Paradise LostParadise Lost

By John MiltonBy John Milton

Notes:Notes:

• Written by John Milton ( 1608-1674), an English Poet, in 1667 ( age of Enlightenment).

• One of the few writers to attain a degree from Cambridge College and work toward his Master’s degree

• Studied to be a priest

• Paradise Lost- an epic poem consisting of 10,000 lines and written in blank verse or the use of (un-rhyming poetry).

• Introduces the “ Satanic Hero” an archetype that makes Satan like an Epic Hero.

• The poem is divided into 12 books.• Milton was blind when he wrote it.

• Book 1:In a long, twisting opening sentence mirroring the epic poetry of the Ancient Greeks, the poet invokes the "Heavenly Muse" (the Holy Spirit) and states his theme, the Fall of Man, and his aim, to "justify the ways of God to men."[4] Satan, Beelzebub, and the other rebel angels are described as lying on a lake of fire, from where Satan rises up to claim hell as his own domain and delivers a rousing speech to his followers ("Better to reign in hell, than serve in heav'n").

• Books 2-12 go on to describe the journey that Satan takes to try and “stain” God’s creation of Man and Earth. If he can taint that, he can somehow hurt God.

• Milton’s description of Lucifer is beautiful because it takes time for him to turn into Satan ( or Enemy)

Background to the War in HeavenBackground to the War in Heaven

• Lucifer means “ The Light-bearer”

• Most beloved of all Angels. Wanted to be a god, not the God. Convinces a 1/3 of the Angels to rebel with him. He was able to do this because God left a 1/3 of Angels without a certain Grace to prevent them from falling as a test.

• Lucifer commits the greatest of all sins: Pride. Asking, “ Why not I?”

• He then uses his “ silver tongue” to convince others to join him turning some of the most powerful Angels in Heaven against God.

The Three classes of AngelsThe Three classes of Angels

• Seraphim: Includes the Archangels

( Raphael, Michael, Gabriel, and at one time, Lucifer)

Cheribum ( like the ones that are painted that look like babies)

Dominations (spirits)

• Milton’s work is important to literature because he did what the Catholic church in England wanted him to do- bring back man to the ways of God.

Miltonic UniverseMiltonic Universe

The earth

here is

hanging

by a golden

chain, with

Heaven on

top and hell

on the bottom