Q. Bring out the autobiographical elements in “Paradise
Lost”.
A. Milton is not doubt the greatest epic poet of English. He
stands all alone enjoying a reputation that has not fallen to
the share of even Homer & Virgil. He is next to Shakespeare
in popularity & has won admiration & homage all over the
world. The charm of Milton’s poetry lies in the charm of
Milton’s character & personality. The beauty of Milton’s
poetry is that or he reveals himself consciously or
unconsciously in almost every line of his poetry. Perhaps
paradise lost is supreme example of self – projection.
Now, let us example how Milton has revealed himself in ‘P.L,’
The Critic marks petition points out that Milton is every line
of ‘P.L.’ Milton’s profound learning is scattered in every line
of the epic. His Puritanism his faith in God & religion, his
prejudice against womankind & appreciation of beauty are all
reflected in ‘P.L.’ His poetry is the expression of his
personality. Thus ‘P.L.’ can be regarded as Milton’s emotional
& spiritual autobiography. All important stage of Milton’s
lifereveal than in the great epic poem. Satan himself is
symbol of Milton’s love for liberty & freedom.
‘P.L.’ deals with a biblical subject. Hence it is a deeply
religious poem but the poem is also highly colored by
Milton’s own temperament personality & life story. Milton’s
has put a good deal of himself in ‘P.L.’ There is no doubt that
‘P.L.’ is deeply personal & autobiographical poem.
Above all Satan is self –portrait there is a close
emotional relationship between Milton & Satan. After the
restoration Milton revolted against Charles-I, Milton revolted
against God. Satan’s speech in the following words echo
Milton’s own feelings,
“What thought the field is lost
All is not lost
The mind in its own place & it itself
Can make a heaven of hell & a hell of heaven”.
There is ample evidence in book – I that Milton project
himself & his views into his writing. Books – I is highly colored
by Milton’s temperament & life story. For e.g. the very
opening passage, when in his invocation on to the holy sprit
he says,
“What in me is dark (blind), illumine”
This reference to personal blindness gives touch of
pathos in the poem.
Those who find autobiographical elements in book I say
that Milton’s puritanical & moral enthusiasm find expression
in the poem, the vary theme of poem is a religious subject
which is derived from the Bible, which Milton consider as,
“An Authentic Book”. The theme is the fall of man. The vary
opening line refers to the fall of Adam & Eve from Paradise.
“Of man’s first disobedience & the fruits of that
forbidden trees...”
Milton’s aim in writing ‘P.L.’ is highly religious. He wants
to justify the ways of God to man. That’s why he criticize
Satan’s war & rebel against God was impious. It was the
result of Satan’s pride. Here, Milton also expresses his
personal dislike of Satan’s pride & his impious war against
God.
Milton was a great puritan &his puritanical belief is
found again in the description of Hell. He describes Hell as a
most hateful place. He calls it a place where “Peace & rest
can never dwell”. Milton’s attitude towards woman is also
seen in his attitude towards Eve. He believes that it was Eve
who was responsible for tempting. Adam to eat the
forbidden fruit.
There is no doubt that a number of critic have treated
‘P.L.’ As Milton’s spiritual autobiography. The critics have
made an attempt to find out personal life & information in
the theme of ‘P.L’ & the treatment of certain event &
character.
Q. Examine book I of the ‘Faerie Queen’ Asan Epic
romance.
A. the greatest Elizabethan poet Edmund Spenser has been
describe as the poets poet as he influenced several poets
poet as he influence several poets by his artistry
&craftsmanship Spenser distinguished himself as a pastoral
poet, as an epic poet, as an allegorist, as a painter in verse &
as a great master of music on writing of poetry.
Spenser’s book 1 of “Faerie Queen” is one of the greatest
English poems in scope, magnitude & loftiness. It rents next
only to Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost”. Book 1 of Faerie Queen is an
epic of Chivahywhich means the heroic deeds of war & the
faithful loves of knights & ladies. Books 1 of the faerie Queen
despites the heroism of Red Cross knights, of sir Satrain
prince Arthur.
An epic is a story of heroics deeds in book 1 of the ‘Faerie
Queen’ we find the red cross knight fighting against sans foy,
sans joy & then he fights against suffers a defeat. Finally,
knight fight against the dragon & kills him. Thus, the heroic
deed of the Red Cross knight reminds us the heroic deeds
described in the epic like ‘Odyssey’
An epic has love as them. Love may be noble or ignoble in
book 1. We find all the varieties of love. Red Cross knight’s
love for Una is noble but his love for Dessau is instful while
Dessau’s love ignoble & dishonorable. First she loves sans
foy& then to Red Cross knight & then Algagalio. Thus
Dessau’s love isn’t true or genuine.
