AO3: Paradise Lost

Question 1

LITERARY CONTEXT - Milton’s Work’s: What is Lycidas? (1638)

Answer 1

A pastoral elegy, this poem criticises Catholicism, comparing priests to wolves

Question 2

LITERARY CONTEXT - Milton’s Work’s: The Doctrine and Discipline of divorce (1643)

Answer 2

This tract argues that couples should divorce if they’ve lost spiritual and emotional communion MILTON MADE 4 DIVORCE TRACTS

Question 3

LITERARY CONTEXT - Milton’s Work’s: Areopagitica (1644)

Answer 3

Written in the form of classical oration, this is a defence of free speech and criticism of censorship

Question 4

LITERARY CONTEXT - Milton’s Work’s: The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates (1649)

Answer 4

1st propaganda piece
after the dissolution of the monarchy, this tract said it was lawful to execute a tyrannous king

Question 5

LITERARY CONTEXT - Milton’s Work’s: Eikonolastes (1649)

Answer 5

Meaning ‘breaker of images’, this criticised the martyred presentation of Charles I in ‘Eikon Basilike’ meaning image of God

Question 6

LITERARY CONTEXT - Milton’s Work’s: Paradise Lost 1667 (VERSION 1-10 books) 1674 (VERSION 2-12 books + arguments)

Answer 6

An epic poem retelling the story of and how man felt (genesis)

Question 7

LITERARY CONTEXT - literary links: Dr Faustus

Answer 7

Dramatise and humanise Satan and his motivation
Made a deal with the devil which mirrors Eve
Hell is a state of being - which Satan fails to understand

Question 8

LITERARY CONTEXT - literary links: The Prince by Nicollo Machiavelli

Answer 8

Satan is seen as the Machiavellian character - cunning + manipulation
“What will revenge + ambition not dead to”
Set in Italy - connection to DOM

Question 9

LITERARY CONTEXT - literary links: The Revenger’s tragedy - Vindici

Answer 9

-Vindici figure is Satan wants revenge as his main goal despite consequences who has tropes of a tragic hero

Question 10

LITERARY CONTEXT - literary links: The Book of Genesis

Answer 10

SOURCE TEXT of PL
Milton altered scenes e.g separation scene is largely made up

Question 11

LITERARY CONTEXT - literary links: The Iliad

Answer 11

-Both Milton and Homer were blind
Similies
Catalogue (lists)
Assemblies (groups meeting Satan + followers BK 10)
Repetition
Formuli
Epithets (reoccurring references to people)
Direct speech “ “

Question 12

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’SA BELIEFS- Priests

Answer 12

Viewed priests as corrupted by want of money and power + disliked God being controlled = PL based on corruption of power

Question 13

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’SA BELIEFS- Catholicism

Answer 13

Milton was anti-Catholic pairing with the anti-catholic England - DOM anti-religious representation of GOD

Question 14

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’S BELIEFS- Iconolatry

Answer 14

people worshiping a symbol of God, over God e.g Priests = redemption Bible = Latin (not accessible to all)

Question 15

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’S BELIEFS- Puritan / Protestant

Answer 15

Milton (alleged puritan) believed everyone should have a personal relationship with God hence his creation of FELIX CULPA = happy fall e.g Jesus dying for our sins

Question 16

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’S BELIEFS- Arminianism

Answer 16

Arminianism means you Do have free will
Milton believed you do have ownership over fate
E.g Separation Scene

Question 17

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’S BELIEFS- Calvinism

Answer 17

Calvinism is everything is predetermined
Milton believed if you have no free will = you’re further from God

Question 18

RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: MILTON’S BELIEFS- Unorthodox

Answer 18

Everyone should have a personal love with God

Question 19

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: VIEW ON REGICIDE - Oliver Cromwell

Answer 19

Overthrew Charles I (who claimed to be only ear to God) - OC mirrors Satan who took control

Question 20

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: VIEW ON REGICIDE - Republican

Answer 20

Republican VS Royalist : Milton (a republican) wanted country governed by people

Question 21

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: VIEW ON REGICIDE - Tyrant

Answer 21

Milton viewed Charles I as a tyrant, because he ignored the people to be if it himself not the republicans he was AGAINST ROYALS

