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Unit 22: Paradise Lost-I (Non-detailed Study): Discussion and Analysis-III

Light is personified, so that it seems more than a mere physical fact but instead seems something Notes
living, even divine, and thus deserving of the dignity of the so-called “grand style.” Another example
of the “grand style” in this passage appears in line 6, when Milton uses numerous words of Latin
origin to describe Light as a “Bright effluence of bright essence increate”. This is not simple, plain,
unadorned, Anglo-Saxon phrasing; rather, it is the kind of lofty phrasing Milton considered
appropriate to his highly important topics. Milton can write very simple English, as when he refers
to “The rising world of waters dark and deep”, but even here there is a touch of Latin sentence
structure, since the adjectives follow the noun rather than preceding it.
A different kind of writer, with different purposes, would have written, “The Almighty power
hurled him . . . .” Milton, however, makes his phrasing sound like a grand or elevated kind of
English by using this kind of “Latinate” sentence structure.

22.7 Summary

• Milton mocks the knightly romances of the Middle Ages on the grounds that they applaud
merely superficial heroism.
• Milton explains that their appetite for knowledge has been fulfilled, and their hunger for God
has been quenched.
• Adam sins not out of a desire to gain the knowledge from eating the fruit, but out of recogni-
tion that Eve has left him with little or no alternative.
• In Paradise, the Son calls to Adam, who comes forth shamefacedly along with Eve.
• Adam is much relieved to hear that God will bless a portion of humankind, after having it
cursed for so long.
• The discussion between Adam and Michael about Nimrod and the Tower of Babel provides
Milton with an opportunity to express his fundamental ideas about political and religious
freedom.

22.8 Keywords

Temptation : A desire to do something.
Bruise : An injury appearing as an area of discoloured skin on the body, caused by a blow or
impact rupturing underlying blood vessels.
Escort : A person who is hired or formally requested to accompany a member of the opposite
sex to a social event.
Lament : A passionate expression of grief.

22.9 Review Questions

1. What is Adam and Eve’s tragic catastrophe?
2. What does Discord do on Earth after the fall?
3. In what from does Michael appear on Earth?
4. Who baptizes the first believers after Christ’s death?
5. Describe the character of God in Paradise Lost.
6. Explain the grand style of Milton.

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