Clear Quote by Marilynne Robinson
“When I read 'Paradise Lost,' or 'Richard III,' it is clear that Milton and Shakespeare took real pleasure and satisfaction from creating these epitomes of evil.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Paradise Lost by John Milton, 1667; Richard III by William Shakespeare, 1592
Robinson observes that both Milton and Shakespeare seemed to enjoy crafting powerful embodiments of evil in their works.
In simple terms: They liked creating strong villains.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the allure of dark characters.
Themes
literature
evil
authorial intent
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
critical
interpretive
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- literary analysis
- teaching classics
Key Concepts
Moral complexity
psychology of creation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do readers gravitate to evil figures?
- How does this affect our moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
The enjoyment may reflect societal fascination with darkness.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
