| Paradise Lost,
the English epic on a Biblical theme, is famous throughout the world. In this poem Milton
delineates the Almighty and Jesus, His spiritual son and human incarnation, as well as
several orders of angels. But the most impressive character in the great epic is Satan who
rebelled against God and brought sin and death into this world. Critics of English poetry admire Milton's
wonderful success in the characterisation of Satan. Similarly, the great dramatic poet
Shakespeare has created a wonderful
character in Shylock, the usurer and miser. Even such embodiments of despicable qualities
are presented by the poets as
possessing courage, determination, energy and other good qualities which attract us and
serve as a bright background to their black ness.
In Vaalmeeki's portraits of Raavana and Kumbhakarna too, we
notice the same artistic skill. The cook who meets all
tastes shows his skill in making out of bitter vegetables an attractive dish. So does the
poet show his skill in portraying evil. |
