read Paradise Lost

I just recently bought this book at Goodwill and it also includes all other major works of Milton too. I’m an English major so this is one of many books that I have on my reading list.

I’ve heard that this is the most perfect poem in English, so I want to read it. I’ll probably try to find it in the library or online. Don’t know when I’ll start.

its actually cos apparently phillip pullman was deeply inspired…so im interested in reading this. i have it sitting on my bookshelf…just gotta pick it up!

I just finished, and I definitely think it’s worth it. Its’ the great English epic, for mercy’s sake! =D

Whoo boy, Book I was exciting- I think I’m going to have to read it again! I never imagined myself almost feeling bad for Satan. Here’s a line after he had gathered the angels who fought with him in battle against God.

”...He now prepared
To speak; whereat their doubled ranks they bend
From wing to wing, and half enclose him round
With all his peers; attention held them mute,
Thrice he assayed, and thrice in spite of scorn,
Tears, such as Angels weep, burst forth; at last
Words interwove with sighs found out their way…”
ln: 615-621

Many have said this before me but the greatest surprise about this book has been what a complex and utterly human character he is. The way he mourns over the loss of Heaven is tragic.

I read it about 3 years ago during grad school but on my own. Blackstone audio or somesuch had audio tapes at my library which I borrowed and eventually bought.

I listened to it book by book (the English reader does voices for various characters) then read the book outloud.

If you read aloud you will understand more about iambic pentameter.

i had to read two books of this way back when in school. i enjoyed them so much that i read the rest in my own time and never regretted it! milton’s portrayal of satan provides us with what is, for me, one of the most enigmatic and subtly over-appealing characters in english literature.

xxx.

Just finished book number 9 where Eve finally eats the apple. It’s kinda scarey that I feel myself agreeing more with Satans opinions and his motives… In the text God is portrayed as being quite selfish and even sometimes an oppressive figure. Maybe that’s what the text is supposed to bring into question? I know many critics have identified Satan as the “real hero” in the text. Hmmm…

On Book 5! I can’t believe I’m actually understanding it too…

Another text I have to read before I can start on my coursework. Really not looking forward to it!