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Jayatee Bhattacharya, Lovely Professional University Unit 20: Paradise Lost-I (Non-detailed Study): Discussion and Analysis–I

Unit 20: Paradise Lost-I (Non-detailed Study): Notes

Discussion and Analysis–I

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
20.1 Book–I

20.1.1 Summary: Lines 1–26: Prologue and Invocation
20.1.2 Summary: Lines 27–722: Satan and Hell

20.2 Book–II

20.2.1 Summary: Prologue and Invocation
20.3 Book–III

20.3.1 Summary: Prologue and Invocation

20.4 Book–IV
20.4.1 Summary: Prologue and Invocation

20.5 Summary
20.6 Keywords

20.7 Review Questions
20.8 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain prologue and invocation of Paradise Lost Book I–IV
• Describe briefly summary and analysis of Book I–IV.

Introduction

Book I of Paradise Lost begins with a prologue in which Milton performs the traditional epic task of
invoking the Muse and stating his purpose. He invokes the classical muse, Urania but also refers to
her as the “Heavnly muse” implying the christian nature of this work. He also says that the poem
will deal with man’s disobedience toward God and the results of that disobedience. He concludes
the prologue by saying he will attempt to justify God’s ways to men.
Book II divides into two large sections. The first is the debate among the devils concerning the
proper course of action. The second section deals with Satan’s voyage out of Hell with Sin and
Death—the only extended allegory in Paradise Lost. The council of demons that begins Book II recalls

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