.png)
Written by: MSM Yaqoob
Milton's
'PARADISE LOST' has maximum similarities and fewer differences with classical
epics. John Milton was considered as the most prominent and commanding literary
figure after William Shakespeare. He was an English poet and pamphleteer, born
in London.
It
is important to know the definition and characteristics of classical epics
before cross-comparison.
An epic is a long narrative poem, usually attempts to describe the deeds and adventures of heroes or legendary figures of the past.
DEFINITION
An
epic is a long narrative poem, usually attempts to describe the deeds and
adventures of heroes or legendary figures of the past.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EPIC
Characteristics
of an epic are vividly jotted down by Greek Philosopher Aristotle. These rules
are considered as valid up till now. An epic has seven characteristics which
are as under.
1.
Supernatural elements like gods, angels, demons insert themselves in the
action.
2.
It has a proper opening, middle, and ending.
3.
An epic hero has a historically significant hero, or it must be outstanding.
4.
The poet remains objective throughout the epic.
5.
It has written in classical styles preferring verse unto prose.
6.
The action usually needs superhuman courage, because it made up of great valor
and courage.
7.
The setting of an epic must be broad by covering many topics.
Some of the famous Conventions
1. It usually starts with the
theme of the story.
2. 2. Shortcomings are showed
in the early part of the story.
3. 3. It clearly reflects the
contemporary period.
4. 4. An epic simile is used.
5. 5. Writers usually invoke
muse as an inspirational source.
6. Now it becomes very easy to
see the similarities and differences between Paradise Lost and classical epic.
Let's start!!!
Similarities
1. 'Paradise Lost' as we
mentioned earlier that has maximum similarities with classical epics. In
'Paradise Lost' all the episodes are related by dealing with the fall of man.
That's why we can say action deals with a great subject.
2. It absolutely follows
the second characteristic having a proper opening, middle, and ending.
3. 3. In style, it has a lot of
similarities with Homer's Illiad, and Virgil's Aeneid. Same these two, Milton
puts theme in the very first line of his poem.
"Of
Man's first disobedience and the fruit
Of
that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought
Death into the world."
4. Like all other classical
epics it also has a hero but somehow controversial.
5. ‘Paradise Lost’ written by
Milton in a grand style that reflects his genius and skills in art. The SATAN'S
speeches and syntax, word, and sentence arrangement made him a great scholar.
6. As a classical writer,
Milton also invokes MUSE to help him in completing the task.
And
chiefly thou O' spirit...
Instruct
me, for thou knowest
7. By following classical epics
he also uses similes.
8. The roll call of angels can
be compared with Homer's Iliad.
9. There is the perfect unity
of actions in Milton’s Paradise Lost.
10. ‘Paradise Lost’ has a moral tone that is vivid in
classical epics.
Thus, 'Paradise Lost' can be discussed as a classical epic.
DIFFERENCES
'Paradise
Lost' is an epic following all the essential terms put by Aristotle and used in
Homer, Virgil, and Dante's epics. Milton used supernatural machinery in his
epics, like gods, angels, and demons but two human beings who are more like
angels, which makes Milton's epic different from other epics. There is also a
difference of era as well. What is more, the vastness of the theme,
incorporating the whole of the human race, makes it a unique epic.
