John Milton | Paradise Regained | A Review
John Milton’s ‘Paradise Regained’-A Review
“Paradise Regained” is an epic poem by John Milton, first published in 1671, and is considered a sequel to his earlier work “Paradise Lost.” The poem narrates the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan and the eventual triumph of Jesus over Satan, portraying the theme of the victory of good over evil. Here is a detailed review of the poem:
Style and Language:
Milton’s language and style are some of the most remarkable features of “Paradise Regained.” The poem is written in a more elevated and refined language than “Paradise Lost,” with its elegant diction, balanced sentences, and intricate syntax. Milton’s use of biblical and classical allusions gives the poem a sense of timelessness and universality, while his vivid imagery brings the story to life in the reader’s mind.
Characters:
“Paradise Regained” primarily focuses on the character of Jesus, who is depicted as a humble, selfless, and determined figure. Satan, on the other hand, is portrayed as the embodiment of evil, cunning, and temptation. While Satan is an interesting and complex character, it is the portrayal of Jesus that stands out as the most significant aspect of the poem.
Themes:
The primary theme of “Paradise Regained” is the victory of good over evil, with Jesus overcoming Satan’s temptations and remaining faithful to his mission. The poem also explores the concept of self-sacrifice and the importance of spiritual redemption. The poem’s depiction of the devil as a tempter rather than a conqueror highlights the idea that evil cannot win over the divine, and that human beings must resist temptation to lead a righteous life.
Structure:
“Paradise Regained” is divided into four books, each exploring a different temptation that Satan presents to Jesus. The first three temptations are centered around worldly pleasures, while the final temptation is related to the concept of power. The structure of the poem is well organized, with each book building on the previous one and culminating in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Criticism:
“Paradise Regained” received mixed reviews from critics when it was first published. Some critics found the poem to be a worthy sequel to “Paradise Lost,” while others found it to be inferior and lacking in the same grandeur as its predecessor. However, the poem’s focus on the character of Jesus and his inner struggle with temptation is seen as a significant departure from the typical epic form, and many modern readers appreciate the poem’s subtle and nuanced approach to the theme of redemption.
In conclusion, “Paradise Regained” is a remarkable work of literature that explores the theme of good versus evil in a nuanced and profound manner. While it may not have the same grandeur as “Paradise Lost,” the poem’s focus on the character of Jesus and his triumph over temptation make it a significant work in its own right. Milton’s elegant language and vivid imagery create a compelling narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. 0 0 0.
John Milton Paradise Regained A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works
- Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works
- Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues …
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