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• December 25, 2024
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If you’re preparing for the UGC-NET/JRF in English Literature, TGT-PGT exams, NVS-KVS exams, SET exams, EMRS or UPSC exams, you must have come across John Milton. Obviously! The writer of Paradise Lost. Hmm…this is a book which is ornamented by the reflections from the Holy Bible. Today is Christmas eve. We feel this is the best time to discuss both the work and the author. What do you think about it? Is it a great idea? Now, you will see how cultural interpretations can be woven into literary discourses. A live practitioner sits at a desk and experiments with the chances of doing newer interpretations. 

Before delving deeper into Milton’s Paradise Lost, we are going to observe Milton’s life closely so as to gain an understanding of the socio-political and historical context of his work. 

Who is John Milton? 

John Milton was an eminent English poet, scholar, and intellectual, best known for his epic masterpiece Paradise Lost. Born on December 9, 1608, in London, he received an excellent education at St. Paul’s School and Christ’s College, Cambridge. A prolific writer, Milton was deeply influenced by classical literature, theology, and the political upheavals of his time.

Milton’s early poetry, including L’Allegro and Il Penseroso, showcased his lyrical mastery. However, his later works, such as Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes, reflect his profound engagement with themes of faith, free will, and human fallibility.

Politically active during the English Civil War, Milton served as a Latin Secretary for Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth and wrote influential prose, including Areopagitica, advocating for freedom of speech and press.

Despite losing his eyesight later in life, Milton continued to write with remarkable brilliance, dictating his works to assistants. His legacy endures as one of the greatest poets in English literature, celebrated for his unmatched command of language and exploration of profound philosophical and spiritual themes.

His work Paradise Lost is an epic poem which also condemned the Puritan patriarchy which promoted individualism. Further, it opens up questions about women’s individuality and autonomy. For this, Milton engaged with Biblical notions of free will and of the culpability of women in the Fall from Grace. In this epic poem, Milton engaged with these issues in detail when writing speeches between Adam and Eve. 

Milton’s Life And Its Influence on Paradise Lost 

Milton’s Education and Religious Background

• Milton’s education in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew at St. Paul’s School and Cambridge equipped him with the linguistic and theological foundation necessary for a detailed engagement with the Bible.
• His father’s conversion to Protestantism and Milton’s own critical stance toward the Church established his commitment to religious reform, which deeply influenced Paradise Lost.

Biblical Inspirations

• Paradise Lost directly draws upon the Bible, particularly the Book of Genesis, to recount the Fall of Man. It elaborates on the creation of Adam and Eve, the temptation by Satan, and their eventual expulsion from Eden.
• The poem also reflects theological debates and interpretations of Milton’s time, including Calvinism and Arminianism. Milton’s evolving theological stance, particularly his emphasis on free will and rational choice, shapes the portrayal of Adam, Eve, and Satan.

Literary Objectives

• Milton intended Paradise Lost to “justify the ways of God to men,” a purpose that mirrors the didactic and redemptive goals of the Bible.
• The epic’s structure and themes resonate with the grand narratives of the Bible, combining divine intervention, moral conflict, and the promise of redemption.

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Theological Debates and Symbolism

• The character of Satan, with his complex motivations and tragic downfall, reflects Milton’s engagement with questions of free will, rebellion, and divine justice—central to both the Bible and Protestant theology.
• Adam and Eve’s actions embody the human struggle with sin, obedience, and grace, echoing biblical themes while infusing them with Milton’s intellectual and poetic sensibilities.

Milton’s Radical Theological Views

• Milton’s views on divorce, education, and church reform—controversial for his time—find echoes in his depiction of the relationships and choices in Paradise Lost.
• His rejection of strict Calvinist predestination in favour of human agency and accountability aligns with the poem’s emphasis on free will as a divine gift.

Final Years and Legacy

• Despite his personal hardships, including blindness and political disillusionment, Milton’s unwavering faith and erudition allowed him to create a work that transcends its immediate context.
• The universal themes of Paradise Lost, derived from biblical narratives, ensure its continued relevance as a masterpiece of religious and literary synthesis.

