Paradise Lost by John Milton s1

Paradise Lost by John Milton

In the opening lines of Paradise Lost, Milton tells of Satan’s rebellion against God and describes how the fallen archangel and his followers, defeated, are cast into a fiery pit. In creating a Satan who is unrepentant, proud, and in his own way heroic, Milton makes a powerful statement about the alluring nature of evil. It would be easy to avoid evil if it were completely repugnant; evil that has admirable qualities is far more insidious and dangerous.

1. Do you believe the last two lines above? Explain why or why not. Can you give an example from a story or movie or personal experience?

2. Define epic:

3. As in all good epics, Milton explains the theme of his entire work in lines 24-26. What is he saying?

4. Considering Milton was Christian, when he refers to “our grand parents” who does he mean and why does he refer to them?

5. Re-read lines 61-69, Milton’s description of hell. Explain in your own words what Milton wants the reader to see.

6. Beginning with line 84, Satan speaks to his comrade, Beelzebub. What is Satan’s tone in this speech?

7. In lines 105-106 Satan asks the question “What though the field be lost?” and answers with, “All is not lost.” Why is Satan so confident (considering where he is)? What is his plan? 8. Beelzebub is less confident in lines 143-155. Paraphrase the question he asks Satan about God.

9. What is Satan’s response to this question?

10. How does he plan to begin? (lines 180- 191)

11. Look carefully at the physical description of Satan starting with line 192. To what is Satan compared? Explain the metaphor.

12. In line 243 Satan acknowledges that he must accept his fate (where he has landed) when he says, “Be it so” (245). In your own words, explain Satan’s acceptance of fate. Why does he consent to be in hell?

13. If Paradise Lost is an epic, then there must be a hero. Who is the hero of this poem? Explain.