Paradise Lost (Penguin Classics)

It is really hard to give this text a rating as to me it is more of a theological piece of literature, but that being said I will rate it a 3 for a few different reasons. I think that the way that Milton used his religious and political beliefs to write a story was very genius and that there were some very remarkable scenes in the story. The way he connected everything in the story together, from characters to themes to places, was very solid and his imagining of what Paradise and the universe look like was interesting to read.

However, I do deduct points because there are parts in the story where Milton's own beliefs and prejudices (mainly misogyny) get in his own way of the story he is trying to tell. Some things did not mesh together well and although sometimes he would say one thing, he would say something else that negated the first statement. For example, Milton believed no one person should come in between a person's relationship with God (even a priest), yet he says that Adam (men) has a direct relationship to God and that Eve (women) does not and instead worships God through her relationship with Adam. I also think that the pacing was not very stable, as the first few books were slow, the middle was fast, and then the last book was very long-winded when getting to the point.

I would not recommend this book as a casual read as it was hard to grasp without the help of my professor but if you are into theological readings or early literature then it is still an interesting story!

It would be naive of me to think that my review of a classic like Paradise Lost would in anyway contribute to the reputation of such an astounding piece of literature. Nonetheless, I can only echo the praises of this book and Milton’s writing.
The frequent allusions to Paradise Lost by some of the West’s greatest authors was the initial impotus for my desire to read it. It was listening to poet laureate Billy Collins discuss the importance of reading Milton that actually caused me to start.
The meter, the word mastery, the command of k knowledge of mythology is more than enough to make this a new favorite of mine. However, I gleaned more theologically out of this masterpiece than I had even come close to expecting beforehand.
There are obvious departures of thought for me and Milton, especially concerning the role of women. Yet, I would be amiss if I did not tell everyone wanting to read this book that it has enriched my personal devotion to my religion, and left me yearning for a Christianity as dedicated to making God’s invisible beauty eminent in ecclesial life. Contemporary believers have our few artists, but when looked at as a gestalt, are woefully depraved of the dedication and sincerity evident in every page of Paradise Lost. The doctrine is fresh and still relevant to today. The artisty is exquisite. While I recommend this book to all, there is no doubt that the full richness of it is lost to those who are not willing to accept Milton’s challenge and have God’s will justified, even in the face of suffering and destruction. What you will find is a high resolution document illuminating the tragedy and triumph of humanity’s free will.
This is not a “book” meant to be read for mere intellectual addition. It is meticulously designed by a man of faith for a people with faith... or at least the suspension of disbelief.
I carry with me a new understanding of the Hell, the Eden, or the Heaven that every individual chooses for themselves. Do not read this one frivolously!