Paper
Paradise Lost is one of the finest examples of epic tradition in all of literature. In composing this work, John Milton was, for the most part, following in the manner of epic poets of past centuries. By knowing the background of epic characteristics and conventions, it is easy to trace their presence in Book I of Paradise Lost.
One of the biggest questions that a reader must face is that of the hero; exactly who is the epic hero in the poem? While Satan may not be the “hero” of Paradise Lost, Milton quickly establishes him as its main character, and as the most complex and detailed of Milton’s descriptions. Satan is given many traditional attributes as an epic hero. Although he may not be the classical hero, he does defeat the creatures that God had created. This is why I feel that Milton meant Satan to be the hero of Paradise Lost.
Another three characteristics of the epic are hardly items of debate, as was the hero. The setting of the poem is indeed vast in scope. It ranged from Heaven to Hell and to the Earth. The action of the story also consisted of deeds of great valor that required superhuman courage. Although biblically, we may not consider Satan to have courage, we know that he must have shown it while fighting the war in heaven against God. According to the dictionary, courage is “that quality of mind which shows itself in facing danger without fear or shrinking.” Satan most certainly may be said to fit this description. There were also supernatural forces at work throughout the poem, such as gods, angels, and demons.
In addition to these four epic characteristics, Milton also employees the so-called epic conventions in his poem. Milton definitely begins by stating his theme: the entire story of salvation is summarized in the opening twenty-six lines, and the purpose of the epic is stated, “And justify the ways of God to men” (line 26). Milton also opens his narrative “in medias res”; he begins by asking how Adam and Eve could have fallen. Who could have caused it? And then we meet an already fallen Satan; it is in Book VI that the War in Heaven which caused Satan’s fall is actually described.
Milton also invokes a Muse in his poem. “Sing, Heavenly Muse, that on the secret top of Oreb, of Sinai, didst inspire” (line 6 & 7). This Muse’s job was to inspire and instruct him, as was traditional. Along with a Muse, Milton includes a catalog of the fallen angels for his readers in lines 376 through 505. He also provided us with extended formal speeches by the main characters: for example in lines 84-124 is a speech directed to Heaven from Satan over how he refuses to accept defeat. It is on the basis of the eloquence and power of some of the speeches that much of the claim for Satan’s position as “hero” is based.
Finally, Milton makes frequent use of the epic simile. There are four major examples in Book I. The first is the simile of what seems to be a sea monster. “Thus Satan talking to his nearest mate with head uplift above the wave?” (lines 192+). The second simile is the autumnal leaves. “Of that inflamed sea he stood, and called His legions, angel forms, who lay entranced, thick as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks?” (lines 300+) The sun makes up the third simile. “Of glory obscured: as when the sun new-risen looks through the horizontal misty air?” (lines 594+). The final simile is the swarming bees. “Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees in springtime, when the sun with Taurus rides, pour forth their populous youth about the hive?” (lines768+). These similes are Milton’s way of helping us to better relate the story to common things in our lives.
In spite of some alterations and modifications, we can clearly see how Milton used the classical epic characteristics and conventions in his writing. It was by employing these methods in to an already well known story that Milton created a masterpiece. Francis C. Blessington seems to sum it up the best. “Milton built his epic out of those of Homer and Virgil, like a cathedral erected out of the ruins of pagan temples whose remains can still me seen” (xiii).
Blessington, Francis C. Paradise Lost and the Classical Epic. Boston: Routledge, 1979.
Milton, John. “Paradise Lost.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. M. H.
Adams. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1993. 1475-1495.
Другие работы по теме:
Milton Vs Pope Essay Research Paper A
Milton Vs Pope Essay, Research Paper A Crime of Fate In Paradise Lost, Adam and Eve commit the first sin, and from this point on, all other sins are mere copies of this. Alexander Pope uses this to his benefit when he depicts the crime in The Rape of the Lock. By alluding to Milton s work, Pope is able to comically refer to the cutting of a lock of hair as a tragic and epic event.
Foreshadowing Amid The Fall Of Man In
Milton’s Par Essay, Research Paper Foreshadowing Amid the Fall of Man in Milton’s Paradise Lost In Book IV of John Milton’s epic, Paradise Lost, Satan’s words and actions, as well as those of Adam and Eve, foreshadow the fall of man. Satan, through his actions, foreshadows, metaphorically and ironically, his success in turning man away from God.
Satan Essay Research Paper How does john
Satan Essay, Research Paper How does john Milton make Satan the most appealing and compelling character within the poem Paradise Lost. Offer your very own explanation for this ?fascination? with the devil. Can you parallel Handels? music Messiah with Miltons? poetry Paradise Lost? And, how might the music and poetry be aligned to the visual graphic art of Rembrandt?
The Heroic Aspects Of Satan In John
Milton’s Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Satan, otherwise known as the archfiend, is the main character in John Milton s epic poem, Paradise Lost. Historically seen as the embodiment of evil; Satan is presented in a noble manner in Milton s work and has many of the characteristics of a tragic hero. The excerpt from the poem starts with a brief summary of the events that lead up to Satan s banishment in Hell.
