Books: “Paradise Lost” by John Milton

A massive undertaking with rewards of prose that roll off the tongue- rich and bountiful like Milton’s Eden itself. Biblical and Greek stories are woven in throughout the philosophical dialogue, which begs the question: does history keep repeating itself, with only the story teller changing?

There is nothing I can add that the academics have not yet discussed at length before. Instead, prepare for a plethora of flowering beauty which is but hope; the angels’ wisdom, God’s infinitude and Eve’s love for Adam and his for her as his equal. And beware of thorny words of Satan’s cunning and despair, which is later Adam’s own- and therefore ours.

“How overcome this dire calamity,

What reinforcement we may gain from hope,

If not what resolution from despair. ”               

Book I 190

“Boundless the deep, because I am who fill

Infinitude, nor vacuous the space.

Though I uncircumscribed myself retire,

And put not forth my goodness, which is free

To act or not necessity and chance

Approach not me, and what I will is fate. ”   

Book VII 168

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