FrenchieLover
2nd Period
Postmodernist “Paradise Lost” by John Milton
John Milton’s “Paradise Lost”, purports to recount the narrator's experiences as a fop in the Victorian Era. Throughout the work, the narrator constructs narrative over narrative that fictionalizes a reality, or in the very Postmodernist sense, realizes the fictionality of society. In the self referentiality, intertextuality, and Milton trusts his audience will find Truth, or at least a truth from society’s absurdity.
Element One - self- referentiality
There are references in ‘Paradise Lost' where the characteristic self-referentiality is mentioned. Milton uses this in his writing to add a layer of complexity to the poem, and to invite readers to reflect on the act of reading and interpreting literature. In book 1 of the story, Milton acknowledges “What in me is dark” to openly find his own limitations as a poet and humbly ask for divine assistance to elevate his work. This is actually a self aware moment(as the element is self referentiality) from Milton to accept his dependence on the external inspiration to create his/this gem. Milton also addresses the subject matter and the consequences “OF Mans First Disobedience” and the “Fruit Of that Forbidden Tree '' that lead to the “death”😫 in the world. By referencing these quotes, Milton sets stage for the story’s narrative , and invites the reader to dive into the story of humanity’s fall from grace. This is definitely a self aware moment for Adam and Eve as they disobeyed God and realized what they had done.
Postmodern Media Source:
Naomi Shihab Nye, “Making a Fist”
The speaker reflects on the act of writing the poetry itself, acknowledging the role of language, and telling the story for our understanding of the world. This self-awareness adds layers of depth and complexity. This definitely blurs the line between art and reality. The speaker uses the lines below to acknowledge the connection between writing poetry and personal experience.
I felt the life sliding out of me,”
“I who did not die, who am still living, still lying in the backseat behind all my questions, clenching and opening one small hand.”
My Take - “Paradise Lost” and “Making a Fist” are similar as they both have some self-referentiality in their story’s. They both have the characters realizing the struggles and consequences of the world, but then having strength and resilience of overcoming their struggles.
Element Two -intertextuality
Intertextuality refers to the referencing of another piece of work (poems,story,essays,movies,ect…). In Paradise Lost, Milton draws upon a wide range of sources, including the bible and mythology. For example, he incorporates elements from the bible, such as Adam and Eve, and the Roman and Greek myths (Lucifer). In book 1, Milton calls Satan to say, “Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n”; and the consequence of Adam and Eve when they took the “Fruit Of that Forbidden Tree”. These quotes demonstrate the references of the bible. Intertextuality helps Milton make the story have depth and complexity of Satan’s character.
Postmodern Media Source:
Carlos Greaves, SURE, THE VELOCIRAPTORS ARE STILL ON THE LOOSE, BUT THAT’S NO REASON NOT TO REOPEN JURASSIC PARK.
Intertextuality comes into play when Greaves doesn’t listen to the scientists and safety experts telling him not to open the park. This is just like how in COVID hit and Trump did not listen to them; and opened up the U.S with knowing that there would be thousands of deaths!
“Some might argue that we should follow the example of other parks that have successfully dealt with velociraptor escapes. But here at Jurassic Park, we’ve never been ones to listen to the recommendations of scientists, or safety experts, or bioethicists, so why would we start now?”
My Take - In the story “SURE, THE VELOCIRAPTORS ARE STILL ON THE LOOSE, BUT THAT’S NO REASON NOT TO REOPEN JURASSIC PARK”, there is intertextuality of COVID-19. Just like in this story, “Paradise Lost” also references the intertextuality of Adam and Eve in the bible.
Element Three -Magical Realism
In the Literary tradition, “Paradise Lost” there are references of magical realism; such as the fantastical elements Satan, angels, and when Milton talks about “living Creatures new to sight and strange:” (ADAM AND EVE).
Postmodern Media Source:
Radiohead, "Pyramid Song" The use of magical realism in the music video can be seen as surreal and dreamlike; which then challenges the traditional narrative structure. The imagery, such as floating objects and mysterious creatures, blurs the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary. This adds a touch of magic to the video and enhances the overall mystical experience.
My Take - Both the pieces have the postmodern characteristic magical realism. Radiohead uses magical realism to create a sense of weirdness and a haunting, atmospheric video. Paradise is the same as it uses magical realism to show the fantastical elements of the characters in the story.
conclusion:
In conclusion "Paradise Lost" can be seen as many things including being postmodern. As each genre reveals a different side of the story, the human experience is seen as a lesson throughout the postmodern characteristics.