Relation of John Milton’s Paradise Lost and The Holy Bible 

John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost (1667) and the Holy Bible share a profound relationship, as the former draws extensively from the biblical narrative while adding Milton’s theological, philosophical, and literary interpretations. Here are some key aspects of their relationship:

1. Central Biblical Framework

• Paradise Lost is primarily based on the biblical story of the Fall of Man as recounted in the Book of Genesis. It expands upon the events of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, their expulsion from Eden, and the consequences of original sin.
• The poem also incorporates elements from other parts of the Bible, such as the rebellion of Satan and the war in heaven, which are loosely inspired by references in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation.

2. Theological Foundations

• Milton adheres to Christian doctrine in exploring themes such as free will, divine justice, grace, and redemption, which are central to the Bible.
• God’s omnipotence and omniscience, Satan’s pride, and humanity’s capacity for repentance and salvation are theological ideas deeply rooted in the Bible but elaborated with Milton’s intellectual and poetic vision.

3. Characterization

• Satan: Milton presents Satan as a complex character, drawing on the Bible’s portrayal of Lucifer’s fall. Satan’s defiance and ambition echo passages like Isaiah 14:12–15 and Revelation 12:7–9. However, Milton’s Satan is also a tragic antihero, adding layers not explicitly present in the Bible.
• Adam and Eve: Milton develops the biblical figures of Adam and Eve with greater psychological depth, emphasizing their humanity, their love, and their individual responses to sin and repentance.
• God and Christ: Milton’s depiction of God aligns with the Bible’s portrayal of divine justice and mercy, while the Son (Christ) embodies redemption and sacrifice, reflecting New Testament teachings.

4. Biblical Language and Style

• Milton’s verse often mirrors the majestic and solemn tone of the King James Bible, employing elevated diction and resonant phrasing to evoke the gravitas of scripture.
• Biblical references, allusions, and paraphrases are woven throughout the poem, enriching its narrative with scriptural echoes.

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5. Expanded Narratives

• Milton elaborates on events only hinted at in the Bible, such as Satan’s council in hell, the detailed battle between angels, and Adam and Eve’s conversations in Eden. These expansions allow Milton to explore human and cosmic themes in greater depth.
• For example, the Bible briefly mentions Satan’s rebellion, but Milton imagines an elaborate celestial war, providing a dramatic backdrop to the narrative.

6. Philosophical Interpretations

• Milton engages with theological debates of his time, such as predestination versus free will. His depiction of Adam and Eve’s choice reflects his belief in the importance of free will, a concept aligned with but not fully detailed in the Bible.
• The poem also explores the nature of heroism, contrasting Satan’s flawed ambition with the redemptive sacrifice of the Son.

7. Moral and Spiritual Lessons

• Like the Bible, Paradise Lost aims to teach moral and spiritual truths. Milton explicitly states that his purpose is to “justify the ways of God to men,” echoing the Bible’s intent to reveal divine truth and guide humanity.

8. Cultural and Literary Influence

• Paradise Lost has contributed significantly to the interpretation of biblical themes in Western culture. Milton’s vivid portrayals of Satan, the Fall, and redemption have influenced how many readers imagine these events, often blending the Bible’s account with Milton’s imaginative additions.

In essence, Paradise Lost is a profound poetic meditation on the Bible, deeply rooted in its narratives and theology but expanded through Milton’s creative genius. It serves as a bridge between scriptural teachings and literary artistry, enriching the reader’s understanding of both.

This Christmas, we hope you have had a fulfilling fun-filled reading session with Sahitya Classes. Isn’t it? Hmm…We hope so.

If you want to receive more such information, follow Sahitya Classes! Furthermore, if you want to join the best UGC NET coaching in Delhi, feel free to reach out to us. If you want to prepare for the UGC-NET English or any other competitive exam with English Literature as your core subject, you can join Sahitya Classes. At Sahitya Classes, every aspect of the NET exam syllabus for English literature is covered. You will also receive UGC NET notes for English literature along with exclusive UGC-NET online classes. Our new batch will start on January 15, 2025 onwards. If you want to prepare for the UGC-NET English, you can also take our best UGC-NET crash course. In this crash course, you will get PYQs, test series, rapid-fire quiz sessions, mock-tests, live classes, and UGC NET English notes pdf.

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