Which Characteristic Of Epic Poetry Is Found In Paradise Lost

Characteristic of Epic Poetry Found in Paradise Lost

John Milton’s Paradise Lost is a classic epic poem that explores the idea of original sin and its consequences. It is an example of the literary genre that goes by the same name, epic poetry, which is associated with long-form poems written on large and serious topics. In this poem, Milton makes use of several characteristics of epic poetry that make it a great work of literature.

One characteristic of epic poetry that is seen in Paradise Lost is the presence of a hero. The hero of the poem is none other than Jesus, who comes to save Adam and Eve from the clutches of sin and darkness. Milton uses the hero’s traits to illustrate the power and strength of his faith and his willingness to save humankind from destruction. This is in stark contrast to the figures of Satan, who is the main antagonist in the poem, and other characters such as Death and Belial, who are embodiments of evil.

A second characteristic of epic poetry that is evident in Paradise Lost is the use of supernatural elements. These supernatural elements include angels, devils, and other creatures that inhabit the poem’s universe. The use of such elements helps to create a more fantastic, fantastic setting and helps to bring the poem’s themes of morality and human nature to life.

A third characteristic of epic poetry seen in Paradise Lost is its use of grand descriptions. These descriptions are used to create powerful images and give readers a sense of awe and wonder for the world Milton is creating. This grandeur is an important part of any epic poem, as it helps the author to bring his or her themes to life on a larger scale. Milton’s style of writing also helps to cement this feeling, as it contains long, vivid descriptions that make readers feel like they are actually witnessing the events in the poem.

A fourth characteristic of epic poetry that is seen in Paradise Lost is its use of regular rhythms and patterns. These patterns are used to create a sense of coherence throughout the poem, and also help to create a feeling of inevitability. This helps to bring the poem’s message home, as readers can confidently expect certain actions and consequences to follow from the poem’s events and characters.

Finally, one of the greatest characteristics of epic poetry that is found in Paradise Lost is Milton’s use of symbolism. Symbols are used throughout the poem to help readers understand the deeper meanings behind some of the events and characters in the poem. Symbolic imagery, such as the fall of the angels from heaven, can help to illustrate the consequences of human actions, and can also help to evoke certain emotions from readers.

Complex Themes

One of the major characteristics of epic poetry found in Paradise Lost is its complexity. The poem deals with a wide range of topics and themes ranging from Christianity to the morality of human nature. Milton was able to take these complex topics and portray them in a poetic way, making readers think and really consider the ideas they are presented with. This is a great aspect of epic poetry, as it means that readers are likely to gain something new from each rereading, or even just by reflecting on what they have read after the fact.

Furthermore, Paradise Lost is filled with profound messages and lessons. Some of these are highly relevant to modern day life, such as the consequences of greed, pride, and other vices. Through the character of Satan, Milton also provides a complex and sometimes unsettling look into the mind of someone who is tempted by evil. For readers, this can be a challenging but also rewarding experience, as it encourages them to truly consider their own beliefs and attitudes about certain topics.

The complexity of Paradise Lost is also seen in the poem’s structure. The poem is divided into twelve books, each with its own unique style and tone. This adds to the complexity, as a reader must be able to appreciate the different styles in order to truly understand the poem in its entirety. Furthermore, Milton also uses a variety of different poetic devices, such as personification and alliteration, to convey his message, adding even more layers of complexity to the poem.

Linguistic Dexterity

Milton also shows his skill and mastery of the English language in Paradise Lost. His use of language is arguably the most impressive of all of the characteristics of epic poetry present in this poem. His writing is highly erudite and often utilizes difficult language and concepts, making it a challenging poem for readers to comprehend. Despite this, Milton is able to craft powerful and meaningful imagery that captures the imagination and truly transports readers to the scenes being described in the poem.

Milton also displays great linguistic dexterity in his handling of rhyming, iambic pentameter, and other poetic devices. He is able to use these tools to evoke emotions in readers and to convey the scenarios he is describing in highly effective ways. Take, for example, the passage in Book IV of the poem, in which God declares the consequences of the Fall:

“The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and providence their guide:
They hand in hand with wand’ring steps and slow,
Through Eden took their solit’ry way”

This passage, written with such skill and precision, is able to take readers to the scene itself and make them feel the emotions of the characters as they take their first steps out of the Garden of Eden.

Theological Subtext

The theological subtext of Paradise Lost is another key characteristic of epic poetry found in this poem. Milton’s work reflects his own religious beliefs and contains elements of traditional Christianity. In this poem, Milton expresses his beliefs on topics such as predestination, faith, and morality, and he paints a vivid picture of the battle between heaven and hell. For readers, this can be a highly illuminating and thought-provoking experience, as it encourages them to truly engage with these ideas and consider them from different perspectives.

The presence of this theological subtext in Paradise Lost is highly relevant to today’s world, as debates on these topics are still active today. Through his poem, Milton is able to give readers a crash course in Christianity and the importance of faith. It is up to readers to decide what to make of this subtext, for example, whether to agree with it or to dissent from it. Nevertheless, it provides an interesting addition to the poem and contributes to the overall complexity of its themes.

Aesthetics and Imagery

One of the most impressive characteristics of epic poetry found in Paradise Lost is the aesthetics and imagery Milton employs throughout the poem. One of the most vivid examples of this is the use of apocalyptic language in describing the battle between heaven and hell. Milton’s writing is filled with powerful language, such as this:

“… The Infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile
Stird up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv’d
The Mother of Mankind, what tims the Tower
Of Babel, and thus whipping the Torrid Zone
Troubled the World”

These lines of vivid imagery are able to take readers on a journey in their minds and truly make them feel the power and energy of the events being described. This type of descriptive writing is one of the major characteristics of epic poetry, and Milton’s writing illustrates this perfectly.

Conclusion

John Milton’s poem Paradise Lost is an excellent example of epic poetry. It includes a number of characteristics found in this genre, such as a hero, supernatural elements, grand descriptions, rhythmic patterns, symbolism, complex themes, and a theological subtext. Milton also demonstrates his skill in this poem by his use of language, as well as his powerful descriptions and imagery. All of these create an engaging and immersive experience for readers, making Paradise Lost a timeless classic.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

Leave a Comment