John Milton: Paradise Lost

by Mike Edwards

Overview

Paradise Lost is for many the greatest poem written in English. Composed late in the author's life, it deals with nothing less than the destiny of mankind.

This essential introductory guide:
- Leads the reader into the epic poem through detailed analysis of key extracts, exploring Milton's original thought and style
- Provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Further Work' to aid independent study
- Offers valuable information on Milton's life, times and literary legacy
- Examines the development of critical opinion and discusses some recent critical views of the poem.

John Milton: Paradise Lost is ideal for anyone who is studying this complex and beautiful work for the first time. It will enable you to approach your own critical analysis of the poem with confidence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350310230
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	04/26/2013
Series:	Analysing Texts
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	280
Sales rank:	774,894
File size:	624 KB

About the Author

Mike Edwards is an experienced teacher and lecturer specialising in English Literature. He is the author of several books in the 'Analysing Texts' series.
MIKE EDWARDS is a retired Lecturer of English. His last post was Senior Lecturer in English and Head of Humanities at Crosskeys College, Gwent.

Table of Contents

General Editor's Preface
How to Use this Book
A Note on Texts
Abbreviations and References
PART I: ANALYSING 'PARADISE LOST'
Milton's Conception in 'Paradise Lost'
The Epic Structure
God, His Son, the Angels and the Realms of Light
Satan, the Rebel Angels and their World of Darkness
Adam, Eve and their Perfect Paradise
The Fall and its Aftermath
Towards a Paradise Within
PART II: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS
Milton's Life as it Relates to 'Paradise Lost'
The Context of 'Paradise Lost'
Some Critical Approaches
Notes
Further Reading and Bibliography
Glossary
Appendix A: Characteristics of Epic
Appendix B: Examples of Milton's Rhetoric Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

John Milton: Paradise Lost offers a reliable, intelligent, if somewhat stolid, guide for first-time readers of the poem. [ ... ] It ... offer[s] basic principles of interpretation that are clear, unintimidating, and repeatable regardless of the practitioner's level of proficiency.' – Andrea Walkden in 'Milton Quarterly'