Essay - Classical Literary Patterns Observed in Milton's 'Paradise Lost' in His...

Classical Literary Patterns Observed in Milton's "Paradise Lost"

In his epic, "Paradise Lost," John Milton employs several classical patterns only to transcend their pagan subject matter. With the tradition of ancient epics, Milton's poem includes the ***** structure and style seen in classical epics. Furthermore, "Paradise Lost" ********** characters that possess supernatural abilities ***** are involved on a journey *****nd also engage in battle. These ********** are driven by the theme of good versus evil, with heroic characters on both sides. Milton also mirrors ancient epic poems ***** ***** immense settings and descriptions. While these techniques are similar to the *****s ***** literary giants as Homer ***** Virgil, ***** adds his own Christian theme to "***** Lost," surpassing their ***** topics.

***** employs the classical literary themes of structure and ***** that is often seen in epic tale. "Paradise Lost" is written ***** blank verse and it is ***** in a gr***** style in which the plot is driven by the action of the characters. In addition, this action is ***** related to the *****me of a heroic journey. ***** the ancient epics focus on a particular quest of the hero, Milton gives ***** journey ***** "Paradise Lost" a Christian spin. For example, Jesus appears heroic when he sacrifices his ***** life for mankind while "all the Heavenly Quire stood mute" (Milton III.217). He is courageous and therefore a hero for volunteering to do something no one else wants to do.

Ancient epics also ***** on battles and conquests. ***** depicts several battles in ***** epic that transcend typical matters by focus*****g on spiritual themes. Satan's attempt to overthrow God is one such battle. The ***** between good and evil cannot be overlooked when exploring ***** aspect of the *****. Satan id a powerful and, up ***** a point, ********** effective leader. ***** is a determined character with a m*****sion of his own. He possesses a charm and charisma that takes him a long way in his endeavors. Moreover, he convinces angels to follow him by giving passionate speeches. ***** instance, he tells the angels:

***** thy new possessor, ***** who brings mind not to ***** changed ***** place or time.

***** mind is its own place, ***** in itself

Can make a ********** out of Hell, a Hell out of Heaven. (I.252-5)

While many critics argue over whe*****r ***** ***** Satan ***** the most ***** character, Milton spends a *****e*****t deal of "Paradise *****" describing ***** and his qualities. ***** this way, he is essentially setting t***** sa*****anic hero up for a fall.

Milton ***** includes good ***** evil angels in "***** Lost." These supernatural characters resemble the roles of gods and goddesses ***** earlier epics. These characters are complex and they emphasize Milton's Christian theme. For example, the Abdiel leaves Satan ***** he can***** convince him ***** attempting to ********** *****. We are told that he

From amidst *****m forth ***** passed,

Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained

Superior, nor of violence feared aught;

And *****