Introduction
“Paradise Lost,” an epic poem by John Milton, is considered one of the most significant works in English literature. Published in 1667, the poem is written in blank verse and spans twelve books. It explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man, detailing the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton’s rich language and profound themes make “Paradise Lost” a masterpiece that continues to be studied and revered.
Background
John Milton, a devout Christian and a politically active figure during the English Civil War, began composing “Paradise Lost” in the 1650s. The political and religious turmoil of the time influenced Milton’s writing. He was deeply concerned with issues of free will, obedience, and the nature of good and evil. His personal experiences, including his blindness and his frustrations with the political developments of his era, are reflected in the poem’s themes and characters.
Setting and Atmosphere
“Paradise Lost” is set in various locations, including Heaven, Hell, and Earth. The poem opens in Hell, where Satan and his followers are cast after their rebellion against God. The descriptions of Hell are vivid and terrifying, with images of fire, darkness, and despair. Heaven is depicted as a place of light, order, and harmony. The Garden of Eden, where much of the poem’s action takes place, is portrayed as a lush, idyllic paradise. The contrasting settings create a rich, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the poem’s exploration of good and evil.
Point of View and Narrative Voice
The narrative voice in “Paradise Lost” is predominantly that of an omniscient third-person narrator, who has the ability to see into the minds and hearts of the characters. This narrator often steps back to provide commentary and invoke the muse, a classical epic convention. Milton’s use of this narrative voice allows him to present the internal struggles of characters like Satan, Adam, and Eve, giving readers a deep understanding of their motivations and conflicts.
Tone and Mood
The tone of “Paradise Lost” is elevated and serious, befitting its epic nature. Milton’s language is grand and formal, with long, complex sentences and an extensive use of classical allusions. The mood shifts throughout the poem, reflecting the various settings and events. Scenes in Hell are dark and despairing, while those in Heaven and Eden are more serene and hopeful. However, an underlying sense of tragedy and foreboding permeates the entire work, culminating in the Fall of Man.
Characters – Major and Minor
Major Characters
- Satan: The central character in the first half of the poem, Satan is a complex anti-hero. He is depicted as a proud and charismatic leader who rebels against God, only to become the ruler of Hell. His journey from defiance to despair is a key focus of the poem.
- Adam: The first human, created by God in His own image. Adam is noble and loving but ultimately succumbs to temptation, leading to the Fall.
- Eve: Adam’s companion, created from his rib. Eve is beautiful and curious, and her desire for knowledge leads to her being deceived by Satan.
Minor Characters
- God: The omnipotent and omniscient creator. He foresees the Fall but allows it to happen to preserve human free will.
- The Son (Jesus Christ): Presented as the future redeemer of mankind. He volunteers to sacrifice himself for humanity’s sins.
- Beelzebub: Satan’s second-in-command, who supports him in his rebellion and subsequent schemes.
- Gabriel: An archangel who guards Eden and confronts Satan.
- Michael: An archangel who reveals the future to Adam after the Fall.
Plot Summary
“Paradise Lost” begins with Satan and his followers being cast out of Heaven after rebelling against God. They find themselves in Hell, a dismal and fiery place of torment. Despite their defeat, Satan remains unbowed and vows to continue his fight against God. He rallies his fallen angels and plots to corrupt God’s new creation, mankind.
Satan journeys through the chaotic realms of Chaos and Night, eventually finding his way to Earth. Disguised as a serpent, he infiltrates the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve live in blissful innocence. He tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, promising that it will make her like God. Eve succumbs to the temptation and persuades Adam to eat the fruit as well.
Immediately after consuming the fruit, Adam and Eve become aware of their nakedness and feel shame and guilt. They try to cover themselves with fig leaves and hide from God. When God confronts them, Adam blames Eve, and Eve blames the serpent. God punishes them by expelling them from Eden, cursing them with hard labor, pain in childbirth, and mortality.
The poem concludes with Adam and Eve leaving Eden, guided by the archangel Michael. Although they are banished from paradise, they hold onto hope and faith in God’s promise of redemption through the future sacrifice of His Son.
Plot Structure
“Paradise Lost” follows a nonlinear structure, with flashbacks and shifts in perspective. The poem is divided into twelve books, each focusing on different aspects of the story. The first half centers on Satan and his rebellion, while the second half shifts to Adam and Eve and their fall. The structure allows Milton to explore the complex interplay of free will, obedience, and the consequences of disobedience.
Summary (Acts and Scene wise)
Book I
- Satan and his fallen angels wake in Hell after being cast out of Heaven.
- Satan rallies his followers and plans to corrupt God’s new creation, mankind.
Book II
- The fallen angels debate their next move.
- Satan volunteers to go to Earth and find a way to corrupt humanity.
Book III
- God foresees Satan’s plans and the Fall of Man.
- The Son offers to sacrifice himself for humanity’s redemption.
Book IV
- Satan arrives in Eden and marvels at its beauty.
- He observes Adam and Eve and begins to plot their downfall.
