Paradise Lost, Book-1 | John Milton | Study Guide

Author: John Milton

Year: 1667

Type: Epic poem

Genre: Allegory

Narrator

"Paradise Lost is narrated from a third-person omniscient perspective, with John Milton occasionally revealing himself as the author, as he mentions his blindness in Book 3: 'these eyes, that roll in vain / To find thy piercing ray.' 

Tense

“The story unfolds in the present tense."

About Title

"Paradise Lost tells the story of Adam and Eve being kicked out of Eden for disobeying God and eating fruit from the forbidden tree."

Characters

God: The all-powerful creator of the universe.

Satan: A fallen angel who rebelled against God and led other rebel angels.

Adam: The first man created by God.

Eve: The first woman, created from Adam's rib.

Beelzebub: One of Satan's chief lieutenants.

Summary

"Paradise Lost" is a great epic poem by John Milton. It was written in blank verse in the 17th century. It tells the bible story of the fall from the grace of Adam and Eve. Paradise Lost shows Milton as a Christian Humanist.

In the story, God created Adam and Eve, allowed them to live in Paradise, and warned them against the evils of satan. Satan begins to plot with them. He wanted God to expel Adam and Eve from paradise. God forbade them to eat the forbidden fruit from paradise. But they were forced to eat the plot of Satan. Because of their disobedience, God sent them to earth and they lost paradise.

In essence, "Paradise Lost" tells the story of Satan's rebellion against God and his subsequent expulsion from Heaven, along with other rebel angels. Satan, filled with pride and envy, seeks revenge against God by corrupting God's newest creation, humans. He tempts Eve to eat from the forbidden tree, leading to the Fall of Man and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The poem explores the consequences of disobedience and the hope for redemption.

Symbols

The Garden of Eden: Represents innocence, purity, and the perfect state of humanity before the Fall.

The Tree of Knowledge: Symbolizes the temptation and the choice between obedience and disobedience.

Satan's Transformation: Represents the corrupting influence of pride and envy.

Chaos: Symbolizes disorder and the absence of God's presence.

Themes

The Fall of Man: Focuses on the consequences of disobedience and the loss of innocence.

Free Will: Explores the idea of humans having the freedom to choose between good and evil.

Redemption: Offers hope for redemption through repentance and God's mercy.

The Nature of Evil: Examines the origins and manifestations of evil, particularly through pride and rebellion.

In essence, "Paradise Lost" is a complex epic poem that delves into theological themes and the nature of humanity's relationship with God, using symbolic characters and events to convey its message.