Tuesday 27 January 2015

How does Milton portray Pandemonium dramatically in Paradise Lost?

Milton uses his Biblical knowledge and elements of epic poetry to invoke a sense of grandeur when describing Pandemonium, the capitol of Hell in “Paradise Lost.” After being banished from Heaven, Satan and the other fallen angels find a temple that becomes a meeting place where they discuss their intent of waging war against God and Man. From the opening of Book 1, it’s clear that there is a conflict between Satan and God that...

Milton uses his Biblical knowledge and elements of epic poetry to invoke a sense of grandeur when describing Pandemonium, the capitol of Hell in “Paradise Lost.” After being banished from Heaven, Satan and the other fallen angels find a temple that becomes a meeting place where they discuss their intent of waging war against God and Man. From the opening of Book 1, it’s clear that there is a conflict between Satan and God that spans the whole universe. Before Man is even in the picture, Milton portrays the underlying conflict which Man will eventually become a part of. Regardless, God the Father has seen all this coming and will use the Messiah to restore all of creation.


Since “Paradise Lost” is an epic poem, Milton relies on certain conventions to elevate his writing. The poem starts in “media res” after the failed rebellion in Heaven. Like the ancient Greek poets, Milton calls on the Muse to inspire the story. He also makes use of lofty language, long speeches, and expanded similes.

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