The Golden Compass

So Easily Corrupted College

Lord Acton, a British historian, once said “All power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Over the course of human history, the Church has been the focus of many criticisms, including but not limited to the relationship with the state, the persecution of heretics, the crusades, the Inquisition, and the homophobic beliefs. In the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman, the author seeks to convey the true nature of the Church and its effects on the world of men. He is influenced by Paradise Lost by John Milton, especially the Fall of Lucifer and the Fall of man. The Fall of Lucifer freed Satan and his fellow angels from the will of God. The Fall of man granted free will to men. Pullman favors another “Fall” against the Church, or rather the men who oppress other men by using religion as a cover to further their own corrupt motives and carry out evil deeds. Additionally, Pullman believes in the power of analogies. In a rare interview, Pullman commented that “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales... It’s all about thinking by analogy. And analogy is an enormously powerful tool in science” (Jukes). Pullman employs this power of analogy to convey his own opinions on the Church...

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