Intro 1:

John Milton lived most of his life in politically turbulent times dealing with the complexity of
republicanism and the monarchy. His greatest work, Paradise Lost, can be seen as a
re ection of Milton’s concerns about the abuse of power, corrupting in uence of tyranny,
and the struggle for liberty. The poem also engages with theological concepts, themes of
human free will, the fall of humanity, and the redemptive power of God’s mercy. Milton’s
epic constantly echoes and invokes classical parallels through direct allusions or subtle
suggestions as he uses Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid as background for
his work.

Intro 2:
John Milton lived during the English Civil War and the subsequent politically turbulent
period, which saw the temporary abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a
republican government known as the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell's leadership.
Paradise Lost, written after the fall of the Commonwealth and the restoration of the
monarchy, carries political undertones re ective of Milton's republican ideals. The poem
explores themes of liberty, rebellion, and the consequences of power and tyranny.
Paradise Lost also delves into theological concepts of obedience, divine providence, and
the nature of evil. As a Christian poem in classical epic form, Paradise Lost re ects the
humanist fusion of Christian with classical learning.

Characters:
• Satan
• Beelzebub
• God
• Fallen Angels

Events/Phrases:
• Military metaphor/ bee metaphor
• Construction of pandemonium // tower of babel
• Satan’s speeches
• Classical vs Pagan
• Contrasting binaries (heaven-hell, light-darkness, god-satan)

Themes:
• Rebellion and De ance
• Free will and determinism
• The nature of evil
• The fall of humankind
• Divine justice and mercy
• The power of language and rhetoric
• The loss of innocence
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• Epic simile

Critic Notes:
• Stanley Fish suggests that Milton attempts to ‘tempt’ the reader as Satan tempted Eve
and it becomes the moral and religious duty of the reader to overcome this temptation.
- The reader who falls before the lures of Satanic rhetoric displays [...] the
weakness of Adam and ... [fails] to avoid repeating [Adam's] fall. (Fish, 38)
• The statement "Milton was of the devil's party without knowing it" is a quote attributed
to William Blake, suggesting that John Milton unintentionally sympathised with Satan
while writing "Paradise Lost."

Satan:
• Satan is the protagonist and anti-hero of Book I of Paradise Lost.
- Heated debated on who is the hero of this epic
• Satan is introduced to the readers at his lowest. Rather than beginning his narrative
with Lucifer,
• Milton presents Satan as a complex character. While wishing to be the antagonist to
God’s plans and missions, he serves the very function designed by God.
- For instance, Satan follows the Christian doctrine of ‘do not despair’, not once;
even in his fallen state does he ever despair and give in to his suffering and
submitting. In doing so, he never strays from the precepts set by God, his folly
being his inability to recognise the source of his power and resilience.
• A complex character; one hand Milton delves into Satan as a tragic hero who
overcomes his own struggles, on the other, he is the primary example of corrupted
power and the perils of ambition and pride
• His fall is paralleled in the later books to the Fall of Adam and Eve as well as all of
mankind who are then redeemed by Christ, the “one greater Man”.
• Milton perhaps turns him into a tragic, fallen hero so that the readers can sympathise
with him and in doing so; realise the seductive nature of evil.
• His hamartia (tragic aw of the hero of an Epic) is his excessive pride.
• Milton portrays Satan as an orator par excellence, the master of rhetoric.
• However, Satan's pursuit of knowledge is awed in its foundation. While knowledge
itself is not inherently negative, Satan's approach is driven by pride, rebellion, and a
lack of ethical consideration.

• One interpretation bases Satan as the villain, the anti-thesis of Adam & Eve on the
basis of theological theme
• Second interpretation, brought forward most prominently by William Blake, interprets
Satan as the hero of the poem, rebelling against the anarchy of a tyrannical ruler.
• Here, I would like argue that even if satan believes God to be a tyrannical ruler and
rebels against him because of that, he doesn’t propose an alternative to this tyranny. If
he achieves what he wants, which is to rise above god, he will become that tyrannical
ruler himself and the anarchy wouldn’t be solved.
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 • Throughout Book I, Satan experiences internal con icts. He feels both rage and
anguish, torn between his desire for revenge against God and his awareness of the
futility of his rebellion.
• These con icts showcase the depth and complexity of his character, highlighting his
capacity for introspection and emotional turmoil.

