Gods and Humans in Paradise Lost and the Iliad
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Authors
Karbowicz, Alexis
Date of Issue
2021-04-16
Type
Presentation
Language
en
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
This paper examines the ways in which gods and humans interact in Homers Iliad and John
Milton’s Paradise Lost. These two epics detail two battles, the battle for Troy and the battle for
the salvation of humanity, both of which are heavily influenced by the gods that appear in their
universes. The goal for this paper is to investigate the relationship between gods and humans
by specifically looking at what the humans owe the gods in each epic. By comparing the
favorable and the unfavorable interactions between gods and those they claim to love, the
paper argues that the humans in each story owe the gods obedience. While this obedience may
or may not be justified, it is demanded in order to stay in the favor of the gods. This paper also
compares Milton’s omniscient and all-powerful triune god’s plan for salvation to the vastly
more humanlike Greek gods of Homer and their destructive yet limited power. It will
investigate the consequences for when this obedience is not rendered, from Adam and Eve to
Achilles and Diomedes.