Classic Epic

In literature, an epic is a narrative poem on the grand scale and in

majestic style concerning the exploits and adventures of a superhuman hero

(or heroes) engaged in a quest or some serious endeavour. The hero is

distinguished above all men by his strength and courage, and is restrained

only by a sense of honour. The subject-matter of epic includes myth, legend,

history, and folk tale. It is usually set in a heroic age of the past and

embodies its country's early history and expresses its values. Battles and

perilous journeys play a large part, as do gods, the supernatural, and magic;

scenes are often set in the Underworld or in heaven. The high sounding,

bombastic and ornate language, war like speeches, ancient and mythical

references and the use of supernatural machinery are some of the main

features or essential ingredients of the epic writing. The Epic can be defines

as:

“An Epic is a highest form of poetry i.e. a long narrative poem in

which characters and actions are of heroic proportions. It is

written in an elevated style with a serious theme at least of

national or international level. “

An epic must accord with the technical principles of great epics of classical antiquity set by the classical writers like Homer and Virgil. But when we analyse “Paradise Lost” as an epic,

following the set principles, we can aptly say that John Milton, a puritan, and a scholarly person, surpasses even his favourite masters Homer and Virgil in producing a model structure of epic writing for rest of the times.Unlike the national subjects taken up by Homer and Virgil, Milton succeeds in writing an epic having more serious rather universal subject that is the fall of man on the model of the Greek

and Latin epics. The subject, whom Aristotle, Tasso, Homer, Virgil and other epic poets took are

ancient and their themes are nation but Milton’s subject is more ancient than that of any other epic. He deals with the subject:

“Of man’s disobedience and the fruit

Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste,

 Brought death into this work and all our woe

With loss of Eden”

Characteristics of Paradise Lost as an Epic

 Aristotle described six characteristics: "fable, action, characters,

sentiments, diction, and meter" most important elements of epic.

Fable:

Fable or story is the basis of the epic. Bossu is of the opinion that

“the poet’s first business is to find a moral, which is perfect or imperfect

according as the action is more or less so.” The subject of the Paradise lost concerns

with not only a nation or a particular country, rather the destiny of the whole mankind is associated with it. In this particular sense, Paradise lost excels others epic as its action is contrived in hell, executed on earth and punishes by heaven. Coleridge commenting on the Universal appeal of Paradise Lost says,

“The superiority of Paradise Lost is obvious in this respect that the interest transcends the limit of a nation… it contains the matter of deep interest to all mankind; forming the basis of all religions and the true occasion of all of all philosophy what so ever” Besides, Milton has filled his story with so many surprising incidents which bear so close an analogy with what is delivered in Holy writ, that it is capable of pleasing the most delicate reader, without giving offense to the most scrupulous.

Theme:

The first conviction of epic writing is that it carries a serious theme at least of nation or

international level. The destiny of a nation or region is associated with it. The theme of an epic,

according to Aristotle, must be “probable and marvelous”. Milton, however, makes some

changes in choosing theme as in the very early lines he declares that his aim was to attempt,

“Things unattempted yet in Prose or rhyme” Explaining subject or theme of Paradise Lost, Hallam says that it is “the finest ever chosen for heroic poetry, it is also manage by Milton with remarkable skill. The Iliad wants completeness; the subject of Odyssey is hardly extension, the Aeneid is spread over too long a space: the Pharasalia is open to the same criticism and the Iliad: the subject of the Thebaib possesses no interest in our eyes: yet the fall of Man has a more general interest than the Crusade.” responsible for most of the critics to consider him to be a hero of this great epic. Even the critics like Robert Burn is forced to say "Give me the spirit of my favorite hero, Milton's Satan"

Episodes:

Like the classical epic writers, Milton succeeds in lending “Paradise Lost” with perfect unity of

plot. Everything or even in the poem leads up to or flows from it. The plucking of the fruit of

the tree of knowledge, the war between God & Satan, followed by the fall of Satan, Long

descriptions of hell and heaven and seduction scene all these events are closely woven and seem

a single and a compact action.

