Discuss “Paradise Lost” as an Epic.

Answer

Discuss “Paradise Lost” as an epic. 

Or What qualities of an epic do you find in “Paradise Lost Book-I?” 

An epic is a long narrative poem that describes the extraordinary deeds and adventures of heroic figures or the history of a nation. It is often written in a grand and elevated style. Epics blend historical facts with myth and legend. Classic examples include Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” Virgil’s “Aeneid,” and the Indian epics “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana.” These stories typically explore themes of bravery, honour, and the struggle between good and evil. Epics have a significant impact on literature and continue to influence modern storytelling.

“Paradise Lost: Book I” as an Epic: “Paradise Lost: Book I” (1667) by Milton (1608-1674) is an epic. It is actually one of the most popular epics in the history of English literature. This immortal literary work is the outcome of Milton’s imagination and poetic genius. We know that the poem has all the characteristics of an epic. So, let’s prove those gradually-

Invocation of The Muse: Invocation is a formal prayer to the Muses for inspiration, help, and guidance at the beginning of an epic. “Paradise Lost” begins with the typical epic invocation: “Sing Heavenly Muse.” Milton first invokes the Muse and then goes further. His invocation in the poem is in the first 6 lines. He calls her “Heav’nly Muse.” He says he will sing “OF Mans First Disobedience,” the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from Heaven. He says that: 

Sing, Heavenly Muse, that on the secret top

Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire.

This invocation sets the tone for the poem. It confirms a connection with classical epic traditions.

Heroism: The epic deals with the encounter between Satan and God. Satan proves himself to be a heroic figure in the epic. He represents the heroic trend of the Renaissance through him. He alone leads the group of other fallen angels with him. He reigns over them in Hell. His dialogues are full of heroism. He says that to reign in the torment of Hell is better than to be a servant in Heaven.

Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav’n.

Grand Style: The tag of grand style has been supplemented to “Paradise Lost: Book I.” The reason behind this tag is that Milton has used the style in this poem perfectly. He has used lots of Latin words in this poem. There are so many complexities in his diction. He creates an environment of language and diction. It is appropriate to his contemporary time. His use of blank verse and unrhymed iambic pentameter allows for a majestic and rhythmic flow. It enhances the epic quality of the poem.

Epic Similes: The poem is enriched with epic similes. It illustrates similarities between the supernatural and the familiar. These similes increase the impact of the description. It contributes to the magnificence of the epic. Milton’s use of abundant comparisons glorifies the emotional and visual impact of the text. 

Human Nature: Milton presents the human condition in the poem before and after the fall. Before the fall, both Adam and Eve were innocent and pure. The unfortunate scenario indicates that although human nature was free from sin before the fall, the capacity to sin was still there. For example, we can draw the decision of Adam to follow Eve in eating the forbidden fruit. Though the serpent has not tempted him, something inside him makes him eager to join Eve in disobedience. Milton says,

Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal tast

Brought Death into the World.

Moral And Religious Touch: Paradise Lost is not merely an epic poem. Rather, it has an influential theological and moral significance. The moral theme of this epic is the importance of obeying God. Satan disobeys God. He creates a way of increasing sin and ruin. It also causes the fall of Adam and Eve from Heaven. Here is a quotation to understand the point.

The mind is its own place, and in itself 

Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.

In conclusion, “Paradise Lost” is undoubtedly a successful epic. It displays the genre’s features with its grand style, heroic figures, invocation of the Muse, epic similes, and profound moral and religious significance. Milton’s masterful diction and his exploration of timeless themes contribute to the endless status of “Paradise Lost” as a literary masterwork and an epic for the ages.