The Canon Library
Cover of Paradise Lost

Early Modern · Epic poetry

Paradise Lost

by John Milton. Milton retells humanity’s fall through Satan’s rebellion and Adam and Eve’s disobedience, defending divine justice and freedom.

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Date
1667
Origin
England
Era
Early Modern
Genre
Epic poetry
Difficulty
Very challenging
Length
Long
Collection
The Western Canon

Subjects and themes

FallFreedomObedience

Why it matters

Milton retells humanity’s fall through Satan’s rebellion and Adam and Eve’s disobedience, defending divine justice and freedom.

This work is included in the collection on the basis of great books / bloom / harvard. Its cataloged influence level is 5 out of 5.

Related works

Reading lists featuring Paradise Lost

Reading path

Essential 100

A century of works that gives the broadest useful first view of the Western canon. 100 books · Advanced.