Question 22

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: VIEW ON REGICIDE - Parlemntarian

Answer 22

Group of people looking after country

Question 23

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: VIEW ON REGICIDE - Restoration

Answer 23

Of the monarchy
When Charles II was crowned, Milton fell into despair

While Paradise Lost was published during the Restoration period (the first edition in 1667, with a revised edition in 1674), its relationship with the era is complex and often marked by tension rather than simple reflection. Here’s a breakdown of how the Restoration context can inform our understanding of Milton’s epic:

Tension and Dissonance:

Political Ideology: Milton was a staunch republican who had served in Oliver Cromwell’s government and defended the execution of Charles I. The Restoration marked the return of the monarchy under Charles II, a stark reversal of the political ideals Milton championed. Paradise Lost, while seemingly a biblical epic, can be read in part as a commentary on tyranny, rebellion, and the loss of a just commonwealth, themes directly relevant to the political upheaval Milton had experienced. Satan’s defiance against God can be seen by some critics as mirroring the republican resistance to monarchical authority, albeit ultimately portrayed as a negative force.
Religious Climate: The Restoration saw the re-establishment of the Church of England and a backlash against Puritanism, the religious movement to which Milton was deeply aligned. Paradise Lost reflects Milton’s profound Puritan beliefs, his emphasis on individual conscience and his complex theological understanding, which often differed from the mainstream Anglicanism of the Restoration court. The poem’s intense focus on scripture and its moral seriousness stood in contrast to the more secular and often licentious culture that emerged during the Restoration.
Literary Tastes: Restoration literature, particularly drama, was known for its wit, satire, and focus on social manners, often reflecting the aristocratic circles. Paradise Lost, with its epic scope, elevated language, and serious religious purpose, stood apart from these dominant literary trends. While admired for its grandeur, it might have seemed somewhat out of step with the prevailing literary sensibilities of the time.
Points of Connection (though often ironic):

Themes of Order and Rebellion: The Restoration was fundamentally about restoring order after a period of rebellion. Paradise Lost grapples with the themes of order (God’s divine hierarchy) and rebellion (Satan’s revolt and the Fall of Man). However, Milton’s portrayal of rebellion is complex and has led to various interpretations, including some who see Satan as a heroic figure resisting tyranny, a reading that might resonate with those who had opposed the restored monarchy.
The Fall and Human Nature: The poem’s exploration of the Fall of Man and the complexities of human nature, including temptation, disobedience, and the consequences of sin, could resonate with the Restoration audience who had lived through a period of significant social and political upheaval, prompting reflection on human fallibility.
Epic Ambition: Despite the differences in style and subject matter, Paradise Lost shares the epic ambition of earlier English literary works that were sometimes looked back upon during the Restoration as part of England’s cultural heritage.

Question 24

GENERAL CONTEXT: What was Milton’s purpose of the epic?

Answer 24

“To justify the ways of God to man’

Question 25

GENERAL CONTEXT: What group of poets admired Miltons rebellious and unorthodox principles?

Answer 25

The Romantics

Question 26

GENERAL CONTEXT: Who did Milton meet when he was in Italy?

Answer 26

Galileo

Question 27

GENERAL CONTEXT: Who was Mary Powell?

Answer 27

Milton’s first wife who he separated from - the catalyst for his divorce tracts.

Question 28

GENERAL CONTEXT: What was Miltons civil job for the government.

Answer 28

Secretary of foreign tongues

Question 29

GENERAL CONTEXT: What disability did Milton experience towards the end of his life?

Answer 29

Blind

Question 30

GENERAL CONTEXT: What were the main differences between the 1st and second PL?

Answer 30

1st edition: 10 books 2nd book: 12 books + argument because people complained 1st edition was to confusing

Question 31

GENERAL CONTEXT: What was Miltons education like?

Answer 31

Before attending Cambridge University, Milton was educated at St. Paul's School, a boy's school run according to the humanist theory of education, and after Cambridge, Milton embarked upon a five-year independent reading project.

Question 32

GENERAL CONTEXT: What was paradise Lost originally going to be written as?

Answer 32

Tragedy

Question 33

GENERAL CONTEXT: What was paradise Lost originally going to be called?

Answer 33

Adam Un-paradise

Question 34

GENERAL CONTEXT: What did Milton believe about the fragmentation about churches?

