon, the “na’vi” make their presence notorious, by defending their dwellings and attacking the humans. Subsequently, human space marines are deployed to fight the “na’vi” back. And a hidden agenda emerges with Colonel Miles Quaritch, the leader of the space marines. One of which that allows Quaritch to control the planet of Pandora (while also seeking revenge on the “na’vi” for killing humans).
In conclusion, “Paradise Lost,” by John Milton, is an age-old epic poem that loosely recounts the events leading up to the Book of Genesis from the Christian Bible. It introduces and reintroduces the themes of Good vs. Evil, Good prevailing over Evil in the end, and loyalty. It also introduces and reintroduces the themes of chaos and order, a desire for revenge, and a quest for power. Although “Paradise Lost” is understood to not be Biblical canon, it serves Christians and non-Christians in a variety of ways. More specifically ways present in the media we see today. These ways were just shown in the hit films Star Wars, Batman, Lord of the Rings, and Avatar. Though Milton’s poem may lack Shakespearian innovation, it resembles in a way a Shakespearian tragedy. And, life’s eternal battle. Reverting the “fall of man,” to the rise of man.
