"Paradise Lost"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces the 17th century English poet, John Milton and discusses one of his most famous epic poems, "Paradise Lost". The paper explores Milton's use of Satan as an epic hero, according to the invocation in Book IX. The paper examines how Milton asks for the help of his muse so that he can write his heroic epic before he dies. The paper contends that according to him, she is the one that visits him at night and gives him strength to go on to finish his work.

From the Paper:

"The last figure that would come to one's mind is Satan as the word hero is mentioned. In Paradise Lost, Milton brilliantly presents his idea of an epic hero, as no one has ever before. The Author strips his hero down of all the stereotypes of the usual epic hero and creates his own idea of one. In this particular piece, Milton demonstrates the true characteristics of an epic hero, regardless of his background, behaviour, or what he looks like. Although Satan is bad, he still does have all the traits of an epic hero. One of the major examples of this is when he refuses to accept his defeat, and then becoming prideful. When he is defeated by God and sent to hell, he still remains hopeful and believes that he will rule wherever he is, if not Heaven then Hell. Hell will do just fine for an egocentric epic hero to rule over. Even though he is in Hell, he is content to be the leader of it and the important aspect of this is that he must lead under any circumstances. "

More papers on "Paradise Lost":

• Poem Review # 110148 : "Book 9 of Paradise Lost"
• Analytical Essay # 37106 : "Paradise Lost": An Assessment"
• Comparison Essay # 32576 : "Paradise Lost" and the "Rape of the Lock"
• Essay # 36438 : "Paradise Lost"

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