A fight for equality: the figure of Satan between Paradise Lost and His Dark Materials

How is the figure of Satan portrayed in John Milton’s Paradise Lost, or in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials? Is he really a usurper, or does he just want to overthrow God’s tyranny? In this thesis, I will analyze the attitudes of the two authors toward the religious institutions and authorities in order to understand the psychology and actions of the Devil represented in both works. First, I will present the writers and their religious orientations. Then, the two works will be analyzed to find the major similarities and differences between the characters, places, and events. Finally, the Satan of His Dark Materials will be examined separately from that of Paradise Lost to further understand the motives behind his actions when he corrupted mankind through the temptation of Eve.