Analysis of Paradise Lost

Analysis of Paradise Lost

Analysis of Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost begins with Milton describing what he intends to undertake with his epic: the story of man's first disobedience & "loss of Eden" subjects which have been "unattempted yet in prose". His main objective however is to "justify the ways of God to men".

The poem then shifts to focus on the character of Satan who has just fallen from heaven. The scene opens in a fiery, yet dark, lake of hell. Satan, dazed, seems to be coming to consciousness after his fall & finds himself chained to the lake.

Milton tells us that he is tackling the story told in Genesis of the fall of Adam & the loss of Garden of Eden. With it Milton will also be exploring a cosmic battle between good & evil. Supernatural creatures including Satan & the Judeo Christian God himself, will be mixing with humans and acting & reacting with humanlike feelings & emotions. By demonstrating the nature of the beings who created mankind, Milton is presently his culture's, view on what good & evil mean, what mankind's relationship is with the Absolute, what man's destiny is as an individual & as a species.

The story therefore can be read as a simple narrative, with characters interacting with each other along a plot & various subjects. It also holds theological & religious messages, as well as political & social themes.

Milton's portrait of Satan has fascinated critics since Paradise Lost's publication, leading some in the Romantic period to claim that Satan is, in fact the heroic protagonist of the whole work. Milton's depiction Satan has greatly influenced the devil's image in western art & literature since the book's publication.

In the epic tradition Milton is using poetry to tell his story following most prominently the style of Homer. The work, therefore can also be examined through the lens of poetry with an eye towards rhythm & sound.

Milton portrays Satan as a seemingly powerful & noble character who claims to have been wrongfully mistreated by the almighty. Paradise Lost is a work of enduring charm & value because of its theological conception & its beautiful language.

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