An epic poem is always a poem of moral values it has a moral
lesion for the readers. Spenser’s book 1 of the ‘Faerie Queen’
very clearly expresses moral values we get in canto- 1 the
various inhuman virtues presented in the characters of Red
Cross knights, Una& Prince Arthur.
A sublime style & vivid imagery are also the outstanding
features of an epic poem. Book 1 of the ‘Faerie Queen’ shows
the dignified style of writing adopted by Spenser. If Milton’s
‘Paradise Lost’ is is return in impressive & dignified style.
Another feature of epic in book I is the use of epic similes or
Homeric similes. There are many examples of the use of such
simile in the book 1 of ‘Farerie Queen’.
Thus, from our detail discussion of epic features found in
book 1 of the ‘Faerie Queen’ we may regard book 1 as an
epic in miniature because it is the part of the whole poem
call the ‘Faerie Queen’. Spenser himself is also entitled the
the poem as an epic.
In book I of the poem war & love are the chief themes war &
love were also the main themes of Romances in the time of
Spenser. So we have in book 1 Spenser romantic treatment
of war and lover.
The romancer contains the story of knights fighting with
magical swords, its has ladies with the magic of beauty & it is
full of love affairs of various characters. Book 1 contains all
these ingrediences of Romance.
In book of the ‘Faerie Queen’ we have Prince Arthur who
has a magic shield there is Duessa with her beauty & magical
power. Then we have Arch imago, which has power to
change his shape. There is Queen Lucifer the giant Orgoglio&
the dragon. Thus, there are human beings & super natural
character suitable for a romance.
But in the final conclusion when we examine book 1 more
closely. We find that is more of an epic poem then a
romance. The epic qualities of book 1 is found in incident
situation & characters. It has also a lofty moral propose to
teach the leader certain moral values.
Q. The character of Satan discus OR Satan may be the hero
of book I & II but his certainly not the hero of entire
Paradise Lost.
A. As a poet John Milton dominates the puritan age an
account of its his supreme poetic genius. Shakespeare head
& shoulder above the other English poet. Milton brought a
new force into literature by adding to the Renaissance
culture & love beauty & the moral seriousness of the puritan.
Milton expresses his poet genius is great long poem such has
‘Paradise Lost’ & the ‘Paradise Regained’. No doubt the great
epic poem ‘Paradise Lost’ is remarkable for its grand theme &
sublime style, Milton is also a super artist in characterization.
The epic paradise lost introduce the magnitude of character.
This character has novelty. The principle character display
dignity sub mighty. Milton paradise lost present character
like good Christ the multitude of fallen angel is led by Satan
&Adam & Eve. Milton has depicted the good & evil angels of
the character of Satan is the most outstanding which has
attracted the attention of the poet.
Satan is the rebel, arch tend who revolts against God &
preaches hatred against the all mighty. Yet Milton portrait
him so skilled that Satan appears to be most deprived being.
Form our study of book I & II of paradise lost we gathered the
ilupression that Satan is figure of heroic magnitude & heroic
energy. Milton develops Satan character with dramatic
mensity. Therefor the poet William Back has said in writing
paradise lost. Milton was of Devil’s party without knowledge
it black & other romantic poets believe that the portrait of
Satan has been depicted as a chief xxx certain grand qualities
wroth of highest admiration.
Here in our portrait of character of Satan we have to
confirm our attention the book I & II of paradise lost. There is
no doubt that Satan the hero of the first two books because
the Milton has endowed then with certain qualities which are
worthy of epic hero. This attitude smack him a sympathetic &
tragic character. The very description of Satan physical xx his
shield & spear create the impression that he is a kind of man
& epic hero. He dominates first two books of the great epic
paradise lost.
There can be no dining the fact that Satan is the hero of
the first two books who is head & shoulder above his fallen
companions of the fallen angels. Satan is the first to awake
from the stood of Hell. He is the Archangel though he has
fallen from heaven. His glory is demined may a little but he
has not lost his ego & pride. He is not at all represent of his
rebellion against God. So he speaks with pride the
memorable words.
“What though the shield or lost
All is not lost, the xxx will,
And study of revenge, xxx hate,
And courage never to submit or valid”.
Thus, Milton has revealed the heroic quality of Satan. Who
will never submit to god but he will continue his eternal war
against omnipotent with whom he wills never reconcile.
Thus, he delis the power of Almighty. He is determined to
suffer to surrender. He has been defeated but the defeat was
only because God cunningly used the secrete weapon of
thunder.
