Q. WHAT QUALITIES OF AN EPIC DO YOU FIND IN ‘PARADISE LOST’?

Q. “PARADISE LOST IS THE MATUREST OF ALL EPICS, WHAT IS YOUR

OBSERVATION?
Q. EPIC IN ENGLAND BEGINS AND ENDS WITH “PARADISE LOST” COMMENT.
Paradise Lost is one of the finest examples of epic tradition in all of literature. Paradise Lost is
an epic poem in blank verse [Unrhymed verse] by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. It
was originally published in 1667 (though written nearly ten years earlier) in ten books, with a
total of over ten thousand individual lines of verse. A second edition followed in 1674, re-
divided into twelve books with minor revisions throughout and a note on the versification; the
majority of the poem was written while Milton was blind, and was recorded for him.
Like the classical epic writers, Milton succeeds in lending “Paradise Lost” with perfect unity of
plot. Everything flows from it. The plucking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the war
between God & Satan, followed by the fall of Satan, Long descriptions of hell and heaven and
temptation scene all these events are closely woven and seem a single and a united action. As a
masterly person, Milton plunges into the middle of the story, instead of beginning, but in the
middle, he traces the earlier story and forwards the story to a striking end. During this Milton,
still is following a rule of epic writing.
In the course of the events Milton convincingly shows the complete powerlessness,
helplessness and immorality of evil beside the almighty, beauty and kindness of God. Evil never
succeeds; it never does under any circumstances. Milton shows this in the defeat of Satan:
“so stretched out huge in length the Arch-fiend lay,Chain’d on the burning lake; nor ever
thence Had ris’n, or heav’d his head, but that the will And high permission of all-ruling
heaven, Left him at large to his own dark designs.”
War like speeches is another feature of epics. Through these speeches, the poet actually
explains the background and the scenery, the characters themselves speak fully explaining their
thoughts, feelings and motives. Milton once again seems at the top, while presenting the war
like speeches of Satan, who comes forth as a big leader with all heroic qualities inspiring all the
readers. In Book-I Satan has been represented in heroic proportion. He displays unyielding
courage and intelligence as leader. From the very first speech, he appears to be a great speaker
with shows leadership qualities.
“What though the field be lost, all is not lost, The unconquered will ……… immortal hate”
He like a great leader arranges a council and gives them the urge to wage another war against
The Supreme master. Thorough analysis of their defeat is done to formulate new strategy. He
like a great leader praises his fellows and gives them boost by calling them Princes, The Knights
and the Warriors. He also pinches them by his words.
“Wake up or be fallen forever”
The whip of words works and all of the fallen shrubs rise and whole dark hell resounds with
their slogans and flashes with blazing swords and shields as Milton describes the scene in these
lines,
“Highly they raged Against the highest, and fierce with grasped arms Clashed on their
soundings shields, the den of war Hurling defiance towards the vault of heaven.”
 The use of similes, metaphors and allusions are another element of epic writing and ‘Paradise
Lost’ is the best blend of this quality. Especially Book-I can aptly be declared as one of the best
example of Milton’s skill in using similes and metaphors.
The classical writers set another tradition i.e. the use of supernatural machinery, which
develops the plot and solves its complications. John Milton’s skill once again exceeds other
poets in exhibiting the superb usage of supernatural machinery in the poem. There are only two
human characters, Adam & Eve, rest of all the characters including God, angles, Satan and
rebellion angels all are supernatural beings. Thus the use of supernatural machinery in this epic
is very convincing.
As paradise Lost primarily deals with supernatural powers and agencies, there is very little
scope for the expression of human sentiments. Adam and Eve are the only two human
characters. Their sentiments both of fears and repentance have, of course, been beautifully and
forcefully delivered. The pain rising from the horrors attending the sense of the divine
displeasure are very justly and powerfully described. But the real greatness of Milton lies in the
fact that he has expressed supernatural powers as human beings and attributed to them human
sentiments. Dr Johnson says that, “The sentiments, as expressive of manners, are appropriated
to characters are, for the later part, unexceptionally fair.”
To conclude it would be very apt to remark that “Paradise Lost” fulfills all the requirements and
the beliefs laid down by the classics and is one of the best epic ever written in English literature.
A critic is justified in giving these remarks;
“There is nothing in English literature, but Paradise Lost”
English literature will remain indebted to Milton for his remarkable and glowing piece of
literature for all the ages. Milton following the classical tradition matches his own purpose i.e.
“justifies the ways of God to men” and has transformed the classical secular epic into a
theological and universal one. He actually has enriched the epic tradition and it is apt to say
that ‘Paradise Lost’ is the best example of the tradition and the individual talent. Therefore, it’s
confirmed that the subject of this epic is more ancient, serious and lofty than any other epic. It
promotes a universal view of man’s life.