英美文学简明教程(华中科技大学出版社)
The finest thing in Paradise Lost is the description of hell, and Satan is the real hero of the poem. Like a conquered and banished giant, he remains obeyed and admired by those who following him down to hell.
It is Satan who, overcoming so many obstacles makes man revolt against God. Though defeated, he prevails, since he has won from God part of his angels, and almost all the son of Adam.
To Milton, the proud and somber Satan represents the spirit of rebellion against an unjust authority.
（4）Features of Milton’s Poetry
Milton was a great revolutionary poet of 17th century. He was also an outstanding political pamphleteer of the Revolution Period.
Milton is a great stylist. His poetry has a grand style. It is because he made a life-long study of classical and biblical literature.
Milton is a great master of blank verse. He used it as the main tool in his masterpiece Paradise Lost. His blank verse is rich in every poetic quality and never monotonous.