Though fallen & defeated, proud & independent. Satan is
prepared to continue his fights against God. He is happy to
rule in Hell then to serve in the heaven. He is such a great
leader that he can inspire the fallen angels with his
determination. His followers are proud of him & ready to
follow him & fight an eternal war against the Almighty. Ever
word Satan speaks inspire the fallen angel with new courage
& because of his leadership quality the fallen angels are
ready to carry out his orders.
Satan dominates the action the action of the first book of
paradise lost. He also dominates the debates of fallen angels
in the second book. In his grand speech to the fallen angels
Satan suggest that they should take their revenge on God by
corrupting the newly created race of man. Again like a born
leader Satan takes up the very long & risky journey through
chaps in search of newly created work of God. Here Milton
depict his heroism with sympathy & understanding. Many
critic believed that like Milton Satan loved freedom &
independence. Hence, Satan his portraited as a most heroic
of all angels. In book of his power of speeches has been
revealed.
Here all this reason we would be justify in saying the Satan is
the hero of book I & II get the can’t he regards as the hero of
the epic as the whole. Even in the book 1 of the epic we are
told that the poem I not about Satan but it is about man & his
fall. Thus , He is certainly responsible for the fail of main with
application of his valiancy & crocked practice.
A close study of book II of paradise lost & I reveal the fact
that Satan is the great figure his action & speech reveal his
heroic figure it also reveal certain autobiographical elements
because William Back has righty pointed that.
“In every line & in every page of Milton poetry
We find personality of the poet himself”.
But inspiteof that personal projection. Milton has been very
conscious about the evil nature of seen. A careful reading of
his speech reveals xx Satan never speaks the truth he always
xx coming & lies to control his fellow fallen angels. He has
heroic qualities but he is a villain like xx Milton has attributed
Satan with heroic qualities because he is depicted as the foe
of God who should have the power dramatic xxx worthy to
be an adversary of God.
The book II and describe us journey to chaso but it also
reveals his incestuous love with his own daughter & ugly
aspects of his character too.
Finally it would be apt to quote the following comment of a
great xxx on the character of Satan as portrait by Milton.
“Satan display the vicious method of rashes where
We find his only & trade he has the quality of
leadership,
Which his used to mislead the fallen angels. Milton has
invested
His xxx with the those of the vicious hero”.
Satan may be the hero of book II & I but Adam has better
claim to be the hero of an epic as whole. No doubt Satan’s
characterizations has provided Milton to display his
imagination genius to depict the evil genius of Satan who
dominates the book II & I of the paradise lost.
Q. Examine paradise lost as an epic with reference to
the book I & II OR bring out epic features of paradise
lost.
A. Shakespeare & Milton are the two poets who stand
head & shoulder above all other English poets. If
Shakespeare represent Elizabethan age, Milton
represent the puritan age. The supreme quality of
Milton’s poetry is sublimity that arises from the noble
thoughts and supreme expression. So his greatest
poem paradise lost can be regarded epic that has all
features of a true classic epic poem.
Milton’s paradise lost can be considered as an epic
poem only with reference to tall twelve books of poem
but here we are chiefly concerned with our study of
book I & II of paradise lost. First we should point out
basic features of an epic and then we can evaluate
paradise lost an epic.
Epic is the name given to very long narrative poem
which deals in dignified style with some important
action which may be heroic adventures from
mythology or history. The great example of classical
epic is ‘The Odyssey’; a poem in 24 books deal with
adventures of Greek hero. While paradise lost is based
on the serious religious theme of God’s relation with
man.
John Milton’s greatest poetic work paradise lost
can aptly be classed among the epic poems. It is one of
the highest efforts of poetic genius. Milton’s has
followed the classical convention of Homer & Virgil in
composing the epic poem. He has derived the subject
from the old testament. Milton has treated it with
sublime style. His narrative skills is at its best .
Following the classical tradition Milton indicates
the theme of the epic in the very opening book 1 of
paradise lost
“Of man’s first disobedience & the fruit,
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal test
Brought death into the world& all our woe with
loss of Eden”.
Thus the subject is the original sin committed by
Adam & Eve in eating the fruit of forbidden tree & as a
result they were expelled from the paradise .
After indicating the theme of the epic, Milton
invokes the heavenly unuses to enable him to
complete this great task. Such prayer is in keeping with
the ancient. Greek epic traditional. Milton prays to
Holy spirit to help to write.
Another feature of an epic is to depict man
character in grand manner. Satan is presented in hero
proportion that appeals to the imagination of readers.
