Paradise Lost Book 1 : Literary devices
Paradise Lost Book 1 is a notable literary work by John Milton. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Paradise Lost Book 1.
Literary devices
1. Invocation to the Muse: Milton starts with a classical epic convention—he calls upon the Heavenly Muse for inspiration.
2. Epic Simile: Milton uses extended, detailed similes that compare Satan to:
- a titan,
- Leviathan (sea monster),
- a tower,
- The moon, etc.
3. Blank Verse: The entire poem is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, a hallmark of English epics.
4. Allusion: Milton indicates to:
- Biblical stories (Genesis, Fall of Man),
- Greek and Roman mythology,
- Classical epics (Homer, Virgil).
5. Symbolism:
- Hell symbolizes spiritual death.
- Satan symbolizes rebellion and pride.
- Light and darkness symbolize good and evil.
6. Allegory: Characters like Satan, Sin, and Death represent abstract concepts like pride, temptation, and destruction.
7. Apostrophe: Milton often addresses abstract beings (e.g., “Heavenly Muse”) directly.
8. Hyperbole: Satan’s size, strength, and Hell’s vastness are often exaggerated for dramatic effect.
9. Irony: Satan believes ruling in Hell is better than serving in Heaven—this is deeply ironic given his torment.
10. Imagery: Strong visual language paints vivid pictures of:
- burning lakes,
- darkness,
- Towering angels, etc.