Download “Paradise Lost” (1667)

“Paradise Lost” (1667)
by John Milton
• Study Questions
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Consider “Paradise Lost”. Point out influences and genre.
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“Paradise Lost” is a Christian epic poem. It is Protestant, in accordance with
Milton’s religious beliefs, but it is also full of the spirit of Greek and Roman
literature. He gives classical elements a Christian interpretation according to
the tradition of Northern Humanism. Tasso’s “Gerusalemme Liberata” was
Milton’s model.
“Paradise Lost” was written “to justify the ways of God to men”: explain what
Milton meant by that.
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Milton’s words mean: to explain, to make clear the ways of God in their
justness to men. In other words, he wanted to explain how God is fair, just,
impartial towards men.
What does Milton praise about man and what does he warn against ?
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He praises man’s reason and his free will, but at the same time he shows
man’s weakness and warns against man’s greatest sin, the sin of pride.
Why did the Romantics admire the figure of Satan?
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Milton gives Satan the qualities of a great leader who has lost everything
except his self-confidence. On this he is able to build his new greatness,
even though in hell. This quality was later greatly admired by the Romantics
who saw Satan as the dark solitary hero broken but not annihilated by the
power of a society and a universe so much stronger than him.