• Satan follows the template of a tragic hero up until the part where the hero is supposed
to realise their misjudgement because of their tragic aw and try to right that wrong.
Satan, deceives himself into justifying whatever he has done is right and builds upon
that.

Satan’s speeches:
• He uses persuasive rhetoric and appeals to the pride and ambition of his fellow fallen
angels.
• The rst speech speech showcases Satan's ability to inspire and rally his followers,
portraying him as a charismatic leader capable of instilling hope and determination.
• It is a mark of Satan’s eloquence that he makes a ceaseless war with impossible odds
seem like their only option (satan’s rst speech)

• Infuse a sense of courage in his commanders after their defeat, overcon dence in his
schemes masks their futile nature because in no way will they help in gaining back
what has been lost. (Satan’d second speech)
• When satan argues that it is better to rule hell than serve in heaven, He manipulates
the concept of freedom, claiming that submission to God is akin to slavery.
- This speech demonstrates Satan's skill in twisting philosophical ideas and his
capacity to distort truth to serve his own ends.
- It reveals his talent for persuasive rhetoric and his ability to exploit the
vulnerabilities and desires of his audience.
• He emphasises their collective strength and encourages them to unite and nd solace
in their shared suffering.
• Satan's address showcases his leadership qualities as he seeks to restore hope,
inspire loyalty, and maintain the unity of his followers.
• While he displays impressive oratory skills, his rhetoric is built on falsehoods and
distorted arguments. He deceives and manipulates, exploiting the vulnerabilities of his
audience for his own sel sh purposes.
• Satan paints a vivid contrast between Heaven and Hell. He describes Heaven as a
place of servitude, where obedience and subservience are expected, while Hell
represents a realm of freedom, choice, and self-determination.
• Satan manipulates the fallen angels' perception of these realms to make Hell seem
preferable, playing on their discontent and desire for autonomy.
• He uses vivid and evocative imagery to evoke emotional responses, such as
describing the " ery gulf" and the "burning lake" in Hell.
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 - These images create a sense of awe and grandeur, making Hell appear more
appealing than Heaven.

• Satan's soliloquy reveals his complex inner thoughts and motivations. He expresses his
anger and resentment towards God, admitting that he would rather reign in Hell than
submit to Him.
• This introspective speech highlights Satan's internal con ict and portrays him as a
deeply awed character driven by pride, ambition, and a desire for revenge.
• (Third speech) “Farthest from him is best” marks not only physical alienation but also
the moral distance between himself and God.
• Milton suffuses Satan’s speech with irony. Milton draws the readers’ attention to how
Satan’s speech is “full of ringing phrases expressed with a deliberate sonority”, laying
bare the rhetoric.
• This soliloquy sheds light on Satan's twisted sense of justice and his belief that causing
pain and destruction can somehow balance the scales.
• As Satan rationalises his rebellion, he displays a degree of self-deception and delusion.
He convinces himself that his cause is noble and that he is championing the rights of
the oppressed.

