John Milton's Inspiration for Writing "Paradise Lost" | HEC Sparknotes 2023

Inspiration for Writing "Paradise Lost"

Undoubtedly, John Milton's magnum opus, the epic poem "Paradise Lost," stands as an unequivocal testament to its profound significance within the realm of English literature. This profound opus, unveiled in the year 1667, delves into the descent of mankind from a state of divine favour, the rebellion of the malevolent entity known as Satan, and the intricately woven dynamics between the autonomy of human choice, predetermined destiny, and the guiding hand of celestial providence. In order to grasp the underlying motivation that propelled the creation of this prodigious opus, it becomes imperative to embark upon a comprehensive exploration of the biographical, ideological, and temporal circumstances that intricately moulded John Milton's artistic perspective.

Milton's existence was characterized by his profound involvement with the religious, political, and philosophical concepts that permeated his era. Milton, a profoundly pious adherent of the Christian faith, found himself profoundly impacted by the tumultuous sociopolitical and religious milieu that characterized 17th-century England. The renowned poet John Milton's philosophical outlook underwent a significant change as a result of the historical occurrence known as the English Civil War and the Commonwealth that followed under the direction of the notable figure Oliver Cromwell. The literary works authored by esteemed individual, such as "Areopagitica" and "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates," effectively showcased his unwavering dedication to the preservation of civil liberties and the unfettered expression of ideas. These profound writings served as a testament to his profound conviction in the intrinsic value of personal autonomy and the unimpeded pursuit of intellectual enlightenment. The aforementioned principles evoked a profound resonance with the thematic elements that the author would subsequently delve into within the literary masterpiece known as "Paradise Lost."

The genesis of Milton's magnum opus, "Paradise Lost," can be discerned through a meticulous examination of his profound personal tribulations and experiential encounters. In the year 1652, he was afflicted with the unfortunate loss of his visual faculties, a circumstance that undoubtedly engendered a profound metamorphosis in his perception of existence and erudition. His visual impairment, which he eloquently described as "my external ocular organs, dedicated to acts of self-discipline throughout the extended periods of daylight," served as a symbolic embodiment of the profound spiritual blindness that he posited afflicted all of humanity subsequent to the tragic event known as the Fall. In the third instalment of the renowned literary work "Paradise Lost," penned by the esteemed John Milton, the poet's mellifluous voice reverberates with profound resonance, mirroring his own intimate encounter with the affliction of visual impairment.

Henceforth, in light of the passing of time
The cyclical nature of seasons manifests itself, yet it eludes my personal experience.
The passage of time, whether it be the pleasant arrival of evening or the dawning of morning,
Behold the captivating vision of the vernal bloom, or the resplendent manifestation of summer's rose.
Whether it be assemblages, congregations, gatherings, or even the countenance of a celestial being,
However, the ethereal phenomenon known as the cloud, shrouded in perpetual darkness,
envelopes my immediate vicinity."

Due to his ocular impairment, Milton spent a lot of time thinking about the idea of internal sight, which refers to the process of understanding the world using one's mental faculties rather than their physical counterparts. This process can reveal profound insights that the corporeal senses frequently hide.

An additional wellspring of inspiration for "Paradise Lost" can be traced to Milton's profound captivation with classical epics, most notably the venerable works of Homer, namely the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," as well as Virgil's esteemed "Aeneid." He endeavored to replicate the artistic prowess of these venerable bards while fashioning an unparalleled Christian saga that would effectively communicate the magnificence of celestial motifs. In "Paradise Lost," Milton's linguistic and stylistic choices reverberate with the resplendent cadence characteristic of classical epics, as exemplified in the inaugural verses:

Of the initial transgression committed by mankind and the consequential outcome doth evoke a sense of transgression, and when mere mortals consume its fruit's essence, it causes a profound awareness of wrongdoing.

The act of introducing mortality into existence has resulted in the manifestation of profound distress for humanity.

The profound depths of Milton's religious fervor drove him to strive to create a literary masterpiece of unparalleled scope, one that would stand head and shoulders above the esteemed works of antiquity. This unwavering commitment impelled him to embark upon the Herculean endeavor of composing the illustrious "Paradise Lost."

 The prevalent religious and philosophical discourses of its time had a significant impact on the poem's thematic development. Milton found himself deeply entangled in profound theological deliberations, specifically those pertaining to the intricate matters of predestination and the concept of volitional autonomy. He thought a lot about these debates as he carefully put together the complicated relationship between God's all-knowingness, people's free will, and Satan's rebellion. The palpable tension that arises from the juxtaposition of divine sovereignty and individual agency is evident in the following lines:

 Greetings, Venerable Luminary, progeny of the celestial realm's primogenitor,
Or, rather, of the perpetual and simultaneous radiance of the Eternal.

 In this particular discourse, Milton engages in a profound contemplation regarding the inherent contradiction between the omnipotent nature of the divine and the inherent volition possessed by humanity, thereby shedding light on the intricate nature of human existence.

 In summation, the genesis of John Milton's literary endeavor, "Paradise Lost," can be discerned as an amalgamation of his individual encounters, theological convictions, and cerebral pursuits. The manifestation of his unwavering dedication to personal autonomy, his astute reactions to societal turmoil, and his profound theological explorations coalesced harmoniously within the framework of this grandiose poetic composition. "Paradise Lost" serves as a testament to Milton's remarkable capacity to amalgamate a myriad of disparate elements, including classical influences, theological quandaries, personal tribulations, and artistic ambitions, thereby engendering a magnum opus that persists in enthralling readers across the ages since its inception. In this literary endeavor, Milton extends an invitation to engage in contemplation regarding the timeless motifs of human essence, the perpetual conflict between virtue and malevolence, and the enigmatic enigmas surrounding celestial guidance. As we delve into the complexities inherent within this grandiose poetic composition, we are compelled to acknowledge the timeless and transcendent influence of literature in its capacity to shed light on the multifaceted nature of the human condition, spanning both temporal and spatial dimensions.