Paradise Lost: A Classical Epic

Introduction Milton, a great classical scholar, aspired to achieve immortality and be counted among the likes of Homer and Virgil as the author of a classical epic. With his extensive knowledge of classical and biblical literature, he embarked on writing Paradise Lost, a poem that aimed to "assert eternal providence and justify the ways of God to men." Despite its flaws, Paradise Lost deserves its place among the world's classic epics. Theme of the Epic The theme of an epic should possess national importance and reflect the life and values of a nation. Just as Homer depicted Greek life in the Iliad and Virgil portrayed Roman aspirations in the Aeneid, Milton's epic focuses on the Fall of Man: "Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste Brought death into the world, and all our woe." Epic Action The epic action in Paradise Lost satisfies three essential qualifications. Firstly, it is a single action with a…