74 pages 2 hours read

John Milton

Paradise Lost

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1667

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

Paradise Lost

  • Genre: Epic poetry; religious fiction
  • Originally Published: 1667, revised and expanded edition in 1674
  • Reading Level/Interest: College/Adult
  • Structure/Length: Divided into 12 books; approx. 500 pages; approx. 2 hours and 23 minutes on audiobook
  • Protagonist/Central Conflict: Paradise Lost is an epic poem that retells the biblical story of the Fall of Humanity. The central conflict revolves around the rebellion of Satan and his followers, their expulsion from Heaven, and the subsequent events leading to the Fall of Adam and Eve. While Satan is a prominent character, the poem explores the struggles and choices of Adam and Eve as they grapple with temptation and the consequences of their actions. It delves into themes of free will, obedience, theodicy, and the human condition in the context of Christian theology.
  • Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of religious and philosophical content

John Milton, Author

  • Bio: Born 1608, deceased 1674; English poet, polemicist, and intellectual; made significant contributions to literature, politics, and theology; celebrated for his epic poetry; known for exploring profound theological and philosophical questions in his work; works encompass poetry, prose, and political writings, making him a prominent figure in English literature
  • Other Works: Paradise Regained (1671); Samson Agonistes (1671); Areopagitica (1644)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

Related Titles

By John Milton

Study Guide

logo

Areopagitica

John Milton

Areopagitica

John Milton

Study Guide

logo

On the Late Massacre in Piedmont

John Milton

On the Late Massacre in Piedmont

John Milton

Study Guide

logo

Paradise Regained

John Milton

Paradise Regained

John Milton

Study Guide

logo

Samson Agonistes

John Milton

Samson Agonistes

John Milton

Study Guide

logo

When I Consider How My Light is Spent

John Milton

When I Consider How My Light is Spent

John Milton