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1667
1667 · John Milton · England
Paradise Lost
Epic PoetryTheologyMythology Essential Renaissance & Early Modern
A grand epic poem retelling the biblical fall of man, with Satan as a complex protagonist leading the rebellion against God and plotting humanity's corruption. Milton combines theological doctrine with unprecedented narrative sympathy for evil.
Literary Significance
Paradise Lost revived the classical epic for the Christian era and gave literary depth to theological abstractions. Satan's eloquence and fallen grandeur transformed him into a romantic figure, influencing how Western culture views evil.
Historical Context
Written after the English Civil War and the Restoration, Paradise Lost reflects Milton's disappointment with political revolution and his wrestling with theodicy and divine justice in a chaotic world.