Beelzebub:
• He is the rst to interact with Satan and listen to his plans.
• Beelzebub serves as Satan’s most reliable ally and his second-in-command.
• While Satan is proud and boisterous, Beelzebub reasons Satan with rationality and a
realistic survey of their situation.
• He brings to light their dire circumstances and does not shy away from admitting that
God indeed is all-powerful (almighty)
• He offers rational explanations for the situation the angels are in and does not coax the
other angels with false promises of going back to their pre-fallen glory.
• Satan rejoices at the immortality of the rebel angels, and hopes that they will thus be
able to vex god through eternity Beelzebub at once points out that the immortality of
the rebel angels also means eternal torture for them.
• Satan declares that the fallen angels will always be doing evil, thus vexing god.
Beelzebub shrewdly observes that their very opposition may be turned by god into the
furtherance of his own glory.
• He openly accepts the superiority of God’s forces over the angels and devises that only
through trickery and deceit can they win
• While Satan belittles their Fall using bold metaphors of bravery, Beelzebub instead
accepts the great and eternal misfortune that has befallen them.
• While Beelzebub is a prominent character, he serves primarily as a secondary gure in
relation to Satan. His actions and dialogue mainly revolve around supporting and
amplifying Satan's intentions.
• Beelzebub's role is to enhance Satan's leadership and contribute to the overall
narrative of rebellion and its consequences.
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• Beelzebub's rst speech proves that he knows better than to oppose directly his leader
and thwart his will.
• He suggests exploring new realms and nding a new empire, stating, "What if Earth be
but the shadow of Heaven, / And things therein each to the other like / More than on
Earth is thought?" (Lines 86-88).
- This shows his ability to consider alternative possibilities and formulate strategic
plans.
• He states, "Awake, arise, or be forever fallen!" (Line 99), appealing to their sense of
pride and encouraging them to take action. Beelzebub's persuasive skills highlight his
ability to in uence and inspire others.
• While he lacks the depth of internal con icts seen in Satan, Beelzebub exhibits loyalty,
respect, and unwavering dedication to their shared goal.
• While Beelzebub lacks Satan's magnetic personality, his strategic thinking and counsel
contribute to the rebellion's overall direction.

Hell and pandemonium

• The Hellish re does not illuminate like the ordinary res but instead spreads further
darkness and hence, only “darkness [is] visible”
- indicating the doomed fate of its inhabitants who have forsaken the light of
goodness and of Heaven.
• There is no sense of stability as the dry land is composed of solid re and the lake is
composed of liquid re, making it dif cult for the angels to walk.
• Serves to emphasise the consequences of sin and rebellion
• However, Hell is not merely a physical place but also a state of mind. The fallen angels
carry their inner turmoil and guilt with them, exacerbating their torment.
- Satan's ultimate torment lies in his eternal regret for his actions. Despite his
rebellious nature and continued de ance, he carries the weight of his guilt and the
awareness of his tragic fall. His regret becomes a perpetual source of suffering,
as he cannot escape the consequences of his decisions and the knowledge of
what he has lost.
• Hell serves as a stark contrast to the beauty and harmony of Heaven, highlighting the
stark divide between good and evil, righteousness and corruption.

• Hell contains lakes and hills and precious metals using which the capital of Hell –
Pandemonium is built.
• Latin meaning of the word Pandemonium is ‘belonging to demons/ evil spirits’ while the
contemporary usage identi es it as a situation of wild uproar and confusion
• The Pandemonium marks the moral degeneration into materialistic baseness of the
devils from the army of Satan to the buzzing bees.
• Pandemonium represents Milton’s attitude towards greed and wealth acquisition.
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 - The fallen angels construct it with extravagant materials, showcasing their desire
for worldly possessions and opulence.
- This depiction highlights Milton's critical view of the excessive pursuit of material
wealth, which he associates with the fallen angels' corruption and their deviation
from spiritual values.
- While Heaven is described as a realm of spiritual and divine perfection,
Pandemonium represents a twisted imitation. The fallen angels' greed and their
attempts to replicate the heavenly splendour re ect Milton's belief that the pursuit
of material wealth can never truly achieve the spiritual purity and ful lment found
in the divine realm.
- The construction of Pandemonium reveals Milton's critique of the misplaced
priorities and false values associated with greed.
- Their greed becomes a manifestation of their misguided desires, leading them
further away from genuine ful lment and spiritual enlightenment.
• Pandemonium serves as a space that functions as a parliament in a faux-democracy of
the fallen angels which parodies the religious and political climate of Milton’s time.
- As a Protestant, Milton was dissatis ed with the corruption and greed of the
Catholic Church as well as the political leaders whom he parodies.
- This equality is deceptive since Satan, as the leader and dominant gure, holds
signi cant sway over the proceedings. The true power dynamics within the council
undermine the notion of genuine democratic participation.
- Although the council ostensibly allows for discussions and deliberations, the
scope of decision-making is restricted. The key decisions and strategies are
ultimately determined by Satan
- In a true democracy, leaders are held accountable for their actions and decisions.
However, the council of fallen angels lacks mechanisms for holding Satan
accountable. His leadership is unquestioned, and there are no checks and
balances to ensure transparency or prevent abuses of power.
- Rather than prioritising the collective welfare or the common good, the
discussions within the council of fallen angels primarily revolve around individual
self-interest and personal ambitions.
- However, in the council of fallen angels, dissent is discouraged or silenced. Those
who express doubts or reservations about Satan's plans are portrayed as weak or
disloyal, creating an atmosphere where alternative perspectives are suppressed.