As a masterly person, Milton plunges into the middle of the story, instead of beginning,

but in the middle he traces the earlier story and forwards the story to a striking end. During this

Milton still is following a rule of epic writing. In the course of the events Milton convincingly

shows the utter powerlessness, helplessness and depravity of evil beside the almightiness, beauty

and benevolence of God. Evil never succeeds; it never does under any circumstances. Milton

shows this in the defeat of Satan:

“so stretch’d out huge in length the Arch-fiend lay,

Chain’d on the burning lake; nor ever thence

Had ris’n, or heav’d his head, but that the will

And high permission of all-ruling heaven,

Left him at large to his own dark designs.”

Diction & style:

War like speeches is another feature of epics. Through these speeches, the poet actually explains

the background and the scenery, the characters themselves speak fully explaining their thoughts,

feelings and motives. Milton once again seems at the top, while presenting the war like

speeches of Satan, who emerges as a giant leader with all heroic qualities inspiring all the

readers.

In Book-I Satan has been represented in heroic dimension. He displays unyielding

courage, shrewdness as leader. From the very first speech, he appears to be a great orator with

 profound leadership qualities.

“What though the field be lost, all is not lost,

The unconquered will ……… immortal hate”

He like a great leader arranges a council and gives them the urge to wage another war against

The Supreme Victor. Thorough analysis of their defeat is done to formulate new strategy. He

like a great leader praises his fellows and gives them boost by calling them Princes, The Knights

and the Warriors he also pinches them by his words

“Wake up or be fallen forever”

The whip of words works and all of the fallen shrubs rise and whole dark hell resounds with

their slogans and flashes with blazing swords and shields as Milton describes the scene in these

lines,

  

“Highly they raged

 Against the highest, and fierce with grasped arms

Clashed on their soundings shields, the den of war

 Hurling defiance towards the vault of heaven.”

 Integrity:

The use of similes, metaphors and allusions are another ingredient of epic writing and

‘Paradise Lost’ is the best blend of this quality. Especially Book-I can aptly be declared as one

of the best example of Milton’s skill in using similes and metaphors. Milton being the most

learned uses similes, metaphors and allusions to suit their appropriateness adding to the grandeur

of the poem. He found an inexhaustible store of learning and experience in classical literature

and mythology, from which he drew material for his similes. He tells us that the palace of hell is

far beyond the magnificence of “Babylone, or great Alcairo”, and the army of rebel angel far

exceeds those,

“That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side

Mixed with auxiliary gods; and what resounds

 In fable or romance of Uther’s son,

 Begirt with British and Armoric Knights;

 And all who since, baptized or infidel;

 Jousted in Aspramount or Matalban,

 Damasco, Morocco, or Tribisond,

When charlemain with all his peerage fell

 By Fontarabia.”

 Machinery:

The classical writers set another tradition ie, the use of supernatural machinery, which develops

the plot and solves its complications. John Milton’s skill once again excels other poets in

exhibiting the superb usage of supernatural machinery in the poem. There are only two human

characters, Adam & Eve, rest of all the characters including God, angles, Satan and rebellion

angels all are supernatural beings.

Thus the use of supernatural machinery in this epic is very convincing.

 Sentiments;

As paradise Lost primarily deals with supernatural powers and agencies, there is very little

scope for the expression of human sentiments. Adam and Eve are the only two human

characters. Their sentiments both of fears and repentance have, of course, been beautifully and

forcefully rendered. The anguish rising from the horrors attending the sense of the divine

displeasure are very justly and powerfully described. But the real greatness of Milton lies in the

fact that he has rendered supernatural powers as human beings and ascribed to them human

sentiments. Dr Johnson says that,

“The sentiments, as expressive of manners, are appropriated to

characters are, for the later part, unexceptionally just.”

Conclusion;

  

To conclude it would be very apt to remark that “Paradise Lost” fulfills all the requirements and

the convictions laid down by the classics and is one of the best epic ever written in English

literature. A sane critic is justified in giving these remarks;

“There is nothing in English literature, but Paradise Lost”

English literature will remain indebted to Milton for his remarkable and glowing piece of

literature for all the ages. Milton following the classical tradition matches his own purpose i.e.

“justifies the ways of God to men” and has transformed the classical secular epic into a

theological and universal one. He actually has enriched the epic tradition and it is apt to say that

‘Paradise Lost’ is the best example of the tradition and the individual talent. Therefore, it’s

confirmed that the subject of this epic is more ancient, serious and lofty than any other epic. It

 promotes a universal view of man’s life