The Character's Perception Of Reality

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Stories take advantage of a vague definition of reality and lend themselves to multiple interpretations. At first glance, a story may be confusing, but new meanings can be revealed as it is read again. A pervading idea in such stories is: one’s actions are a result of their perceived truths. In order to explicate, the protagonist’s actions as a consequence of their beliefs authors, throughout their stories, portray an ambiguous dichotomy between reality and the character’s perception of reality.
Without a definitive sense of truth, it can be difficult to determine whether one’s actions are justified. “Paradise Lost”, beginning in medias res, places Satan in the abyss after the war. Underestimating God’s true powers, Satan managed to convince …show more content…

He ensues to get out of the lake and decides upon the course of action he, along with his companions, will take. “Both glorying to have scap’t the Stygian floods As Gods, and by thir own recover’d strength” (Milton 239-241). Satan believes he had gotten out of the lake by his own power. This is important because it will allow him to continue thinking he has the strength to oppose God, thus resulting in his plan to wage an eternal war against God. However, Satan remains oblivious to the idea, he is able to leave the lake because God allows him to. “Chain’d on the burning Lake, nor ever thence Had ris’n or heav’d his head, but that the will And high permission of all-ruling Heaven” (Milton 210-212). This extent of God’s power is not in the realm of reality for …show more content…

Victor Frankenstein believes he is capable of surpassing his predecessors. He follows through, acting based on his perceptions, claiming, “more, far more, will I achieve: treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore the unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation” (Shelley 39). However in reality he should be wary of potential consequences of playing God. Frankenstein’s beliefs lead him to create the monster. This is another example supporting, one's actions are a result of their perceived