|
|
Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- English
Notes
- Abstract:
- The simile, a device taken for granted in any epic, is regarded primarily as an enriching element which broadens the scope of the poem. During a detailed study of the similes used in the Iliad and those used by Milton in delineating the character of Satan in Paradise Lost, the author began to see the many other facets of this device. The first suggested topic for this thesis was a comparative study of the simile as used by Homer in the Iliad, Spenser in The Faerie Queene, and Milton in Paradise Lost. After some research and consideration, this plan was discarded in favor of a study of the simile as a unifying device in Paradise Lost. This paper began with the premise that Milton used the simile as one of the unifying devices of Paradise Lost. This statement should be modified slightly. The simile as employed by Milton is structured in the text in such a way that it Incorporates with other literary devices to accomplish total unity. Some, but not all, of these devices have been discussed. By means of this study the author tried to demonstrate that the similes unite the twelve books of Paradise Lost in a variety of ways. To show this variety, the author divided the books into three sections, each being handled in such a manner as to demonstrate a different technique. In each section the similes are grouped according to subject matter. By grouping and regrouping, it was discovered that the general organization is very simple. For instance, in the middle section of books, I found that the seventy-four similes are organized into four large groups--not book by book but as a cross-section of the four books. Moreover, the similes gravitate around a central figure in all the books. The author demonstrated this only in the first four books because they each contain a great number of similes. The same technique can be shown in any of the other books. In conclusion, in Paradise Lost there is found unity and variety within the unity. Milton has created a work of great art, carefully and artistically fashioned, to which the similes lend unity in structure and meaning.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (M.A.)--Barry University, 1967.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves [130]-133).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Non-Commercial use only. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- PR3562.P7 M6_MormanMarieAmbrose ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- PR3562.P7 M6 ( lcc )
|
|