Book V
- Eve has a troubling dream about the forbidden fruit.
- God sends the archangel Raphael to warn Adam and Eve about Satan.
Book VI
- Raphael recounts the story of the war in Heaven and Satan’s rebellion.
Book VII
- Raphael describes the creation of the world to Adam.
Book VIII
- Adam tells Raphael about his own creation and his first meeting with Eve.
Book IX
- Satan, disguised as a serpent, tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.
- Eve eats the fruit and convinces Adam to do the same.
Book X
- God sends His Son to judge Adam and Eve.
- Satan returns to Hell in triumph, but he and his followers are turned into serpents as punishment.
Book XI
- The archangel Michael is sent to expel Adam and Eve from Eden.
- Michael shows Adam visions of the future, including the coming of the Messiah.
Book XII
- Michael continues to reveal the future to Adam, ending with the promise of redemption.
- Adam and Eve leave Eden, hand in hand, to begin their new life in the fallen world.
Themes
Free Will and Obedience
Milton explores the tension between free will and obedience to God’s will. The characters in “Paradise Lost” must navigate their autonomy and the consequences of their choices.
Good and Evil
The poem delves into the nature of good and evil, portraying Satan’s rebellion as a perversion of good and the Fall as a result of human frailty.
Knowledge and Ignorance
The quest for knowledge drives the narrative, with Eve’s desire for wisdom leading to the Fall. Milton examines the consequences of seeking knowledge without divine guidance.
Redemption
Despite the tragedy of the Fall, “Paradise Lost” offers hope through the promise of redemption. The Son’s future sacrifice ensures that humanity can be saved.
Symbols
The Forbidden Fruit
The forbidden fruit symbolizes disobedience and the loss of innocence. Eating it leads to the Fall and humanity’s expulsion from Eden.
Light and Darkness
Light represents divine goodness and knowledge, while darkness symbolizes evil and ignorance. These symbols are used throughout the poem to contrast Heaven and Hell, good and evil.
The Serpent
The serpent, embodying Satan, symbolizes deceit and temptation. Its presence in Eden leads to the fall of humanity.
Motifs
Dreams and Visions
Dreams and visions play a crucial role in the poem, foreshadowing events and revealing divine truths to the characters.
Hierarchy and Order
Milton emphasizes the importance of hierarchy and order in the universe, from the celestial hierarchy in Heaven to the social order in Eden.
Rebellion
Rebellion is a central motif, with Satan’s defiance against God setting the stage for the Fall and the subsequent consequences for humanity.
Imagery
Milton’s use of vivid imagery enhances the epic nature of the poem. Descriptions of Hell’s fiery abyss, Heaven’s radiant light, and Eden’s lush paradise create a rich, sensory experience for readers.
Literary Devices
Blank Verse
Milton employs blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter, to give the poem a formal and elevated tone.
Epic Similes
Extended similes are used to draw elaborate comparisons, adding depth and grandeur to the narrative.
Allusions
The poem is filled with allusions to classical mythology, the Bible, and contemporary events, enriching its layers of meaning.
Language and Style
Milton’s language is complex and ornate, characterized by long, intricate sentences and a rich vocabulary. His style is formal and elevated, reflecting the epic nature of the poem.
Genre and Form
“Paradise Lost” is an epic poem, a genre characterized by its grand scale, formal structure, and heroic themes. It follows the conventions of classical epics, including invoking the muse, beginning in medias res, and featuring epic battles and journeys.
Historical and Cultural Context
The poem was written during a time of significant political and religious upheaval in England. Milton’s Puritan beliefs and his experiences during the English Civil War influenced his portrayal of themes like authority, rebellion, and divine justice.
Literary Criticism
“Paradise Lost” has been the subject of extensive literary criticism. Scholars have explored its theological implications, its political allegories, and its complex characterizations, particularly of Satan.
Author Studies
John Milton (1608-1674) was a poet, polemicist, and civil servant. His works, including “Paradise Lost,” reflect his deep engagement with political, religious, and philosophical issues. Milton’s influence on English literature is profound, with his innovative use of blank verse and his exploration of epic themes.
Adaptations
“Paradise Lost” has inspired numerous adaptations, including operas, plays, and films. Its dramatic themes and vivid imagery make it a rich source for artistic reinterpretation.
Influence and Legacy
“Paradise Lost” has had a lasting impact on literature, theology, and the arts. It has influenced countless writers, from the Romantic poets to contemporary authors, and continues to be a central text in the study of English literature.
Critical Reception
Upon its publication, “Paradise Lost” received mixed reviews. Some praised its ambition and poetic brilliance, while others criticized its complex language and unconventional portrayal of biblical events. Over time, however, it has come to be recognized as one of the greatest works in the English literary canon.
Conclusion
“Paradise Lost” remains a powerful exploration of the human condition, grappling with themes of free will, obedience, and redemption. Its rich language, complex characters, and profound themes ensure its enduring relevance and its place as a cornerstone of English literature.