Representation of characters in Milton's Paradise Lost and characters in popular culture Darcey Victoria College

Milton’s Paradise Lost was written in the 17th century as a result of political unrest and Milton’s disdain for the interpretations of the bible in that period, believing that God’s ways were in need of justification. Paradise Lost has remained a timeless classic that has had a deep impact on society and literature for centuries. This impact has resulted in character archetypes that are prevalent in modern works, even if this is not immediately apparent. Characters that link to Milton’s work include Richard O’Brien’s ‘Frank,’ and Shock Treatments ‘Janet Weiss’ and ‘Brad Majors.’

Milton portrays Eve as helpless to Satan’s flattery. Satan refers to her as the “sole wonder,” and in return she is “not unamaz’d” showing how she was easily charmed by his flattery. This may be an example of the typical gender roles experienced during this time period, as it was expected that women were weak without men alongside to guide them. Eve’s seduction by Satan is portrayed through Blake’s painting “the Temptation of Eve.” In it, Eve is shown as weak through her closed eyes and soft facial features, while Satan, in the form of the serpent, is wrapped around her, further showing how he prohibits her own control. Furthermore, Satan is shown to be...