Literary Patterns in "Paradise Lost"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, in his epic, "Paradise Lost", John Milton employs several classical patterns to transcend the pagan subject matter. It looks at how, as in the tradition of ancient epics, Milton's poem includes the classical structure and style seen in classical epics and how it also includes characters that possess supernatural abilities, are involved on a journey, and also engage in battle.

From the Paper:

"Milton employs the classical literary themes of structure and style that is often seen in epic tale. "Paradise Lost" is written in blank verse and it is written in a grand style in which the plot is driven by the action of the characters. In addition, this action is often related to the theme of a heroic journey. While the ancient epics focus on a particular quest of the hero, Milton gives the journey in "Paradise Lost" a Christian spin. For example, Jesus appears heroic when he sacrifices his own 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."

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