Paradise Lost Book I as a Classical Epic | John Milton
Q. Discuss Paradise Lost Book I as a classical epic.
Answer: John Milton's great poetic work Paradise
Lost is a famous epic of English literature. Paradise Lost is not only a great
epic, but it is also an excellent example of English Epic Poetry, Biblical
Epic, and Milton's Epic Style.
The first part of this epic
poetry, i.e. Book I, contains an impressive description of the fall of Satan,
the scene of hell, and the power of God, which connects this poem to the
Classical Epic Tradition, Epic Conventions, and Heroic Poetry. Its first part, i.e. Book I, is the foundation
of the entire epic. This book exhibits all the qualities that a classical epic
should have. Therefore Paradise Lost (Book I) is considered a Classical Epic.
The main theme of this poem
is the fall of man, which happened due to the sin of Adam and Eve. Book I
specifically describes Satan's fall from heaven and his descent into hell. This
topic is very vast and serious and is not limited to just one person, but is
linked to the fate of the entire human race. Such broad subject matter is a key
feature of Classical Epic.
According to the tradition
of Classical Epic, the poet begins his composition by invoking some goddess or
divine power. Milton also follows the same tradition in Book I of Paradise
Lost. He invokes the Heavenly Muse and asks for inspiration from God so that
he may correctly represent the truth and higher purpose. This invocation is
linked to the tradition of classical poets like Homer and Virgil and hence
Paradise Lost gets the status of Classical Epic.
Another important feature of
Book I is that it begins in the style In Medias Res. The story starts not from
the beginning, but from the middle. The reader sees Satan lying straight in
hell, defeated in the battle of heaven. The war in heaven and the events
related to it are described later. This technique is also a well-known
tradition of Classical Epic.
Classical epic has a great
and powerful hero. In Book I, Satan is presented as an extremely powerful and
courageous character. He does not accept defeat and gives hope and courage to
his comrades. Although he is morally wrong, his personality still impresses the
readers. His confidence and leadership abilities give him the character of an
Epic Hero, which suits the characteristics of Classical Epic.
There is also a clear
presence of supernatural forces in Paradise Lost (Book I). It includes divine
characters such as God, angels and Satan. Heaven, hell and the universe are
described in detail. All these elements are hallmarks of the classical epic and
take the composition to a higher level.
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Book I is also a Classical
Epic from the point of view of language and style. Milton has used serious and
grand language in this. He has used Blank Verse, which gives dignity and
seriousness to the composition. The depiction of hell is very impressive and
vivid, which leaves a deep impact on the reader's mind.
Finally, the moral purpose
is also clearly visible in Paradise Lost (Book I). It is not just a story, but
it teaches man that pride, disobedience and sin result in the fall. Thus, in
all respects of subject matter, style, structure, and purpose, Book I of
Paradise Lost is a true Classical Epic.