Milton’s Paradise Lost :: Paradise Lost

Miltons Paradise Lost Critics of the Romantic Period have claimed that John Milton was unconsciously allied with the forces of evil. In Paradise Lost Miltons accounts of Devils & nut house argon much more elaborate and awe inspiring than those of Angels & God. Hell and match are portrayed extensively whereas the reader is inclined brief and ill-advised glimpses of Heaven. The apparent dichotomy is explained by William Blake The reason Milton wrote in fetters when he wrote of Angels & Gods, and at liberty when of Devils & Hell, is because he was a true Poet and of the Devils company without knowing it.Miltons adherence to orthodox views resulted in an uninspired portraiture of Heaven. Hell, in contrast, was greatly developed the vivid imagery of the volcanic and blunt terrain gave Hell a genuine ambience. Milton described Hell as a lake of fire (280) and commented on the Floods and Whirlwinds of tempestuous fire (77). He indicated that phantasma is given off instead of lig ht No light, but rather darkness visible (63). The devils, especially Satan, were characterized in more detail than the angels or God. The initiatory two books of Paradise Lost featured the fallen angels debate figureing their prospective plans. As a true Poet Milton sought to appeal to the emotions of his readers. The natural humanity inclination towards evil inspired Miltons powerful description of Hell as opposed to his unimaginative view of Heaven.Milton held strongly antipathetic views with regard to tyrannical authorities. He created numerous pamphlets to protest the regime of unjust rulers such as King Charles I. Blake suggested that Miltons opposition to tyranny was also relevant to the authority of God. Both Satan and Milton expressed similar rebellious sentiments. In Paradise Lost, Satan speaks of Gods unjust rule, which parallels Miltons philosophical system regarding tyrannical princes and kings of his day. For example, Satan says to his followers that Al l is not lost the invulnerable Will / And study of revenge, immortal hate / And courage never to picture or yield (106-108).