Intertextuality between Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials and John Milton's Paradise Lost
Summary
The focus of this thesis will be on how the intertextual echoes of Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost function within Pullman's trilogy His Dark Materials. The question here is how these relate to Pullman's theological themes and how his own views are often (though not always) diametrically opposed to those of Milton. The first chapter will explore the theological notions within the two works, regarding the nature of the universe, God, the afterlife and the Church. In the second chapter, the emphasis will be on the interpretation of the character of Satan in both works, with regard to the Romantic readings. The last chapter will discuss Lyra and Eve's search for knowledge, their temptation and subsequent Fall.