Freedom, obedience, and coercion: an analysis of the power relationships in Paradise Lost, by John Milton

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the power relationship between God and the angels in the epic poem Paradise Lost, by John Milton, considering how the divine omnipotence can affect the freedom of the angels, potentially conditioning them to eternal and compulsory servitude. For this, a methodology with a qualitative and explanatory approach was used through bibliographic studies. The main theoretical basis was the studies of Arthur Schopenhauer (1960), to conceptualise the different forms of freedom, Michel Foucault (1995), to understand the processes of unquestionable obedience, and Dennis Wrong (1995), to explain the importance of coercion in the exercise of power. Finally, through this study, it was concluded that there are different ways in which governments can use force to make subordinates remain submissive and obedient, including the use of punishment and coercion to exert physical and psychological force. Thus, it was understood that God uses Lucifer’s rebellion as a way of exercising power both physically, punishing the rebels with exile, and psychologically, ensuring that any future rebels are intimidated by the consequences of disobedience.