• In the biblical story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), humanity unites to build a
tower that reaches the heavens as an act of rebellion against God. Their intention is to
make a name for themselves and avoid being scattered across the earth.
- However, God disrupts their plans by confounding their language, causing
confusion and the dispersal of people across the world.
• The connection between the Tower of Babel and Pandemonium lies in their shared
themes of pride and the consequences of challenging divine authority.
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 -Both stories depict the limits of human power and the futility of defying the divine
order. In both cases, the consequences of pride and rebellion lead to confusion,
fragmentation, and a loss of unity.
• By alluding to the Tower of Babel in the construction of Pandemonium, Milton
emphasiSes the cyclical nature of human ambition and the recurrent themes of pride
and de ance in human history.
- It serves as a cautionary reminder of the perils of challenging divine authority and
the ultimate futility of seeking power and greatness outside the bounds set by
God.

Mammon:
• Mammon is depicted as a fallen angel in "Paradise Lost" Book 1, embodying the vice of
greed and materialism.
• Mammon's character represents the allure and dangers of greed, highlighting the
corrupting in uence of wealth and the misplaced priorities it entails.
• Mammon's preoccupation with material wealth serves as a contrast to the spiritual
values and heavenly treasures he has forsaken.
• Milton portrays Mammon as a gure who urges the fallen angels to accept their current
state and nd contentment in the riches of Hell rather than seeking to challenge God's
authority.
• Mammon's argument promotes complacency and a focus on worldly gains,
undermining the spiritual ideals and values that Milton promotes throughout the poem.
• Through Mammon, Milton cautions against the allure of wealth and the corrupting
in uence it can have on individuals, diverting their attention from higher virtues and
spiritual ful lment.

Moloch:
• Moloch serves as a representation of the destructive and combative aspects of the
fallen angels' rebellion. His name is derived from the ancient Semitic god associated
with child sacri ce, emphasising his connection to violence and brutality.

Politics:
• Milton explores the concepts of individual freedom and responsibility in Book 1. The
fallen angels, despite their rebellion, are held accountable for their actions and face
dire consequences.
- This highlights the importance of personal agency and the need for individuals to
make informed choices while understanding the potential repercussions of their
decisions.
• Through the contrast between Heaven and Hell, Milton highlights the signi cance of
virtuous governance. Heaven represents an idealised realm of harmony, where divine
order and justice prevail.
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• In contrast, Hell showcases the consequences of rebellion and the absence of
righteous governance. Milton's portrayal underscores the need for leaders to embody
moral values and govern with wisdom and justice.
• Milton suggests that the faux democracy in Pandemonium mirrors the corruption and
manipulation prevalent within the Catholic Church of his time. Just as the fallen angels
gather in council, but their decisions are ultimately controlled by Satan, Milton critiques
the hierarchical structure of the Church, where power and authority are concentrated in
the hands of a few individuals who manipulate the system for their own bene t.
• The absence of genuine dialogue and the sti ing of critical thought within the fallen
angels' council serves as a metaphor for the Church's intolerance of divergent
perspectives.
• The hierarchical structure of the Church often shielded its leaders from scrutiny and
criticism, allowing for abuses of power and a lack of transparency.
• Milton criticises the Catholic Church for its emphasis on material wealth and
accumulation of power rather than the spiritual teachings of humility, compassion, and
service to others. The pursuit of worldly possessions and political in uence within the
Church is seen as a betrayal of its true purpose.
• Milton suggests that the Church's hierarchy, rather than embodying the teachings of
Christ, has been tainted by human ambition, leading to a distortion of its original
principles.

