Paradise Lost Project
In the epic poem, Paradise Lost, written by John Milton a biblical story is described. The story of the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This is where the fallen angel, Satan, causes their expulsion from the Garden. Milton wrote Paradise Lost in two narratives: one following Adam and Eve and the other being Satan, or Lucifer. The speaker begins the story by stating the fall of Adam and Eve’s disobedience and from grace. It is mentioned heavily the importance of God’s plan for humankind. This poem was first published in 1667 and consists of ten books with over ten thousand lines of verse.
Throughout the story, five main characters are mentioned, and then of course the devils inhabiting hell as well. Satan is the head of the rebellious angels that fell from heaven and is the antagonist in this poem. Adam is one of the caretakers in the Garden of Eden, along with the first human. He was very obedient to God until Eve, his wife and first woman, convinced him to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. God the Father is another important character mentioned. He is one part of the Christian Trinity and then created the world by the means of God the Son. He does not prevent the human's fall but allows his Son to atone for their sins.
A theme described in Paradise Lost is the importance of the Hierarchical Nature of the Universe. Such as Heaven above, Hell below, and Earth in the middle — it presents the universe hierarchy as its proximity to God himself and his grace. This also leads to social hierarchies — angels, animals, and humans included. It is said to obey God is to obey the hierarchy. However, Satan refuses to honor this and is always questioning the hierarchy, just as humans do as well. And the farther we go from grace the farther we fall down the hierarchy.
Paradise Lost has continued to influence great writers and artists of our time. Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein quoted from Book X on the epigram page of her novel, and Paradise Lost is one of the three books Frankenstein’s monster finds, which influences his psychological growth. Also, the concept of the “Fallen Angel,” is used to describe both the protagonist, Victor, and his monster.
Music in today’s time was also heavily influenced by this epic poem. As an example, Mumford & Sons have used quotes, as well as The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Red Hot Chili Peppers music video “Otherside” references Satan’s fall from the heavens. Which is described throughout this poem.
Many other movies, songs, arts have been created by the understanding and knowledge of this poem. It is interesting to see how authors create their own ideas after using previous knowledge of another author’s work. It also shows that writings from 400 years ago still hold true today.
