Paradise lost : Milton's grand epic

Abstract

This lesson will attempt a general overview of the English grand epic, John Milton’s Paradise Lost (PL). The attempt will be abortive and fragmented at best, as Milton’s work has generated profuse reactions both from his readers and from his critics at least until the first half of the 20th century. The lesson will however focus on the work itself and its reception in the 18th century, especially the critical remarks of Samuel Johnson that will anticipate subsequent literary debates on Milton’s epic. The focus on the 18th-century reception will also highlight its divergence from Milton’s later popular reputation advocated by the Romantics and holding sway to this day, namely, that Milton “was a true Poet and of the Devil’s party without knowing it” (Blake). Topics will include: • A glimpse of Milton’s life as it pertains to the genesis and the topical preoccupations of PL • Syntax and style of PL • Chronological and spatial structure of the plot • Characters and the “hero” debate • The Romantics view of Milton vs the 18th century (& illustrations)