Paradise Lost John Milton

John Milton 17th Century Blind Poet Wanted to write a masterpiece Paradise Lost Christian epic poem similar to the Greek’s Odyssey and Illiad 12 books 7 years to write Source –> Genesis Blank Verse (no rhyme, but yes rhythm)

What do you remember about Epic Poems?

Lord of the Flies Translation – Beelzebub In some Christian lore synonymous with Satan or Baal the god of the Phillistines 2 Kings 1:2-3 (NIV) Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, “Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.” But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’

One of 7 Demons of Hell In Catholic Christian lore, one of the seven princes of Hell. The Dictionnaire Infernal describes Beelzebub as a demonic fly who is also known as the "Lord of the Flies". Beelzebul claims to cause destruction through tyrants, to cause demons to be worshipped among men, to excite priests to lust, to cause jealousies in cities and murders, and to bring on war. Beelzebub is commonly described as placed high in Hell's hierarchy. According to a 16th century source, Beelzebub led a successful revolt against the Devil, is the chief lieutenant of Lucifer, the Emperor of Hell, and presides over the Order of the Fly.

Who is the “muse” Milton calls on for help to write his epic? (line 6) What is his purpose in writing? (line 26) Describe Satan using quotes from the poem. (lines 34-44) What has happened to Satan? (lines 44-49) How does Satan react to his punishment? (lines 53-56) What must Heaven be like if it is the opposite of Hell? (line 75) Who is speaking in lines 84-124? How do you know? What does Satan refuse to change? (lines 94-95) Who is the “his” in line 110? Who begins talking in line 128? What change is Satan describing in lines 171-177? What does Satan propose to do in lines 180-191? What two comparisons (epic simile) does Milton make in lines 196-209? What do lines 210-220 suggest about how much control Satan has over his own destiny? How do Satan and Beelzebub view their own power in relation to God’s power? (line 241) Read lines 254-255. These lines are often quoted from this poem. Why do you think Satan makes this statement and why would these lines be quoted?