Paradise Lost

From Poetry Wiki

For other uses, see Paradise Lost (disambiguation).

Template:Infobox Book Paradise Lost is an epic poem in blank verse by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. It was originally published in 1667 in ten books; a second edition followed in 1674, redivided into twelve books (in the manner of the division of Virgil's Aeneid) with minor revisions throughout and a note on the versification. The poem concerns the Judeo-Christian story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's purpose, stated in Book I, is "to justify the ways of God to men" (l. 26) and elucidate the conflict between God's eternal foresight and free will.

The protagonist of this epic is the fallen angel, Satan. Seen from a modern perspective, it may appear to some that Milton presents Satan sympathetically, as an ambitious and proud being who defies his creator, omnipotent God, and wages war on Heaven, only to be defeated and cast down. Indeed, William Blake, a great admirer of Milton and illustrator of the epic poem, said of Milton that "he was a true Poet, and of the Devil's party without knowing it."^[1] Some critics regard the character of Lucifer as a precursor of the Byronic hero.^[2]

Milton worked for Oliver Cromwell and the Parliament of England and thus wrote first-hand for the Commonwealth of England. Arguably, the failed rebellion and reinstallation of the monarchy left him to explore his losses within Paradise Lost. Some critics say that he sympathized with the Satan in this work, in that both he and Satan had experienced a failed cause.

Milton incorporates Paganism, classical Greek references and Christianity within the story. He greatly admired the classics but intended this work to surpass them. The poem grapples with many difficult theological issues, including fate, predestination, and the Trinity.

Contents 1 Character analysis 2 Themes 2.1 Marriage 3 Iconography 4 Cultural significance 5 Notes

Character analysis

Satan: Satan is the first major character introduced in the poem.

Themes

Marriage

On the surface Paradise Lost appears to be a general biblical story depicting creation and the fall of Adam and Eve. Digging deeper into the plot of the poem, however, several critics have noted the relationship between Adam and Eve, and how it specifically reflects Milton’s views on marriage.

“Three Poets, in three distant Ages born, Greece, Italy, and England did adorn.

The First in loftiness of thought surpass'd;
The Next in Majesty; in both the Last.
The force of Nature cou'd no farther goe:
To make a third she joynd the former two.”

Iconography

The history of illustrators includes, among others, John Martin, Edward Burney, Richard Westall, Francis Hayman,

Cultural significance

Template:Sect-stub "Paradise Lost" has been the source of inspiration in several aspects of popular culture. For example, classical conductor Krzysztof Penderecki and metal bands Cradle of Filth and Symphony X have created musical works based upon the poem. In literature, some of William Blake's poetry was based upon the poem, and the poem is the basis for the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman, of which an excerpt was included in the first novel of the series, Northern Lights/The Golden Compass. Also Death/Doom Metal band Paradise Lost was named after this piece of literature.

The tv show Futurama features an episode entitle Parasites Lost, although the story bears no resemblance to the poem.

Notes