answersLogoWhite

0

What is the theme of Paradise Lost?

Updated: 3/22/2024
User Avatar

Cedrick Hirthe

Lvl 10
3y ago

Best Answer

"Paradise Lost" is John Milton's poem about the fall of Man from the Garden of Eden. It begins with casting the rebellious angels, led by Satan, from heaven into hell, where Satan begins his next plan, to ruin God's most precious creation (man).

The poem is based almost entirely on Genesis. However, Milton depicts Satan in a much better light than would be expected. At the same time, there is little doubt left that obedience to God is important, and the reason Satan continues to fail is because he fails to realize both God's strength and compassion.

There is a free online study guide for "Paradise Lost" at PinkMonkey.com. See related link below.

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/barrons/paradis.asp

One of the most important things to recognize in "Paradise Lost" is how Satan is humanized. This is probably to point to humanity's tendency to err, and to draw some sort of sympathy for the devil. As the person above me points out, though, Milton's overriding point is that obedience to God is imperative. The sympathetic aspects of Satan, however, is one of the most significant achievements of this work.

Conversely, it could be argued that the ease with which a reader can sympathize with Satan actually illuminates one of Milton's over-arching themes, namely, that we are all sinners. Milton states very early in his text that he will attempt to "justify the ways of God to men." And, in the reader's struggle to understand God's ways, she reveals to herself her error. The attempt to understand God's will misses the point; God's will ought to be obeyed, whether understood or not. So, as the previous commentors have stated, yes, Milton goes to great lengths to humanize Satan. But looking at it another way, one could say that Milton, in fact, "Satanizes" his human readers.

User Avatar

Alexandro Russel

Lvl 10
2y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1w ago

The main themes of Paradise Lost include the struggle between good and evil, the consequences of disobedience or rebellion, the concept of free will, the complexity of human nature, and the nature of redemption. Milton explores these themes through the characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the theme of Paradise Lost?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the theme of The Paradise of Thieves by story G K Chesterton?

theme of the paradise of thieves by g.k.chesterton


When was A Lost Paradise created?

A Lost Paradise was created in 1997.


What is the ISBN of A Lost Paradise?

The ISBN of A Lost Paradise is 4770023243.


Did Milton write Paradise Lost before he went blind?

The elaborate theme and plot of Paradise Lost no doubt was conceived years back but the actual writing was done only after he went blind. This epic poem was dictated to his daughter for writing.


How many pages does A Lost Paradise have?

A Lost Paradise has 372 pages.


When was Paradise Lost first published?

"Paradise Lost" by John Milton was first published in 1667.


Who paradise lost?

John Milton is the author of the epic poem Paradise Lost.


When was Lost Paradise - album - created?

Lost Paradise - album - was created in 1989.


When was Paradise Lost - band - created?

Paradise Lost - band - was created in 1988.


When was A Preface to Paradise Lost created?

A Preface to Paradise Lost was created in 1942.


Who is hero of paradise lost actually?

Satan in book 1 and 2 after this... his character begins to fade and ADAM is the true hero of paradise lost.


What is the duration of Lost in Paradise film?

The duration of Lost in Paradise - film - is 1.72 hours.