Epic Poetry and Psychological Complexity (was NPPF Canto 1: 1-4 some random notes)

[Michael Joseph]

Tim, I don't think Milton is guilty of entrapment; I think Stanley Fish is
offering an explanation that assumes he is. The quotations sound eerily
Kinbotean.

I don't remember much from the Empson book (Milton's God), but one
metaphor stays with me: Michael's explanation to Adam as being assaulted
by a schoolyard bully who won't get off you until you say that he's the
Lord God, Creator of the Universe. You might say it, but afterwards you're
likely to remain unconvinced. ;)

Cheers!

Michael


though. On Fri, 25 Jul 2003, Tim Strzechowski wrote:

> >
> > But, given the purpose Fish articulates, doesn't Milton go too far in
> > making Satan so psychologically compelling, and his fall tragic? Fish's
> > argument strikes me as a justification of entrapment [...]"
>
>
> I don't see entrapment on Milton's part, only because he puts two dynamics
> into play.  On the one hand, we have the character of Satan who, especially
> early in the epic, conveys a sense of having been wronged by the "tyrant of
> Heav'n," etc.  But on the other hand, sporadically during the narrative and
> especially in the earliest Books, the voice of the bard seeps through at key
> points of dialogue to remind the reader of the treachery behind Satan's (or
> later the various fallen legions's) words. So, by sprinkling throughout
> Satan's seemingly persuasive and honeyed speeches lines like
>
> "So spake th' apostate angel, though in pain,
> Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair" (I:125-26)
>
> or
>
> "He scarce had ceased when the superior Fiend
> Was moving toward the shore . . ." (I: 282-83+)
>
> or following the Debate in Hell,
>
> "Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised
> Above his fellows, with monarchal pride
> Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake" (II: 426-28)
>
> the voice of the Miltonic bard is again present, reminding us, providing
> moral bearings for the reader by subtle reminders that this character is
> *not* to be trusted entirely.  If Milton hadn't provided this gentle appeal
> to the reader's conscience (or Reason?), I'd agree with you that the poet is
> guilty of entrapment.  But Milton gives the reader an "out," if only s/he
> will heed the words.
>
> Sorta like Milton's God.   : )
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Tim
>
>
>
>
>