밀턴의 형이상학: 실낙원의 육체적 본질 다시 보기

Abstract

This study finds that John Milton's theological ideas are largely based on his monistic view of body and spirit, which he thinks are inseparable and integrated into a man as a whole existence. This view has been, in fact, considered one of heretic elements in Milton and overshadowed by a dominant, traditional Christian perspective in Milton's theological system. The fact that Milton is considered a Christian humanist has such a great influence on Milton criticism that his works, major and minor poems alike, have been seen from a dualistic point of view. Milton's metaphysics, however, is not based on dualism, a system of thought deeply rooted in western thought of the early modern period, which claims that mind and matter are two ontologically separate categories. Especially in his description of angelic love, which is supposed to be made by spiritual entities, Milton makes it clear that there is no distinction between body and spirit in that angels have pleasure and feel happiness just as man does before the Fall. Earthly food served for Raphael and heavenly feasts enjoyed by angels show materialism Milton holds for his metaphysics. Likewise, Adam and Eve enjoy a perfect spiritual union in their prelapsarian sex just as angels feel in their embraces. In this respect, this study reinterprets Milton's idea of body and makes it an important part in our understanding of his poetry. For the concept of Milton's body has some characteristics difficult to be explained by dualism that considers body inferior or subordinated to spirit. Granted that Milton's theological ideas are well reflected in Paradise Lost, his metaphysics based on monism gives an important clue to a better understanding of the doctrinal background of the great Christian epic.