Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Martin, Thomas L.

Abstract

In his epic poem Paradise Lost, John Milton, through sublime narration, creates his Satan as a sublimely dangerous villain in accordance with Pseudo-Longinus's five principles of elevated language, as outlined in Book VIII of On the Sublime. In his treatise, the philosopher delineates that the five principles for sublime expression are the ''power of forming great conceptions," the gift of "vehement and inspired passion," the "formation of figures," the art of"noble diction," and an abi lity to produce "dignified and elevated composition." Foundational to sublime composition and the excellent usage of these principles is the gift of discourse. Milton, in his quest to "justify the ways of God to men" (1.26), fulfills these requirements for the sublime. As the poet-narrator, he demonstrates his mastery in transporting the audience into the realm of his imagination, sublimely conceiving, creating, and portraying his Satan to be a dangerous villain.

Extent

92 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FA00000923

Format

pdf

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