Answer 34

He believed it was good thing. That people should be able to debate + discuss ## Footnote "a sign of healthy self-examination."

Question 35

GENERAL CONTEXT: What is the name of Miltons ‘celestial patroness’?

Answer 35

Urania ## Footnote Urania holds a significant place in John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. She is the muse whom Milton invokes for divine inspiration, particularly in Book VII and Book IX. However, Milton's relationship with Urania is complex and departs from the traditional classical understanding of the muse. Here's a breakdown of their connection: Classical Muse of Astronomy, Reimagined: In Greek mythology, Urania was one of the nine Muses, specifically associated with astronomy and astrology. Milton initially acknowledges this classical identity when he invokes her by name. A "Heavenly" Muse: Milton quickly distinguishes his Urania from the classical Muses dwelling on Mount Olympus. He emphasizes her "heavenly birth" and her presence before the creation of the world, suggesting a closer connection to the divine and Christian God. He calls her his "Celestial Patroness" and "Heav'nly Muse." The Meaning, Not the Name: In a crucial line in Book VII, Milton states, "The meaning, not the name I call." This suggests that while he uses the traditional name "Urania" to invoke the concept of divine inspiration, he is more concerned with the underlying divine wisdom and guidance she represents, rather than her pagan mythological associations. Connection to Divine Wisdom: Milton portrays Urania as being in communion with "Eternal Wisdom" (often interpreted as the Holy Spirit or divine reason), implying that her inspiration comes directly from God. Source of True Inspiration: Milton contrasts Urania with the classical Muses, particularly Calliope, who could not protect her son Orpheus. He implies that his Urania, being "Heav'nlie," offers a more potent and reliable source of inspiration for his grand Christian epic. He seeks her guidance to "drive far off the barbarous dissonance" of pagan influences. Inspiration for a Christian Epic: By invoking a muse with a classical name but redefining her as a heavenly entity connected to Christian truth, Milton positions his epic within the tradition of classical poetry while simultaneously asserting the superiority and divine nature of his Christian subject matter. He aims to "soar above th' Olympian Hill" and write a poem that surpasses classical epics in its spiritual significance. Personal Connection: Milton also suggests a personal relationship with Urania, stating that she "visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when morn / Purples the East," implying that her inspiration comes to him directly and intimately. In essence, Milton appropriates the figure of Urania, transforming her from a purely mythological muse into a symbol of divine inspiration aligned with his Christian beliefs. She becomes a conduit for heavenly wisdom, guiding him in his ambitious task of justifying "the ways of God to men." His relationship with Urania is a testament to his complex engagement with classical tradition, which he both draws upon and seeks to transcend in his epic poem.

Question 36

GENERAL CONTEXT: What are the characteristics of an epic? (SCARFED)

Answer 36

Similies Catalogue (lists) Assemblies (groups meeting Satan + followers BK 10) Repetition Formuli Epithets (reoccurring references to people) Direct speech “ “

Question 37

GENERAL CONTEXT: What does “Felix Culpa” mean? What is its significance?

Answer 37

Happy fall Meaning that although the expulsion is the direct result of sin, the outcome of the Fall is essentially for the good of humankind. E.g Jesus dying to redeem our sins

Question 38

GENERAL CONTEXT: What is the study of theology + link to PL?

Answer 38

Theology is the study of religion. Miltons unique and unorthodox theology is reflected…

Question 39

GENERAL CONTEXT: What was the sequel of Paradise Lost called?

Answer 39

Paradise Regained

Question 40

GENERAL CONTEXT: How many wives and children did Milton have/

Answer 40

2 wives 3 children

Question 41

GENERAL CONTEXT: What were Miltons pamphlets about?

Answer 41

- Religious themes - Education, - The law of divorce.

Question 42

GENERAL CONTEXT: How many divorce tracts did Milton write?

Answer 42

four interlinked polemical pamphlets— The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce The Judgment of Martin Bucer Tetrachordon Colasterion—written from 1643–1645. They argue for the legitimacy of divorce on grounds of spousal incompatibility.

Question 43

What was Milton's view of Divorce (stated in tracts)?

Answer 43

Milton declares that divorce should be an option for couples who simply aren't compatible on a personal level.