"Paradise Lost" is an epic poem by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. It tells
the story of the biblical fall of man, in which Adam and Eve, the first humans,
disobey God and are expelled from the Garden of Eden. The poem begins with Satan's
rebellion against God and his subsequent expulsion from Heaven, and follows Satan's
journey to Earth, where he tempts Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.
Throughout the poem, Milton explores the themes of free will, temptation, and the
nature of evil. He portrays Satan as a tragic figure who is both proud and resentful,
and who seeks to overthrow God out of a sense of envy and ambition. At the same
time, Milton presents Adam and Eve as flawed but sympathetic characters who are
easily led astray by Satan's lies.
The poem is renowned for its use of language, which is ornate and highly poetic. It
also incorporates elements of classical mythology and biblical scripture, as well as
Milton's own political and religious views. "Paradise Lost" is considered one of the
greatest works of English literature and has had a significant impact on Western
culture and literature.
"Paradise Lost" is a 17th-century epic poem written by John Milton, which tells the
story of the Fall of Man, based on the biblical account of Adam and Eve's temptation
by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The poem is divided into
twelve books, with the first two books establishing the background and introducing
the main characters, while the remaining books focus on the events leading up to and
following the Fall.
The poem begins with Satan and his followers being cast out of Heaven and banished
to Hell. Satan, still rebellious and determined to defy God, decides to seek revenge by
corrupting God's newly created Earth and tempting the first human beings, Adam and
Eve, to sin. Satan's journey to Earth is long and perilous, and he encounters several
obstacles along the way, including Sin and Death, who guard the gates of Hell.
Once on Earth, Satan disguises himself as a serpent and tempts Eve to eat the
forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Eve, persuaded by Satan's arguments,
eats the fruit and shares it with Adam, who also eats it. As a result, they become
aware of their nakedness and are filled with shame and guilt. When God discovers
what they have done, He punishes them by expelling them from the Garden of Eden
and imposing a life of toil and suffering on them and their descendants.
The poem's themes include free will, temptation, sin, and redemption, and it raises
questions about the nature of evil, the role of Satan, and the relationship between God
and humanity. Milton's portrayal of Satan is one of the most memorable and
controversial aspects of the poem, as he is depicted as a complex and charismatic
figure who challenges God's authority and inspires both admiration and horror in the
reader.
Critics have praised "Paradise Lost" for its ambitious scope, vivid imagery, and poetic
language, and it is considered one of the greatest works of English literature. However,
the poem has also been the subject of controversy and debate, with some critics
arguing that its portrayal of God and Satan is morally ambiguous and potentially
dangerous, while others have criticized its patriarchal and misogynistic attitudes
towards women.
Overall, "Paradise Lost" is a complex and challenging work that explores timeless
questions about human nature and the human condition. Its influence on subsequent
literature and culture is undeniable, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and
fascination for readers and scholars alike.