Paradise Lost: Context (OCR A Level English Literature): Revision Note

Context

Context should inform, but should never dominate, your reading of the text. Any comments on context must consider the significance and influence of the contexts in which the text was written and received. When exploring context for Paradise Lost you should consider primarily the literary context, and then include any other relevant contexts as appropriate to the question. Each of the topics below link directly to the key themes and ideas in Paradise Lost:

• Literary context

• Social context

• Historical context

Literary context

When considering a text’s literary context, it is important to explore its form and genre, as well as anything the text might do that defies the expectations of a particular genre. Paradise Lost is an epic poem that adheres to the conventions of the epic genre, containing heroic characters, divine intervention and fundamental moral and philosophical questions. The sections below will explore each of these literary contexts in relation to the poem in more detail.

Renaissance literature 

• Renaissance literature, especially poetry, marked a transformative period in the history of European culture, which flourished during the 14th to 17th centuries:

  • This era was characterised by a revival of interest in classical learning, art and literature, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman civilisations

• Renaissance poets drew inspiration from classical texts, adopting forms such as the sonnet, ode and epic poetry:

  • Writers studied and emulated the works of ancient poets like Homer, Virgil and Ovid  

• Renaissance poets often engaged in political and social commentary and reflected on the power struggles and societal changes of their time

• Milton’s initial concepts for Paradise Lost were in the form of a play:

  • Milton eventually transitioned from drama to epic poetry, though traces of the original form persist, particularly in Satan's dramatic monologues 

• The poem adheres to the conventions of the epic genre, featuring grand themes, heroic characters, divine intervention and fundamental moral and philosophical questions:

  • Epic poetry often takes the form of a lengthy narrative poem that tells the story of heroic deeds, often of a legendary or divine nature

  • Epics typically involve gods, heroes and a grand, overarching theme

• Milton deliberately chose to abstain from using rhyme in his poem and composed his epic in blank verse, a form of unrhymed iambic pentameter:

  • Although commonly employed in drama, blank verse was not typically deemed appropriate for epic poetry, which was more commonly crafted in rhyming “heroic” couplets

  • Rhyming couplets continued to be popular for epic poetry during this period

• Milton created a Christian epic, one that embodied values like faith, patience and service:

  • This was in sharp contrast to the classical virtues of individual heroism and physical prowess exemplified by figures like Achilles, Odysseus or Aeneas

Humanism

• Humanism was an intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the Renaissance

• Milton was heavily influenced by Humanism, which highlighted the study of classical texts and the importance of individual human experience:

  • Paradise Lost follows the Renaissance tradition of drawing inspiration from classical texts and adopting established poetic forms 

• Humanism placed a strong emphasis on the study of classical languages, such as Latin and Greek:

  • These classical languages influenced Milton's poetic style and he uses elevated language in his poem

  • Further, references to Greek and Roman gods, heroes and myths are scattered throughout the poem 

• It also explored the importance of individual human experiences and emotions and encouraged the exploration of moral and ethical questions:

  • In Paradise Lost, Milton explores themes such as free will, divine providence and the nature of good and evil

  • He incorporated philosophical ideas from thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle

  • The themes in the poem are heavily influenced by these classical philosophical traditions

• Further, Humanism acknowledged the transformative power of education and knowledge:

  • In Paradise Lost, knowledge is portrayed as both a source of enlightenment and a potential danger

Social context

A text’s social context can be thought of as the social and political environment in which it was written, and the social and political environment in which it is understood. Milton was influenced by Puritanism and the advancements in gender, class and science. Each of these aspects of social context are explored in more detail below.

Religion

• Religious tensions were high during Milton's time:

  • The Reformation had fragmented Christianity which led to conflicts between Protestants and Catholics across Europe

• In England, Puritanism gained prominence and this promoted strict adherence to Biblical principles and moral conduct

• Milton's poem engages with theological debates and questions surrounding human existence and the divine plan:

  • The poem reflects the Puritan emphasis on individual responsibility, divine providence and the complexities of moral choice

  • As a staunch Puritan, Milton explored themes of morality, obedience and the nature of evil throughout his poem

• Milton's views on marriage and divorce were notably progressive for his time:

  • He advocated for greater personal freedom within marriage and supported the idea of divorce in cases of incompatibility or unhappiness

• In his pamphlet titled The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce in 1643, Milton argued for the legality of divorce under certain circumstances, such as when there was mutual incompatibility between spouses:

