Volume : 10, Issue : 3, MAR 2024

A SPECIFIC STUDY OF ANGELOLOGY IN MILTON’S PARADISE LOST

DR. ANAND KUMAR MINJ

Abstract

"Paradise Lost," written by John Milton and first published in 1667, stands as one of the most significant and enduring epic poems in English literature. The theme of Paradise Lost is the fall of Man. Milton has studied the sin which has brought about the downfall of man. The examination of the corruption of man's heart is a necessity for Milton. He wants to explain why human nature has come short of his expectations and why all his hopes have been frustrated. The prime fact of the fall is disobedience to God.

The explosive growth of Milton studies in recent times have resulted in what has been referred to as the 'flourishing Milton industry'. But this, far from helping the resolution of the controversies about Milton, has only made them all the more complex and complicated. Hence the scope for further research in Milton seems unlimited.

One of the most serious and sustained controversies about Milton has been that over his theodicy which is his stated purpose of writing Paradise Lost. Both the defenders and detractors of his theodicy have generally assumed that Milton is a thorough going biblicist. It is true that, studies have been made to show that Milton deviates very seriously from orthodox Christian dogma. But the biblical basis of his beliefs seems to be taken for granted by Milton scholars in general. So they have assumed that both Paradise Lost and the Bible stand or fall together. This assumption seems to have seriously vitiated the controversies over Milton producing more heat than light.

One of the sources of serious problems for Milton's theodicy is his angelology, especially the presentation of the fallen angels in the poem. Since the triumph of rationalism in the 19th century, these problems have generated serious controversies. Both the defenders and detractors of the God of the poem, however, have generally identified his angelology with Biblical angelology. This study attempts the angelology of Milton's Paradise Lost.

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References

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