Paradise Lost by John Milton (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Paradise Lost by John Milton. It provides a thorough exploration of the poem’s plot, characters and main themes, as well as a useful introduction to the historical and political context the poem was written in. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 50-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of John Milton
• Presentation of Paradise Lost
• Summary of Paradise Lost
• Character study
  • Satan
  • Eve
  • Adam
• Analysis of Paradise Lost
  • Historical and political context
  • Writing the Divine: authorial anxiety
  • Deceptive language

About Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost is a retelling of Biblical doctrine; specifically, the temptation of Adam and Eve and their eventual expulsion from earthly Paradise. The poem is written in blank verse (unrhymed lines, often in iambic pentameter) and describes Satan’s determination to strike back at God after being cast out of Heaven, his escape from Hell and his corruption of Adam and Eve. It is generally considered the defining work of John Milton, and remains one of the most significant works of 17^th-century English literature.

About John Milton

John Milton was a 17^th-century English poet and polemicist. He also served as the Secretary for Foreign Tongues during the abolition of the monarchy from 1649-1660, having gained favour among his fellow republicans by publishing a prose tract defending the lawfulness of regicide prior to the execution of Charles I. Today he is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, which is a retelling of many of the events of the Book of Genesis in the Bible.