Searching for a Hero in Paradise Lost Enrique STYLE!
Mar 19, 2016
Searching for a Hero in Paradise Lost
Enrique STYLE!
…Or Joseph Campbell Style.
Hero CycleHero CycleAn Archetype…An original model or type
upon which other similar works of literature are patterned; a prototype.
Epic Hero
•Appealing characters who make mistakes.
•They are characters who enjoy prosperity and favor.
•They are inhibited by a character flaw.
A Quote to Consider…
“Towards him they bendWith awful reverence prone and as GodExtol him equal to the highest in
heaven”
Does this quote imply that Satan enjoysprosperity and favor? What might hischaracter flaw be?
With Monarchical Pride…
Call to Adventure
Paradise LostApplying the
“Boon”
Trials (tested and initiated)
Physical, Mental, Emotional
Achieving the Goal or “Boon”
Hero’s JourneyHero’s Journey
Return to Ordinary world
Crossing of the Threshold
Move from known to unknown
THE CALL TO ADVENTUREThe Hero…
• Receives a sign or call. • Usually forced into action.• Has a CHOICE… BUT
if hero if hero refuses the callrefuses the call……
He/She is then burdened with a cursed life.
How would Satan’s life be cursed if he refuses?
Generally, a hero ANSWERS the COA for one of the following reasons…•A death of a beloved family member.
•Following a respected role model.
•Being inspired by the good deeds of someone involved in the quest.
•Understanding he/she must fulfill his destiny.
What was Satan’s motivation for answering the call?
Crossing the first threshold•Moving from the known… to the unknown.•Transition into the world of adventure.•Hero can’t turn back.
What is Satan’s threshold?
The Gates of Hell and ChaosScary She-Beasts!
Named Sin and Death…
They are actually Satan’s daughters. How appropriate!
TrialsTests, Allies, Enemies
Stand in the way of quest fulfillment.Test the hero’s loyalty and abilities.
Trials Can Be…
•physical challenges
•emotional or spiritual temptations
•mental tests
A Map of Satan’s Journey
Is this a Physical Challenge?
Does it look like Satan is going through emotional trials?
The Bridge over Chaos
Gates of Hell
Earth… and eventually Heaven
Achieving the Boon
The Ultimate Payoff…Attainment of goal.
NOT SO QUICK…
• Approach to inmost cave…getting close to the initial goal.
• Supreme ordealHero is tested and survives.
• RewardHero takes something out of adventure.
Return to Ordinary WorldRoad BackHero starts back to ordinary world.ResurrectionFinal confrontation with enemy in the way of goal.Return with the elixirHero completes journey and brings back what is needed to the home tribe.
Satan Returns to
Hell.
Applying the Boon
How could Satan apply the Boon?Is there anything to be gained?
How does Batman apply the Boon?
Assessing this Epic Hero
• What are some strengths of the argument that Satan is the epic hero of Paradise Lost?
• What are some weaknesses of this argument?
• Based on your own knowledge and Paradise Lost, does Satan win? More importantly, does an epic hero have to be the ultimate victor?