Hierarchy and Mutuality in Paradise Lost, Moby-Dick and The Brothers Karamazov

The three works, Hierarchy and Mutuality in Paradise Lost, Moby-Dick, and The Brothers Karamazov, explore hierarchy and mutuality as parallel and intersecting ways of how human beings relate to each other and divine forces. They contain adversarial protagonists whose stature often commands admiration, and the quest for personal power can disturb the serenity of mutual love. This study analyzes the origins and consequences of such tensions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The three great works of literature, "Hierarchy and Mutuality in Paradise Lost," "Moby-Dick," and "The Brothers Karamazov," explore a profound and intricate relationship between hierarchy and mutuality, presenting them as parallel and often intersecting pathways through which human beings connect with each other and with divine forces in the universe. Within these narratives, we encounter antagonistic protagonists whose stature often captivates audiences, drawing them in with their captivating verbal prowess rather than delving into their motivations and actions. The question that arises is why the pursuit of personal power should so profoundly disrupt the harmonious balance of mutual love, exerting a force that is both compelling and unsettling.

Milton, Melville, and Dostoevsky, in their respective texts, address this issue with varying degrees of self-awareness. These authors depict the seeds of disaster germinating in both spiritual and barren soil, sometimes nurtured by a hierarchical structure that gave them birth, and other times in response to a hierarchical system that seeks to stifle their vitality. The purpose of this study is to analyze the origins and consequences of these tensions, shedding light on the complex interplay between power, hierarchy, and the human condition.

In "Paradise Lost," Milton presents a hierarchical world governed by God and his angels, with Satan and his followers occupying the lower ranks. The conflict between the two factions is central to the narrative, as each side seeks to assert its dominance and control over the other. Milton explores the consequences of such hierarchical structures, highlighting the ways in which they can breed resentment, jealousy, and ultimately lead to the fall of humanity.

On the other hand, Melville's "Moby-Dick" presents a more complex and nuanced exploration of hierarchy. The novel follows Captain Ahab, a man driven by his obsession with hunting down and killing the great white whale, Moby Dick. Ahab's hierarchical mindset is evident in his treatment of his crew, as he wields his authority over them with a sense of entitlement and superiority. However, Melville also delves into the destructive nature of Ahab's hierarchical worldview, as it leads him to disregard the well-being of his crew and ultimately destroys his own sanity.

Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" is perhaps the most profound exploration of hierarchy and mutuality in the three works. The novel follows the lives of three brothers, each with their own distinct hierarchical perspectives. Dostoevsky examines the ways in which these perspectives shape their relationships with each other and with the world around them, highlighting the destructive nature of some hierarchies and the potential for positive change within others.

Through their narratives, Milton, Melville, and Dostoevsky challenge us to consider the role of hierarchy in human relationships and the impact it can have on our personal and collective well-being. They remind us that power and authority should be used with caution and respect, and that the pursuit of personal power should never come at the expense of mutual love and harmony.

In conclusion, the three works considered in this study, "Hierarchy and Mutuality in Paradise Lost," "Moby-Dick," and "The Brothers Karamazov," present a rich and complex exploration of the relationship between hierarchy and mutuality. Through their antagonistic protagonists and their examination of the consequences of hierarchical structures, these authors challenge us to consider the role of power and authority in our lives and the impact they can have on our relationships with each other and with the divine. By analyzing the origins and consequences of these tensions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the potential for positive change in the world.

Weight: 599g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666918762