A.S.P Woodhouse’s article, “From Paradise Lost, I: Theme and Pattern” argues that Paradise Lost is a Christian epic that follows the pattern of the epic as laid out by the Iliad and the Aeneid. Although Milton’s epic differs slightly in form from that of Homer’s or Virgil’s, mainly that Homer’s and Virgil’s epics focus on the natural order (or as found on page 469 “Universal Nature moved by Universal Mind”) focuses on and Milton’s focuses on a higher power, the core of the story is undeniable epic. Woodhouse also argues that Milton’s goal with his epic was to show Jesus Christ as the perfect hero. His sacrifice being Milton’s example of the perfect and ultimate sacrifice that leads to the ultimate devine victory. Because Christ is the perfect hero, Milton must give his foes some of those same heroic qualities, so in order to be able to contend with Christ, Milton gives Satan some of Christ’s same heroic qualities. However, Milton is careful to ensure that the only heroic qualities Satan has are in line with the possibility of wickedness. This helps Milton make his last ultimate statement, and how Woodhouse ends his argument in order to reflect Milton’s own, that all heroism is worthless unless it is Christian heroism.
-Megan Griep
