Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost is an epic poem in blank verse by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. The first version, published in 1667, consists of ten books with over ten thousand lines of verse. A second edition followed in 1674, arranged into twelve books (in the manner of Virgil's Aeneid) with minor revisions throughout. It is considered to be Milton's masterpiece, and it helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest English poets of all time.

Plot Summary

Paradise Lost is a retelling of the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins with Satan and his army of fallen angels being cast out of Heaven by God. Satan and his angels travel to Earth to tempt Adam and Eve into sin, and they succeed. Adam and Eve disobey God's command and eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As a result of their sin, they are expelled from the Garden of Eden and are forced to live in a world of sin and suffering.

Themes

Paradise Lost explores a wide range of themes, including:

• The nature of good and evil: The poem explores the origins of good and evil, and it argues that sin is a result of free will.
• The consequences of sin: The poem also explores the consequences of sin, and it shows how sin leads to suffering and death.
• The power of redemption: The poem also offers hope for redemption, and it suggests that even after sin, there is the possibility of forgiveness and salvation.

Significance

Paradise Lost is a complex and challenging work, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. Milton's writing is beautiful and evocative, and his characters are rich and well-developed. The poem is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and it continues to be read and admired by readers around the world.

Key Works

• Paradise Lost (1667)
• Paradise Regained (1671)
• Samson Agonistes (1671)
• Areopagitica (1644)
• The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates (1649)

Quotes

• "The mind is its own place, and it can make of itself a heaven or a hell."
• "He who desires to be free must stand firm against all forms of intellectual tyranny."
• "They who dwell in expectations feed on shadows."
• "Let us therefore be happy in our present lot, and leave the rest to the gods."
• "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."