John Milton and St. Augustine

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes "Confessions" by St. Augustine and "Paradise Lost" by John Milton and explains that both works reflect conflict between humanity and God. More specifically, the paper explains the theme found in both works about rebellion against divine authority as seen through the human propensity to commit immoral actions and thoughts.

From the Paper:

"Conflict is one of the main elements present in literary works that helps story development. Conflict is depicted in various situations and kinds, and one common characteristic that these various depictions of conflict have with each other is that each reflects human nature and how it confronts conflicts that come their way in life. An example of one depiction of conflict that is commonly experienced by human society is rebellion against divine authority. This theme is not manifested explicitly in daily human interaction, but rebellion against divine authority is a daily conflict that individuals have to go through. Rebellion against divine authority is evident when one contemplates the morality of his/her actions, behavior, and thoughts. It is also present when the individual experiences emotional turmoil in determining whether his/her life had been lived parallel or against the principles advocated for by the 'divine authority' that s/he believed in."

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