I'm sure there's more than a few English Literature students who would agree that Paradise Lost can be a difficult read, and I'd say even more difficult if you're just trying to read and appreciate it. After all, it's considered the greatest of English Literature so why not see what all the fuss is about?
It's not really a big surprise that it can be impenetrable to a modern reader, there are a few factors that conspire to confound our reading perspective:
- While the general themes are familiar and from a human perspective almost timeless, Paradise Lost was released in 1667. The world around us, and lives we lead are in many ways vastly different from how it was in the 17th century.
- Not only have we (and society with us) changed, the English language has evolved through natural use, and to incorporate new concepts.
- The form of the poem isn't one that is generally encountered by modern readers. This is coupled with poetry not being as often read.
- The references used by Milton to enrich his writing are not ones we encounter too often these days unless studying classical history or related subjects.
- The story is a religious one (although I would argue that it's core themes are more fundamental than that) , and as such is replete with religious and theological imagery and thinking.
Some or all of these represent barriers to entry for the new reader, and all too easily can put a new reader off that they do not enjoy, or get to appreciate why it deserves its classic status. That's not to say that you should force yourself to read it (unless you're studying it maybe) - people's tastes are different, but also evolve as you pass through life.
There are ways I've discovered over the years that may help make Milton's epic work easier to get into.
While Reading
- Don't try and read too much in a single sitting. You can binge it once you are comfortable, but at first read a book at a time (there are 12 depending on which version you're reading), or just a page, or even just the argument (it's a summary of what is to come in that book), and then put it aside and let what you've read percolate nicely in your mind.
- You don't have to understand every metaphor. As with all good writing, the reader is rewarded for multiple reads. Mark it in your mind and look the reference up once you've ended your session.
Parallel Prose Edition
This is one of my favourite versions of the poem. It is a prose translation of the poem and structured so you havre the poem on one page and the matching prose on the neighboring page. So you can easily switch between the two. It's almost like cheating, it's so easy to follow.
It can be a little hard to get hold of, although a quick search has found a few copies on ebay. Expect to pay at least £20 for it, but it's well worth the money. If you're new to classic literature of this style then I'd recommend this edition before the others. Get the bug and then start your quest for editions from all the ages.
The author, Daniel Danielson was one of the early guest authors on my The Cult of Me blog. You can read it here (who is an actual Paradise Lost scholar):
Audio Book
I confess that I'm a late convert for audio books. I found it frustrating how slowly listening was when compared to reading. However for poetry or any writing that should be read aloud and with a cadence is automatically made better if you can hear it as intended.
It's important find a good production. Thankfully there are plenty to choose from, here's one I recently enjoyed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINzUBvQ5nw
For your first listen I advise refraining from pausing to look up an obscure phrase, but instead just immerse yourself in just listening - headphones are good for this as they reduce distractions.
As I'm listening to it now - here's a decent (if abridged) audio version of Paradise Regained - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GINzUBvQ5nw Emperor Palpatine performs a most excellent Satan.
Dive On In
Contrary to my earlier advice dive on into the world of Paradise Lost. Learn about John Milton and the world he lived in. Listen to the band (very little to directly relate to the topic, but an excellent band anyway). Read the history of the classical world and its rich tapestry Milton draws upon.
And while generally you should read the poem before venturing into professional critiques and essays, in the case of C.S.Lewis' Prelude to Paradise Lost is a wonderful introduction and commentary on the book, but also explains about the various forms of epic poems. An excellent read.
Hopefully there's a few useful hints there is you are a new reader - if you have any tips or suggestions then comment below.
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