Introduction
John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” is a classic Protestant Christian epic that explores theological and philosophical themes within the context of the Christian faith, drawing on various elements of the epic genre. This literary analysis will focus on dissecting Milton’s work into these key elements. In particular, it will explore the presence of a heroic figure, supernatural elements, an elevated style, and an epic conflict as components that help the author achieve his goal.
Heroic Figure
An epic is characterized by having a central heroic figure. This figure typically possesses admirable qualities, such as intelligence, charisma, and determination (Reitz and Finkmann 253). In “Paradise Lost,” this figure is Satan, and although Lucifer is considered an antagonist in the story, he still possesses many qualities that make him an epic hero. He is seen as rebellious and disobedient, as he says: “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav’n” (Milton line 263). He shows a fierce sense of independence and a willingness to fight for his beliefs.
Supernatural Elements
One of the most common components of an epic poem is some divine intervention or supernatural powers. Milton’s poem is built on these themes: in his book, he depicts God, Heaven, Hell, angels, and demons. God is all-powerful, wise, and: “He with his whole posteritie must die, / Die hee or justice must; unless for him / Some other able, and as willing, pay / The rigid satisfaction, death for death” (Milton lines 209-212). Satan’s endeavor is portrayed as futile against God’s almightiness and divine providence.
Elevated Style
Grandiosity is a primary trait of the genre, which is even more prominent in Christian epics. Milton employs blank verse, adhering to a strict iambic pentameter, which lends the poem a majestic sound (Reitz and Finkmann 302). The imagery he uses emphasizes the themes of sin and redemption: “Of Mans First Disobedience, and the Fruit / Of that Forbidden Tree whose mortal taste / Brought Death into the World, and all our woe” (Milton lines 1-2). The poem starts with these lines, setting the tone for the rest of the story.
Epic Conflict
In epics, the plot is built around an inevitable conflict. In Milton’s piece, the conflict centers on the Fall of Man, underscoring the Protestant belief in humanity’s fallen nature. Milton highlights the need for redemption through faith in Christ: “And I will place within them as a guide / My Umpire, Conscience; whom if they will hear, / Light after light, well used, they shall attain, / And to the end persisting, safe arrive” (lines 194-197). The characters face spiritual and moral struggles as a part of this conflict. Angels contemplate the questions of loyalty, while Adam and Eve have to face the consequences of their disobedience.
Conclusion
The elements of epic used by Milton in his literary piece create a Protestant image that the writer was trying to achieve. He uses Satan as a heroic figure who, despite his determination, fails to oppose God. The supernatural elements in the poem depict the world as it is seen in Protestantism. The grandiose style complies with both the characteristics of epics and of Christian literary pieces. Finally, the conflict at the basis of the poem is the fundamental conflict of original sin, which influences all the minor conflicts.
Works Cited
Milton, John. “Paradise Lost.” Global Language Resources, Inc, 2001.
Reitz, Christiane and Simone Finkmann, editors. Structures of Epic Poetry: Vol. I: Foundations. Vol. II.1/II.2: Configuration. Vol. III: Continuity. De Gruyter, 2019.