The character are divine beings and angels and even
Jesus and man. Even the fallen angels are depicted in
grand style with epic similes.
Use of the Homeric similes is another classic
features of a Greek epic that Milton aptly follows in
paradise lost. Book I & II are full long similes used by
the poet to describe huge body of Satan. His body is
compared with a large sea animal. Even Hell is describe
with fearful simile.
According to Greek tradition the protagonist
undertakes along journey. Similarly Satan decides to
explore the chaotic cosmic region to travel to the new
world called “the earth”. Thus Milton adopts epic
tradition in this poem.
Greek epic poets introduce athletic tournament of
warriors, Milton also observe this traditional by
arranging a great game for the fallen angels in paradise
lost there is grand battle between God & Satan’s
followers, too.
The most important feature of an epic is the
sublime style of writing. In Milton epic poem the use of
blank verse and proper diction with similes make it a
poetic works of grand style with grand style with grand
theme. Decorative language is soul of this greatest
English epic poem.
In concluding remark we many observe that
Milton’s paradise lost contains all features of ancient
Greek classic epic poem. It has serious grand theme
sublime style narrative element invocation and
sustained a similes that make paradise lost one of the
greatest epic of the world literature.
Q. paradise lost is written in grand style.
A. John Milton the greatest poetic genius of
puritan age has render invaluable service to English
poetry through his major works ‘P.L’, ‘Paradise
regained’, ‘Samson Agonist’ & ‘Comus’. Milton himself
has describe a good book as ‘The Precious LifeBloodOf
A Master Spirit’.
According to Arnold, Milton is the great
master of grand style of Homer & Virgil in the English
language. In his poetry we find ‘big thoughts uttered in
a big way’.
It would be apt to describe the element of grand
style before we examine Milton’s style in ‘P.L.’. The
ingredience[characteristic] of grand style are (I) the
greatness of thoughts, which inspires the poem. (II)
The application of rich imagination. (III) The uses of
dignified words arranged in impressive order. (IV) The
uses of certain technique device which as to the dignity
of the language. (V) The grand style produce
impression of loftiness in reader’s mind.
A critic has printed out the following III
elements of sublime style of Milton’s ‘P.L.’. (I) The uses
of slightly unfamiliar words. (II) The uses of proper
names chiefly for their sounds. (III) Allusions to most of
the source of interest in our sense experience. There is
no doubt that these three elements may Milton’s
grand style.
Milton’s grand style is the Forman which he has
dressed a great & noble theme. The theme is ‘To justify
the ways of God to man’. For this great theme the
style is highly suitable Milton’s purpose in paradise lost
is to show that disobedience is a great sin which
resulted in the fall of man & suffering & death. To
illustrated this truth Milton has selected Biblical story
of disobedience of Adam & Eve.
Milton’s theme is grand & lofty & the setting of
paradise lost is cosmic. Hence Milton has chosen
equally grand & noble style. He has used of vulgar
&commonplace language but Milton has preferred
uncommon & unfamiliar words for lofty & elevated
style. Another essential quality of Milton’s style it its
allusiveness . Milton’s uses his profound learning &
knowledge of Bible, Myths, Legend& History. Therefore
there are references to classical & Biblical characters &
events.
Milton is extremely well disciplined & strict in his
diction so there is loftiness in his style. Many of his
Latin words & reference to mythology & biblical
character & events impart to his style majesty
&greatness .
Another elements of Milton’s style, which
contributed to sublimity, are its suggestiveness.
Milton’s suggests much more than he actually
describes. Therefore the reader must use his
imagination to understand the full meaning.
One characteristic of loftiness of the style is the
most frequent use of Homeric similes in the description
of figures, objects & the atmosphere of hell. For
instance Milton compares the fallen angel gathered in
Pandemonium to “a sworn of bees”.
Milton’s mastery of blank verse is another
important characteristic of his poetic style in ‘P.L.’ .
The use of blank verse Milton equals Shakespeare.
After praising the positive qualities of grand style it
is important to mention that the critic like T.S.Eilot has
criticized Milton’ style of ‘P.L.’. Finally it must be
admitted that Milton’s style in ‘P.L.’ has achieved
sublimity yet, it has never been & never will be, ‘A
popular style’ because it is a scholarly style & only
scholar will admired & appreciated while ordinary
reader will find this style & only scholar will admire &
appreciated while ordinary reader will find this style ‘
Too Heavy’. It is impossible to understand ‘P.L.’.
Without profound knowledge of Greek mythology &
Bible. But in spite of all these limitation throughout
age’s critic after critic has admired Milton’s grand &
sublime style.