ENG 455 - Seminar- Milton and Paradise Lost

This seminar offers intensive study of John Milton’s masterpiece Paradise Lost.  Discussions will involve close analysis of individual lines-and indeed, individual words-and will examine the contexts of the text, from ancient traditions to the present.  Assignments will require researching the critical history of the most influential epic poem in English and considering the poem’s distinctive claims about humans, angels, devils, God, and nature in “the story of all things.”  This seminar is designed for juniors and seniors who hope to refine their advanced literary criticism; who hope to share their criticism in both orthodox and unorthodox forms, such as staging public performances of Milton’s poem; and who hope to reflect on big questions before graduation, that looming ritual of expulsion from Paradise.

Prerequisites & Notes
First-year and second year students require permission of the instructor.