Goal: The aim of the assignment is to give you a chance to engage critically and creatively with one or more of the works we have read this semester and to give your audience (i.e., your classmates and me) the opportunity to understand these works in a new or deeper way.
Why we are using this format: We have studied a long tradition of artists and creators who respond to a combination of texts, religious traditions, and cultural works to produce their own artistic works. For example, Chaucer reworked the Italian poet Boccaccio (whose poem the Teseida was Chaucer’s inspiration for the Knight’s Tale), and his work in turn inspired Shakespeare. Milton, meanwhile, was very familiar with Chaucer and Shakespeare, and all three reworked Biblical texts and traditions. This assignment asks you to choose one or more media and to participate in this long tradition (Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and now you!). A traditional academic essay is actually meant to do just what this project asks you to do: you should understand the original work, engage with it critically, and then respond creatively in your writing in a way that brings a deeper understanding and appreciation in your reader. This type of writing is highly valuable (and is an option for this assignment as well), and you have already done work of this sort with your short writing assignments. But I find that many students produce some of their best engagements in other media, just as many artists throughout history have done.
How long should my project be?: Naturally I get this question a lot for these types of assignments, and it is always tricky to answer, as something being longer or bigger doesn’t really mean more substantial in all ways. But as a general guide, the following would be about normal: a short story or essay of 10 double-spaced pages; one 3-minute song; a group of 6-8 short poems; a 5-minute video; one board game w/rules and playing pieces.
For my project, I propose to write a 10-page academic essay exploring themes of power, identity, and rebellion in John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and their relevance to contemporary society.
The scope of my essay will involve analyzing key passages from “Paradise Lost” that depict the struggles of characters such as Satan and Adam against authority and oppression. Drawing on close textual analysis and secondary sources, I will examine how Milton’s portrayal of power dynamics within the celestial and earthly realms reflects broader socio political tensions of his time, such as the English Civil War and the struggle for religious freedom.
Furthermore, I will explore how these themes resonate with contemporary issues of power and resistance, including movements for social justice, environmental activism, and struggles against authoritarianism. By contextualizing Milton’s work within historical and contemporary frameworks, I aim to demonstrate the enduring relevance and complexity of his exploration of power dynamics and the human condition.
In terms of creative and critical engagement, my essay will offer readers a nuanced interpretation of “Paradise Lost” that highlights its multidimensional characters, intricate plotlines, and rich thematic content. By engaging with the text through a critical lens, I hope to uncover layers of meaning and insight that may not be immediately apparent to casual readers.
Additionally, I will draw on interdisciplinary perspectives, including literary theory, political philosophy, and cultural studies, to provide a comprehensive analysis of Milton’s epic poem and its implications for understanding power dynamics in society. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I aim to offer readers a deeper understanding of the text and its relevance to contemporary discourse.
Overall, my essay seeks to contribute to the ongoing scholarly conversation surrounding “Paradise Lost” while also offering insights into its broader cultural and political significance. By examining themes of power, identity, and rebellion in Milton’s work, I hope to shed light on the complexities of human nature and the enduring relevance of literature in shaping our understanding of the world.