  • He believed that individuals should have the freedom to separate and seek happiness elsewhere if their marriage was causing them distress

  • He also argued that marriage should be based on mutual affection and compatibility rather than social or economic factors

• Adam's love for Eve defies the conventions of the period in which it was written:

  • His deep affection for her humanises their relationship, depicting a strong emotional connection

  • This depiction of marital love as a powerful and central force challenged the perception of marriage primarily as a social and economic arrangement:

    • It suggested that love, empathy and companionship were essential elements of a successful partnership, challenging the rigid social norms of the era

Science

• The 17th century, often referred to as the Age of Enlightenment, was a period of great scientific and intellectual progress

• This era witnessed the emergence of revolutionary ideas and discoveries in various fields, including astronomy, physics, mathematics and philosophy

• The 17th century was a time of scientific progress and intellectual curiosity, with figures like Galileo, Kepler and Descartes making significant contributions:

  • Scientists such as Galileo and Kepler challenged traditional views of the cosmos:

    • These developments reshaped humanity's understanding of the universe 

  • Descartes introduced the concept of Cartesian dualism, distinguishing between mind and matter:

    • This laid the foundation for modern philosophy 

• These intellectual advancements inspired writers to incorporate scientific ideas into their work:

  • Many writers explored the implications of scientific discoveries on humanity's place in the universe and the nature of existence itself:

    • Milton infused elements of astronomy, cosmology and natural philosophy into his poem

Class and gender

• The 17th century witnessed the emergence of a prosperous middle class, which led to increased economic stability and social mobility:

  • In Paradise Lost, this rising social class is mirrored in the aspirations of Satan:

    • He seeks to elevate his status, which parallels the ambitions of the ascending middle class

• Adam and Eve could be viewed as representing the traditional roles assigned to men and women during Milton's time:

  • Eve's subservience signifies not just a physical origin but also carries deep implications about her societal role

  • She becomes a representation of the idealised, obedient wife, expected to be supportive and subordinate to her husband

• Further, Satan’s manipulation of Eve illustrates societal perceptions of women as easily swayed or irrational:

  • It conveys the gender biases prevalent in Milton's time

• While gender roles remained largely traditional during Milton’s era, there were subtle shifts:

  • Women, particularly in the middle classes, gained access to education:

    • In Paradise Lost, Eve is portrayed as intellectually curious and independent, which challenges the conventional portrayal of women

    • Eve's independence could also be viewed as a departure from the submissive and obedient role expected of women during Milton's era

• Adam is initially presented as the epitome of masculinity, embodying strength, reason  and authority:

  • His portrayal reflects traditional gender norms of the time through male dominance and responsibility

• However, Adam’s internal struggle reflects societal expectations of men as rational decision-makers, yet vulnerable to emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas:

  • Adam’s acceptance of Eve's companionship demonstrates a shift from a hierarchical patriarchal model to a more egalitarian partnership

  • This illustrates the changing societal attitudes towards relationships and gender roles

Historical context

While background knowledge of the historical context in which a text was written and received is useful, any reference to historical context should be made judiciously and linked carefully to the themes in the poem and the focus of the exam question. Below you will find some comments about historical context relevant to the key themes and ideas in the poem.

• Milton was born on December 9, 1608 in London

• Milton's early works included poems and prose tracts on various subjects, including education, divorce and freedom of the press

• Milton composed Paradise Lost over several years, completing it in 1667:

  • The first edition consisted of ten books, later divided into 12 in the second edition of 1674  

• Paradise Lost is rooted in the political climate of 17th-century England

• During this period, England experienced significant political upheaval, including the English Civil War (1642-1651):

  • The Civil War led to the temporary abolition of the monarchy, the establishment of the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell and the execution of King Charles I in 1649

• Milton served as a government official under Oliver Cromwell's rule and wrote several political pamphlets expressing his republican and anti-monarchical views:

  • These political transitions influenced Milton's views on authority and the relationship between the ruler and the governed

• The war created ideological divisions and a sense of uncertainty about the country's future:

  • This can be evidenced in the themes of power, authority and rebellion in Paradise Lost  

• The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 under Charles II brought about a shift in political and cultural dynamics:

  • Milton's republican ideals clashed with the restored monarchy

  • It influenced his perspective on political authority and the role of the individual in society

• The 17th century saw European powers, including England, also engage in colonial expansion:

  • The exploration and colonisation of new territories influenced ideas about power, imperialism and the concept of a divine right to rule

  • These themes are depicted in the epic's portrayal of dominion and hierarchy