Chapter 4

Paradise Lost: The Actors. The Later Poems

Milton's argumentative end; its bearing on the scenes in Heaven; his political bias, and materialism; Milton's Deity; his Satan; the minor devils; Adam; Eve; personal memories; Adam's eulogy of Eve, criticised by Raphael; Milton's philosophy of love and beauty; the opinions of Raphael, of Satan, and of Mrs. Millamant; the comparative merits of Adam and Eve; Milton's great epic effects; his unity and large decorum; morning and evening; architectural effects; the close of _Paradise Lost_; Addison and Bentley; _Paradise Regained;_ the choice of subject; Milton's favourite theme--temptation; other possible subjects; the Harrying of Hell; _Samson Agonistes;_ the riddle of life. 126