The English Poems of Milton (Wordsworth Poetry Library)

I'm glad I finally read this. I was amazed at how much poetry could come from what is essentially such a short story in the Bible. I respect the depth of Milton's intellect and the sincerity of his beliefs. Perhaps because I was influenced by Professor Savage, I don't feel myself falling prey to

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the thinking that Satan is the real hero of the poem -- but I certainly empathize with that point of view, as Milton succeeds in making Satan the most sympathetic and psychologically realistic character. No, I think Paradise Lost is more interesting if you reject this reading, and realize that in spite of his sympathetic portrayal, Satan is evil.

Intellectual admiration for Milton's accomplishment aside, what I feel most about Paradise Lost is frustration at the portrayal of women. All of this "weaker vessel" / "source of sin" crap had such a horrible impact on Western civilization. I know the viewpoint didn't start with Paradise Lost, but it was certainly reflected and perpetuated there. Grr.

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