The Theme of Evil in English Literature
The Theme of Evil in English Literature
In most literary works, the conflict between good and evil is the most commonly occurring theme, and this theme is utilized as the primary 'vehicle' wherein the story develops and the character's attitudes shift and change to achieve the final resolution. The theme of evil is evident in the literary works of English writers such as William Shakespeare, John Milton, and the author of the Beowulf legend. In Milton's "Paradise Lost," one of the prevailing themes in the novel is the struggle between good and evil to dominate earth and God's newly-made creature, Man. Shakespeare's "King Lear" discusses evil through the characters' of the play, ...
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the book of Genesis in the Holy Bible. The novel started with the fallen angels in bondage in Hell, and finally establishing their 'headquarters' in that place, vowing revenge against God, who had cursed them to suffer in Hell after their mutiny against Him in Heaven. Satan, as the leader of the group of fallen angels, plans to bring destruction to God by means of fighting him on Earth, wherein it was rumored that God created Man to live there. The theme of evil was illustrated through Satan's character himself, who is the symbol of everything evil in this world. In Milton's novel, evil is illustrated both internally and externally, since Satan possesses evil character, while being a symbol of evil himself. Thus, the theme of evil becomes apparent because of the religious nature in the novel, wherein conflict is created literally between God (representing goodness) and Satan (representing evil). Milton's discussion and analysis of evil in "Paradise Lost" is universal, because ...
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The Theme of Evil in English Literature. (2015, October 16). Retrieved May 19, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Theme-of-Evil-English-Literature/105089
"The Theme of Evil in English Literature." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 19 May. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Theme-of-Evil-English-Literature/105089>
"The Theme of Evil in English Literature." Essayworld.com. October 16, 2015. Accessed May 19, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Theme-of-Evil-English-Literature/105089.
"The Theme of Evil in English Literature." Essayworld.com. October 16, 2015. Accessed May 19, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Theme-of-Evil-English-Literature/105089.
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