Reformation and renaissance:

• While he lived during the time of the English Reformation, his works exhibit the
characteristics and intellectual ideals of the Renaissance period.
• Milton's literary style, subject matter, and philosophical outlook align more closely with
the broader Renaissance movement rather than speci cally focusing on the religious
and theological concerns of the Reformation.
• His works draw heavily from classical literature and employ a sophisticated and
eloquent writing style in uenced by the humanist tradition of the Renaissance.
• Moreover, Milton's exploration of humanism, individualism (individual agency) and the
pursuit of knowledge aligns with Renaissance values
• While Milton's religious beliefs were shaped by the religious and political context of his
time, his literary achievements, including "Paradise Lost," "Paradise Regained," and his
various political and philosophical treatises, place him rmly within the tradition of
Renaissance writers.

• Milton, as a poet of the Reformation, highlights the importance of individual

interpretation of religious texts
• Through the character of Satan, who questions divine authority, Milton challenges the
traditional interpretations of religious doctrine, aligning with the spirit of the Reformation
that promoted personal engagement with scripture.
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 • Milton’s criticism of the catholic church aligns with the protestant rejection of the papal
hierarchy and the call for a more direct relationship between individuals and God
• By drawing extensively from the Bible, he reinforces the concept of sola scriptura, the
belief that Scripture alone should guide religious beliefs and practices, rather than the
teachings of the Church or other authorities.

• The Renaissance was characterised by a revival of classical literature and ideas.

Milton's engagement with classical epics, such as Virgil's "Aeneid" and Homer's "Iliad"
and "Odyssey," is evident in the structure, language, and thematic elements of
"Paradise Lost.”
- Milton's poetic language and eloquence exemplify the Renaissance focus on
re ned literary expression. His intricate use of imagery, vivid descriptions, and
complex metaphors showcase his mastery of language.
• The Renaissance was an era marked by a thirst for knowledge and the pursuit of
wisdom. In Book 1, Milton delves into profound theological, philosophical, and moral
questions. He engages with complex ideas surrounding the nature of God, the origin of
evil, and the purpose of human existence.
• Milton places great importance on the renaissance values of individual's ability to
reason, question, and exercise free will. Satan's rebellion against God, driven by his
desire for personal agency, mirrors the Renaissance focus on the potential and
autonomy of the individual.
• Milton skilfully blends Christian theology and classical mythology in "Paradise Lost." He
incorporates biblical narratives and imagery while drawing on the rich tapestry of
classical mythology to enhance his storytelling.
- This fusion of Christian and classical traditions re ects the Renaissance
fascination with synthesising different intellectual and artistic traditions to create
new and innovative works.

