Searching for a Hero in Paradise Lost Enrique STYLE!
…Or Joseph Campbell Style. Hero Cycle An 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 bend With awful reverence prone and as God Extol him equal to the highest in heaven” Does this quote imply that Satan enjoys prosperity and favor? What might his character flaw be?
With Monarchical Pride…
Call to Adventure Paradise Lost Applying the “Boon” Trials (tested and initiated) Physical, Mental, Emotional Achieving the Goal or “Boon” Hero’s Journey Return to Ordinary world Crossing of the Threshold Move from known to unknown
THE CALL TO ADVENTURE The Hero… Receives a sign or call. Usually forced into action. Has a CHOICE… BUT
if hero refuses 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 Chaos Scary She-Beasts! Named Sin and Death… They are actually Satan’s daughters. How appropriate!
Trials Tests, 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 ordeal Hero is tested and survives. Reward Hero takes something out of adventure.
Return to Ordinary World Road Back Hero starts back to ordinary world. Resurrection Final confrontation with enemy in the way of goal. Return with the elixir Hero 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?