Paradise Lost context Flashcards
When was Milton alive
1608-1674
Milton religion
Strong protestant, tricky to assign to particular group
Milton well educated in
greek, latin, classics
Milton almost worked for
the church
Milton wrote pamphlets
in support of the republican (anti-monarchy) movement
In 1644 Milton published
Areopagitica, a pamphlet defending free speech following king’s decision to censor all publications
Milton’s first marriage failed when
his young wife returned to her parents
Milton advocated divorce
on the grounds of incompatibility (believed only men should initiate divorce)
The monarchy was overthrown in
1646
Charles 1 was executed in
1649
Milton took a role in Cromwell’s government
in the foreign office, writing to advocate republics in Europe
The monarchy was restored in
1660 (restoration period)
Milton was briefly imprisoned for
his role in the Commonwealth (republican) government
Milton wrote paradise lost in
1667
After Charles I’s execution, Milton wrote
The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates which defended regicide
Milton became deeply disillusioned with
the republican government when it was falling apart
Milton wrote paradise lost through
dictation, because he was blind
Paradise Lost is an epic poem
in blank verse
Second edition of PL in 1674
was split into 12 books, like the Aeneid
Milton’s purpose in writing PL was to
“justify the ways of God to man”
Milton took inspiration from the bible
book of Genesis, but also other stories and apocrypha (stories that weren’t put in bible but considered for it)
Simple summary of book 1 of PL
Satan and his followers banished to Hell following rebellion against God, they plot their revenge and decide to attack mankind
Simple summary of PL book 2
Satan debates his plan with other fallen angels, meets with his family (sin, death, chaos, night, discord, confusion) and begins journey to Earth
Simple summary of PL book 3
God arranges to send his son to Earth as a man (much later) and Satan tricks his way into paradise
Simple summary of PL book 4
Satan spies on A and E, is nearly caught but escapes
Simple summary of PL book 5
Angel Raphael warns Adam about danger of Satan, explains the story of Satan’s rebellion against God
Simple summary of PL book 6
Raphael describes war between heaven and hell, as well as Satan’s plan for revenge
Simple summary of PL book 7
Raphael explains how humans were made
Simple summary of PL book 8
Raphael discusses nature of the universe, God and humankind with Adam
PL book 9 and 10
The fall of mankind and its consequences
Simple summary of books 11 and 12
God tells Adam the history of the bible (before it all happens) including the life of Jesus and predictions of a second coming. Adam feels more optimistic but it overall ends with A and E’s sorrow for their circumstances
Final lines of book 12
“The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide:
They hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
Through Eden took their solitary way.”