Epic simile:
• Epic simile refers to detailed comparisons that are built up over a large course of the
text throughout several lines
• These are used to add richness to the narrative but more importantly, to transpose
loftier ideas into familiar and acceptable notions.
• Milton was more concerned with the intellectual function of the simile rather than its
aesthetic function
- seek to help the readers understand the abstract concepts in the form of concrete
images.
- the various comparisons of Satan to an enormous sea beast
- the fallen angels to a swarm of bees
- the description of Satan’s shield to the moon as seen through Galileo’s
astronomical glass
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• Doing so is an important aspect of the narrator (and by extension Milton’s) task of
justifying the ways of God to men as well as Milton’s project of creating a Biblical epic
of the scale of the classical epics such as The Iliad and The Odyssey.
• while Milton’s use of epic similes present decorative, poetic imagery, they are also
suffused with deeper meaning of classical scholarship and serve the larger purpose of
providing the reader with a means to make the grand events of cosmic proportion more
relatable.
• Interestingly, Homer, who is credited with the conception of the epic simile, also uses
the ‘bee simile’ in his epic, The Iliad
- The buzzing bees present the image of a lthy, undifferentiated swarm lacking
individuality as well as a reduction in their stature just like the reduction in their
size, in the mind of the reader.
- At the same time, they represent a certain kind of wildness and chaos which the
fallen angels seek to bring to the world of mankind
- Bees are a part of the natural order and contribute to the cycle of life through their
pollination and honey production. By employing the bee simile, Milton subtly
suggests that even Satan, as a fallen angel, retains a role within the divine plan
and the overall order of creation. This allusion re ects the broader theme of God's
sovereignty and the intricate interplay of good and evil in the world.
- Both Homer and Milton utilise the bee simile to convey a dual nature. In Homer's
epics, the bee's ability to both produce honey and in ict pain with its stinger
suggests the paradoxical nature of war and its consequences. Similarly, Milton's
bee simile for Satan represents the duality of his character, as he exhibits charm
and charisma while also embodying malevolence and deceit.
- By incorporating the bee simile, drawing on the tradition established by Homer,
Milton establishes intertextuality and enriches the thematic resonance of his own
work.
• Homeric similes in "Paradise Lost" provide vivid and imaginative comparisons that
enhance the reader's visual experience.
• The use of Homeric similes lends an epic grandeur to the poem, connecting "Paradise
Lost" to the illustrious tradition of classical epics like Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey."
- By incorporating these similes, Milton aligns his work with the heroic scope and
language of the ancient epics, elevating the stature of his own epic poem.
• The use of Homeric similes creates intertextual connections between "Paradise Lost"
and the works of Homer. These connections establish a dialogue with the classical
tradition and showcase Milton's admiration for and engagement with ancient Greek
literature.
• Epic conventions
- Invocation of the muse
- The epic hero
- Elevated language
- Epic catalogue
- Divine intervention
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 - Descent to the underworld

Biblical vs pagan/classical:
• Milton provides various allusions to the Biblical as well as Classical myths.
• At the same time, Milton makes several allusions to Greek and Roman (classical)
myths.
- Often, His purpose is to denounce these myths by comparing them to the Biblical
myths which he presents as the origin or source of all the other tales.
- he compares Satan to Tiresias and Phineus, gures from Greek mythology known
for their prophetic abilities.
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• To that effect, he often presents the Pagan deities as falsehoods and fake gods as well
as the classical myths as debased replicas of the original, Christian myths.
- Hephaestus’ fall from Olympus is presented by Milton as a debased form of the
fall of Mulciber, the angel due to his rebellion against Heaven.
- he brings together all such deities worshipped across various mythologies and
integrates them into his narrative as the fallen angels leading mankind astray into
degradation.
• ]The Christian worldview, represented by God, Heaven, and the angels, stands in
opposition to the rebellious and pagan perspective embodied by Satan and the fallen
angels.
• Milton emphasises the dichotomy between good and evil, righteousness and
corruption, aligning the Christian worldview with divine truth and the Classical/Pagan
worldview with rebellion and falsehood.
• He employs classical rhetorical devices and elevated language reminiscent of classical
epics, while simultaneously infusing Christian themes and values into the narrative.
• Satan exhibits characteristics associated with both pagan gods and fallen angels,
drawing on the epic traditions of classical literature.
- While Satan possesses heroic qualities and displays rhetorical prowess, he is
ultimately portrayed as a deceptive and malevolent gure, contrasting with the
Christian ideals of humility and divine obedience.
• Milton weaves elements of pagan rebellion, such as the Titans' revolt against Zeus, into
the narrative to underscore the parallel between pagan and Christian rebellions.
• This invocation draws on the pagan concept of divine inspiration and aligns with the
classical practice of seeking aid from the Muses. By incorporating this pagan element,
Milton acknowledges the broader literary and cultural tradition of the epic genre.
- Instead of invoking a speci c Muse associated with a particular art or domain, he
calls upon the "Heavenly Muse" in a more Christianised form.
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• Milton's treatment of classical/pagan traditions suggests a hierarchical distinction where
Christian traditions are placed on a higher pedestal than their classical counterparts.
• Milton's portrayal emphasises the divine authority of Christianity, contrasts the fallen
nature of pagan gures with the obedient angels, introduces the theme of redemption
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 unique to Christian theology, and adapts pagan literary traditions to a Christian
framework.