Paradise Lost 2 Essay Research Paper Paradise
Paradise Lost 2 Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost Milton is widely considered to be one of the five greatest poets in the English language and Paradise Lost, a religious epic, is his greatest masterpiece. As stated in the beginning of the first book of Paradise Lost, Milton’s intention for writing his religious epic is, among some other things, to justify the ways of God to men.
Paradise Lost By Milton Essay Research Paper
Paradise Lost, reaches out and pulls in references and allusions to other literary works, making it Milton?s most influential piece of literary work. The writing echoes primary epic and the epic?s elevated language of describing
The Renaissance Period Essay Research Paper The
The Renaissance Period Essay, Research Paper The Renaissance period is a rebirth of the cultured and artistic sprite of the classical era. It began in Italy in the 14th century, but did not come the England till the 19th century. John Donne and John Milton were two great Renaissance poets who incorporated many of the characteristics of the Renaissance into their Poetry.
Epic Hero Essay Essay Research Paper In
Epic Hero Essay Essay, Research Paper In the movie The Matrix , there is a character by the name of Neo. Neo is pulled from the world he knows and is trust into the real one. After being shown what the matrix is, he goes on a quest to find truth and meaning in a world of lies and corruption. Neo is an epic hero because he has been chosen to fight an evil force and because he is brave.
Alexander Popes The Rape Of The Lock
Essay, Research Paper Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock – Write a 3-page critique of Alexander Pope s The Rape of the Lock. Give Examples. – Alexander Pope Rape Lock Comparison Epic Battle Traits Mock Characterization
Alexander Pope And John Milton Essay Research
Paper Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Man is an attempt to vindicate, as Milton had attempted to justify, the ways of God to man. Both attempt to explain God to man, but come up with different conclusions. Milton states that man can overcome God’s design through faith and decency. In contrast, Pope remarks that man must accept what life gives him without trying to change his fate.
Fall Of Man Essay Research Paper The
Fall Of Man Essay, Research Paper The Fall of Man Over the course of time, there have been many interpretations of man’s fall from grace, as told by the Bible. Among the literary interpretations are those of John Milton’s Paradise Lost and the American poet Louis Untermeyer’s “Eve Speaks.” John Milton’s epic poem deals with the entire story of man’s fall from grace, including background for Satan’s motives.
Paradise Lost The Devil Compared To
A Military School Cadet Essay, Research Paper How does John Milton portray Satan in his poem, Paradise Lost ? In this epic poem, Satan s traits include pride, treachery, and persistent spitefulness. I believe that these character traits compare to the leadership of Howe Military School.
Epics Essay Research Paper In order to
Epics Essay, Research Paper In order to be considered an epic, there are certain qualifications and standards that a piece of literature must meet. The themes and motifs incorporated in these stories are universal and the plot lines are both historical and entertaining. These epics are long poems that were originally expressed orally and later transcended into written works.
Satan
’s Heroic Aspects Essay, Research Paper Satan?s Heroic Aspects Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines hero as the principal male personage, usually of noble character in a poem, story, drama, or the like regarded as a model. Milton’s Paradise Lost presents the reader with characters that could be considered models as heroes.
Milton Essay Research Paper Religion was the
Milton Essay, Research Paper Religion was the most important part of Milton?s personal life, and exerted the greatest influence on his literary endeavors. John Milton was born in London to
John Milton Essay Research Paper John Milton 2
John Milton Essay, Research Paper John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” describes the fall of man in a poetic lyric. His book closely details the character God, Satan, and how Adam and Eve came do their downfall. God’s first human creation, Adam, was given all luscious gifts of paradise, including free will. The Tree Of Knowledge was Adam and Eve’s only forbiddance.
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper Paradise LostMilton
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost Milton writes Paradise Lost in the tradition of a classic epic poem. All epic poems contain some common features. Milton follows this outline with great precision and style. His poem uses the guidelines of an epic poem and elaborates upon them to make his poem one of the most popular epics written.
Odyssey A Hero Essay Research Paper An
Odyssey, A Hero? Essay, Research Paper An individual s characteristics are the key to their behavior. Homer s The Odyssey takes place about 700BC in the Mediterranean, near Greece. The epic tells of a man who left his home twenty years earlier to fight in the Trojan War. His mission now is to make his way home to Ithaca.
Inferno Versus Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper
Inferno vs. Paradise Lost The two stories Inferno by Dante and Paradise Lost by Milton were written about the biblical hell and its keeper; Satan. Both of these authors had different views about hell and Satan.
