THE FASCINATION OF CHAOS IN PARADISE LOST

Authors

  • Kailai Zhong Master’s Degree Candidate in English Literature, School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, China

Keywords:

Chaos, grave, Milton, Oedipus Complex, Paradise Lost, womb

Abstract

Milton’s contradictory rendition of Chaos as the “womb of nature and perhaps her grave” makes Chaos one of the most fascinating presences in Paradise Lost. This article argues that Milton’s ambiguous depiction of Chaos presents a rich and multifaceted concept that offers insights into the complexities of human nature and the universe. The first part of the paper suggests that Chaos is a significant principle underlying Milton’s theology, cosmology, and aesthetics. The second part explores the essence of Chaos, highlighting its dual nature as both a copious material basis of life and a destructive force with political implications. The third part examines the psychoanalytic significance of Chaos, linking its generativedestructive duality to both Satan and Milton’s Oedipus Complex. The author argues that Chaos represents the unconscious aspects of human nature, wherein the tension between the drives of life and death is deeply ingrained. Although Milton’s Chaos is rooted in a religious framework, the author concludes by suggesting
that it has broad implications for modern science, sociology, and non-religious philosophies. 

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Published

2023-03-22

How to Cite

Kailai Zhong. (2023). THE FASCINATION OF CHAOS IN PARADISE LOST. Caucasus Journal of Milton Studies, 2(1), 10–20. Retrieved from https://cjojms.com/index.php/research/article/view/56

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Articles