• Mulciber plays a signi cant role in the construction of Pandemonium, the capital of Hell.
Mulciber's expertise in building and crafting is highlighted, showcasing his ability to
shape and create within the infernal realm.
- Hephaestus is the god of re, blacksmithing, and craftsmanship.
- In "Paradise Lost," Mulciber's association with the fallen angels and his
involvement in constructing Pandemonium signi es his role within the context of
the Christian narrative of rebellion and damnation.
- While Hephaestus and Vulcan are revered and considered important gures in
Greek and Roman mythology, Mulciber's portrayal in "Paradise Lost" aligns him
with the fallen angels and their doomed fate.

Allusions:
• The fall of Satan and the rebellious angels: Alludes to the biblical account of Lucifer's
rebellion against God
• The expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden: Draws from the biblical story
of the Fall of Man in Genesis

• References to Greek and Roman mythology: Milton incorporates various allusions to

classical gures and mythological elements. For example, Satan is compared to
Tiresias and Phineus, both renowned seers in Greek mythology.
• The Titans: Draws upon the Titans from Greek mythology, who rebelled against Zeus
and were subsequently defeated and imprisoned. This allusion emphasises the theme
of rebellion and the consequences of challenging divine authority.

• Allusions to epic poetry: Milton's invocation of the Muse and the epic conventions
employed throughout the poem echo the traditions of classical epics, particularly the
works of Homer and Virgil.
• References to Renaissance literature: Milton's engagement with contemporary literary
gures is evident in allusions to Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queene" and Geoffrey
Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales.”

Binaries:
• Heaven and hell
- Heaven represents divine order, harmony, and the abode of God and the loyal
angels. In contrast, Hell symbolises chaos, darkness, and the dwelling place of
the fallen angels.
• God and satan
- God embodies divine power, wisdom, and benevolence, while Satan represents
pride, rebellion, and corruption.
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 - God creates and governs the universe with love and mercy, while Satan seeks to
subvert God's authority and gain power for himself.
• Light and darkness
- Light symbolises truth, knowledge, and divine enlightenment. It represents the
presence of God and His divine radiance. On the other hand, darkness
represents ignorance, deception, and the absence of divine presence.
- Milton differentiates between light and darkness to underscore the dichotomy
between good and evil, highlighting the contrasting moral and spiritual states.
• Obedience and rebellion
- Obedience is associated with divine submission, righteousness, and harmony
with God's will. Milton presents obedient angels as exemplars of loyalty and
virtue.
- In contrast, rebellion represents de ance, pride, and the rejection of divine
authority. Satan and the fallen angels embody rebellion, seeking independence
and power outside the bounds of divine order.
• Good and evil
- Milton differentiates between good and evil as fundamental moral opposites.
Good is associated with righteousness, virtue, and adherence to God's
commandments.
- Evil, represented by Satan and his followers, stands in opposition to good and
represents corruption, sel shness, and the rejection of divine morality.
- Milton highlights the consequences of choosing good or evil and the moral
implications of these choices.
• Order and chaos
- Order is associated with divine harmony, structure, and the adherence to God's
plan. Chaos represents the absence of order, a state of disorder and confusion.
- Milton highlights the contrast between the ordered realm of Heaven and the
chaotic realm of Hell to underscore the consequences of rebellion and the
disruption of divine order.

Invocation:
• In the light of the narrator's rejection of classical Muses of the Spirit, we can judge how
far an epic has been transformed. The narrator provides unity to the Epic by his
invocations opening books I, III, IV and IX.
• The invocation in Paradise Lost serves multiple purposes, establishing the poem's
grandeur, setting the stage for the narrative, and positioning Milton as a conduit for
divine inspiration.
• Milton distinguishes himself by invoking a Christian muse, the Holy Spirit, highlighting
the religious context and the divine nature of his subject matter
• Furthermore, the invocation reinforces the religious and moral framework of the poem.
Milton seeks to explore theological concepts, grapple with the fall of humanity, and
re ect on the nature of good and evil.
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