Paradise Lost An Epic Poem Essay Research
Paper Paradise Lost: An Epic Poem ————————— By analyzing John Milton’s Paradise Lost, it is plain to see it is a fine example of epic poetry. For the most part, John Milton follows the three main guidelines that construct
Beowulf An Epic Essay Research Paper Beowulf
Beowulf: An Epic Essay, Research Paper Beowulf: An Epic Numerous characteristics of this poem validate claims that it is an epic. Obviously indicative of this poem s epic nature are its boasts and battles. Beowulf s boasts begin as soon as he arrives on the Danish shore when he justifies his presence there by giving evidence of his worthiness to fight Grendel.
Epic Essay Essay Research Paper What an
Epic Essay Essay, Research Paper What an epic says about its culture is that that was the way they lived like in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Faerie Qveene, and Iliad (Comical Version). The three are epics from their own time and culture they are the same in some ways and different in other ways.
Beowulf Epic Hero Essay Research Paper What
Beowulf, Epic Hero Essay, Research Paper What Makes an Epic Hero? In your opinion, what characteristics makes an epic hero in a story? Is it someone who can defeat many enemies? Or is it someone of great nobility? In the poem Beowulf, Beowulf is the obvious hero in this story. What makes him so great is his fear nothing attitude, as well as his nobility and leadership.
Paradise Lost Satan Essay Research Paper Paradise
Paradise Lost: Satan Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost: Satan’s Character In Milton’s first book of Paradise Lost, Satan, the expected evil archfiend of the epic, is actually depicted as a powerful and heroic character. Satan’s passionate and ambitious character is more intriguing than God’s reasonable and mild personality.
Paradise Lost By John Milton (1608 -
– 1674) Essay, Research Paper Few literary poems attempt to take on such a huge theme as Paradise Lost. Milton himself, in the Argumentum that begins the poem, claims to have produced the greatest poem ever written,
Paradise Lost By Milton And Hell Essay
, Research Paper Thesis: In Paradise Lost, Milton creates a Hell that is easily imagined through his use of concrete images, powerful diction, and serious tone. I. Paradise Lost
The Epic Hero Beowulf Thesis Essay Research
Paper The Epic Hero Beowulf An epic is a long narriative peom about the adventures of a legendary or historic hero. The hero is a figure is high social status, one with great strenght or ability, and historical importance. There are many characteristics one must demonstrate ti be considered an epic hero. An epic hero is a brave and courageous warrior, admired for his achievements and courageous qualities.
Paradise Essay Research Paper Where Connotations Serve
Paradise Essay, Research Paper Where Connotations Serve to Clarify Jul an Mar as, a Spanish philosopher proves to be no exception to the numerous writers attempting to describe California s effect on both visitors and residents alike almost predictably invoking the idea of paradise in their evaluation.
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper Paradise LostIn
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, we learn of Milton’s epic poem that deals with the entire story of man’s fall from grace, including background for Satan’s motives. In Book 1 of the poem, a brief introduction mentions the fall of Adam and Eve caused by the serpent, which was Satan, who led the angels in revolt against God and was cast into hell.
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper Paradise Lost 2
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost OutlineThesis: In Paradise Lost, Milton creates a Hell that is easily imagined through his use of concrete images, powerful diction, and serious tone. I. Paradise Lost is a great epicA. “John Milton?.a dedicated figure, in the seventeenth-century English literature” (Diaches 390).B.
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper Paradise LostAdam
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper Paradise Lost Adam vs. Eve In John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, the issue of who is to blame for the fall of man is one that for the most part can be interpreted from a close reading of book IX. Based on the text, Eve made the main decision to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil.
Paradise Lost Essay Research Paper In Paradise
Paradise Lost Essay, Research Paper In Paradise Lost, John Milton gives great eminence to the character of Satan. The author divides the characters in his epic poem into two sides: one side under God representing good and eternal providence, and the other side under Satan, representing evil and sin. This creature went from a beautiful, perfect being named Lucifer, living in the light and glory of heaven, to Satan, the prince of darkness who was banished to the earth.
Odysseus The Great Essay Research Paper Odysseus
Odysseus The Great Essay, Research Paper Odysseus the Great Of all the mythological heroes, Odysseus would have to be the greatest. His adventures strengthened him and made him wiser. Although his men assisted him in his warfare, Odysseus was always at the heart of the battle. Odysseus was a true epic hero.
Epic Works Essay Research Paper Epic Works
Epic Works Essay, Research Paper Epic Works Epics by definition are long narrative poems, that are grand in both theme and style (Webster 417). They usually involve actions of great glory and are
PARADISE LOST Essay Research Paper THE PURPOSE
PARADISE LOST Essay, Research Paper THE PURPOSE OF CLASSICAL TRAGEDY IS TO AROUSE PITY AND FEAR AND THUS TO PRODUSE IN THE AUDIENCE A CATHARSIS {PROPER PURGATION} OF THESE EMOTIONS THAT HE AS A SPECTATOR OWNS. THE AUDIENCE SENSE OF PITY TOWARDS THE HERO OCCURS BECAUSE THE HERO THROUGH HIS TRAGIC FLAW {HAMARTIA} BECOMES A TRAGIC BUT REMAINS A NOBLE FIGURE.