Freedom to obey

A sneak peek at John Milton’s theological influences on Paradise Lost

Abstract

This article is the summary of a monograph submitted to the English Literature professors at UFRGS (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul). It aims to analyse the matters of evil, free will and predestination in John Milton’s Paradise Lost under the light of Theology, more specifically Augustine’s understanding of the matters, as well as the Reformers Luther’s and Calvin’s. The leading question throughout the study is to what extent Milton was tied to the theological streams of his time or else, developed a theology of his own. The political context is taken into account, given the impact it had on Milton’s life and work, especially during the English Civil War and the following few years. There is a short introduction of the author and his poem, followed by the analysis of some passages specifically related to the topics mentioned.