The Use of Metaphor in Paradise Lost - Essay Example

The use of metaphor in paradise lost is excellent with the use of Epic simile particularly evident in the whole poem. The representation of Satan as a wandering spirit and comparison with the whale in the sea illustrates the metaphorical illustration of the behavior of the whale in the sea. The mind is depicted as the hell of heaven and the heaven of hell. The use of the mind in the depiction of the different states of the mind illustrates symbolism and metaphor. The use of the mind to depict the concept of the Garden of Eden and fall is created by the use of metaphor making the poem interesting. Knowledge is compared to food and needs no less (Milton, 1905, p. 45). Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. The influence of wind by tossing or creating turbulence in the mind is a metaphor used to direct the state of the mind. The use of virginity to illustrate originality and innocence is revealed in several lines of the poem. The use of “her Virgin Fancies pouring forth more sweet (v 291-97). Though Eve is revealed as a Matron, later on, the original status calls her a virgin because she does not know evil and she is an innocent nature spirit.

Modern connection

In modern language, literary use is occasional, with the main approach being the use of metaphor. Several issues in society are addressed by the use of metaphors such as passing away to illustrate death. The current literature books address almost all the literary devices that can be used to evaluate the different contemporary literature (Milton, 1905, p. 67). Compared to paradise lost, the current literature such as water for elephant employs the use of metaphor in defining the life of the young man Jacob Jankowski. The young man’s life is depicted clearly through the use of metaphor and other stylistic devices such as irony (Gruen, 2011, p. 34). Suspense and metaphor used in the book illustrate the power of literary devices. The use of styles facilitates the development of interest to read the book. The exposition of Jacobs’s depression illustrates the beauty of the story with the continued use of illustrative language and the development of understanding of the overall plot of the novel. The behavior of the characters is explained by the use of metaphor and epic similes making modern literature similar to traditional literature such as paradise lost. In response to the different plots, the use of literary devices is changed, by the authors, to suit the style of writing. Read More