A question about John Milton's "Paradise Lost".?

Question

I have heard that in this poem, which is a retelling of the Bible in a storylike format, Milton describes "angels" as behemoth beings, giants, really. Is this true? I have no idea where to go to get a copy of this text, let alone the interest to read through something that must be VERY tedious. Please give as much detail as you can (a pertinant passage or two).

Answer 1

Well let's start with the obvious: you can find the poem anywhere. Any moderately sized bookstore will carry it, and you can certainly find it online at Amazon or Chapters/Indigo. Milton is a very close second to Shakespeare in the annals of English Literature, so it shouldn't be hard to find him.

The poem can be a difficult read because it is a) a poem, and b) written a long time ago. The story, however, is wonderful. He describes in incredible detail the Fall of Man, but also the Fall of Lucifer. In fact, many people believe that Satan (formerly Lucifer) is the "hero" of the story and actually comes across as sympathetic in a strange way, despite his troublesome nature.

There is a war between the Fallen Angels and the Legions of Heaven, there are incredible descriptions of Hell and the construction of Hell by the Fallen Angels (as well as Eden), there is painstaking detail paid to the transformation of the once-beautiful Lucifer into the ugly and monstrous Satan... In short, it has everything.

So although it is based on Biblical mythology, it is distinctly different and, in all honesty, is a far more moving tale than the Bible's version of events.

It is worth the read, but be very patient with it! You should read and re-read each chapter. If you can find a text that has the original engravings accompanying the poem, get that version - the pictures are incredible!

Answer 2

Here is a link to read "Paradise Lost" online, which also includes some excellent notes at the bottom to help with comprehension. It isn't tedious. Go into it with an open mind and you might enjoy it.

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/pl/book_1/index.shtml

And yes, Milton does describe the fallen angels (specifically Satan) as being giant - if you read the text in book one, you'll see where it mentions his "mighty stature" and describes the enormous angel chained in the lake of fire.

Answer 3

Why do you assume that "Paradise Lost" is tedious? Read a few pages of it for yourself. You might not buy Milton's theology, but you're bound to be impressed by his poetry. Any good library will have the poem on its shelves, and any good search engine can help you find it online.

Answer 4

I suppose if you want a really short summary of "Paradise Lost", read Genesis 2 - 3. That is in short what "Paradise Lost" is about. With 12 books it's almost impossible to sumarize "Paradise Lost" into something really short yet concise. And yes. The "angels" (who lives in Pandaemonium)were being described as giants. At the end Satan returns to find that they have all changed into snakes upon his return after tempting Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent.

Would suggest you check wikipedia. Easy to read and helps you understand a lot more. :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise_Lost

Answer 5

Its not tedious and you can get it at Barnes&Noble or Borders.