Paradise Lost by John Milton

Overview:

• Paradise Lost is one of the most significant epics of the Neo-Classical period, written by the renowned English poet John Milton.

• The central theme of the epic is "to justify the ways of God to men."

• It is widely regarded as the greatest epic in the English language.

• First published in 1667, the epic consists of twelve books.

• It is written in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter).

Notable Quotations from Paradise Lost:

• “Of Man’s First Disobedience, and the Fruit
  Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal taste
  Brought Death into the World, and all our woe.” (Opening line)

• “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.”

• “Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.”

• “Solitude sometimes is the best society.”

• “Awake, arise, or be forever fallen.”

Major Characters in the Epic:

• Adam

• Eve

• Satan

• Beelzebub

• Raphael

• Michael

• Mammon

• Belial

• Gabriel

About John Milton (1608–1674):

• Born in London, England, in 1608.

• A renowned English poet, pamphleteer, and historian.

• Considered the most important English writer after William Shakespeare.

• Although primarily celebrated as a poet, he also wrote notable political prose.

• Known as "the Epic Poet" and "a great master of blank verse."

Notable Works of John Milton:

• Paradise Lost (Epic)

• Paradise Regained (Epic)

• Samson Agonistes

• Lycidas (Elegy)

• Comus (Masque – a form of dramatic poetry)

• On Shakespeare (First published poem)

• L’Allegro

• Il Penseroso

• Of Education (Prose)

• Areopagitica (A famous prose defending freedom of speech)

Source: Live MCQ Lecture and Britannica