How to Read Paradise Lost by John Milton

📚 Read the Great Books with Hardcore Literature: / hardcoreliterature
------------
🎙️ open.spotify.com/show/70IZA24... (Subscribe to the Hardcore Literature Podcast on iTunes & Spotify)
🏫 hardcore-university.teachable... (Hardcore University, Exam Preparation Courses)
✍🏼 benjaminmcevoy.com My Personal Website
------------
Hardcore Literature Lecture Series
------------
📔Contents Page: cutt.ly/CmNhRY3
🎖️ War and Peace: cutt.ly/U3nzGma
🎭 Shakespeare Project: cutt.ly/B3nxHH7
🐳 Moby Dick: cutt.ly/K3nzVKf
☄️ Blood Meridian: cutt.ly/P3nz6Qp
🍂 Wuthering Heights: cutt.ly/N3nxxYt
🇮🇪 Ulysses: cutt.ly/x3nxQmN
🚂 Anna Karenina: cutt.ly/vmNhAWv
💀 Crime and Punishment: cutt.ly/rmNhFt5
⚓ Persuasion: cutt.ly/amNhX7b
☕ In Search of Lost Time: cutt.ly/5mNh8oD
⚔️ The Hero’s Journey: cutt.ly/UmNjrE3
🌸 Siddharta: cutt.ly/YmNjuzi
🎠 Don Quixote: cutt.ly/cmNjoK4
❤️Shakespeare’s Sonnets: cutt.ly/nmNlW7V
🇫🇷 Les Misérables: cutt.ly/J3YixoA
🕯️ The Turn of the Screw: cutt.ly/nToAQQ3
🖋️ Dickens Seasonal Read: cutt.ly/9ToAybt
📖 Middlemarch Serial Reading: tinyurl.com/45rv965c
------------
0:00 how to read Milton’s Paradise Lost
2:30 the story of the fall of Satan
3:45 on the fall of mankind
4:30 knowledge of good and evil
5:30 Paradise Lost and the Bible
7:00 the splendour of Milton’s language
8:00 the importance of reading aloud
9:20 appreciating the poem as closet drama
10:30 how Milton composed the poem
11:30 imagination and memorisation
12:40 the politics of John Milton
14:20 blind poet invokes divine light
17:45 ‘of man’s first disobedience’
20:20 rhyme as invention of barbarous age
22:40 words invented by John Milton
23:45 Miltons’ anxiety of influence
25:40 the romance of Adam and Eve
26:00 the poet’s radical religious beliefs
27:00 eating habits of Milton’s angels
28:00 predestination vs free will
31:00 Satan gazing upon Paradise
35:00 Eve discourses with Adam
36:45 Satan as centre of Paradise Lost
38:00 the influence of Milton’s Satan
39:00 on Milton and Shakespeare
40:00 Milton’s sympathy for the devil
41:30 ‘hurled headlong flaming’
42:50 ‘all is not lost; the unconquerable will’
44:20 suggested reading pace for Milton
47:20 recommended editions of Paradise Lost
50:00 a practical approach to reading the poem
51:00 some questions for you

[@aamnainfebruary]

As someone who needs to study about Milton for an upcoming exam, I consider the timing of this video to be absolutely perfect

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That is incredible timing :) I wish you lots of luck for your upcoming exam! Milton was one of my favourites during my own studies, but he certainly required a lot of revision!

[@NeonRadarMusic]

I'm quite a simple man. I see Benjamin post a 'How to read...' video and I decide to read that book.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You've made my day with this comment! 😊🙏

[@christinemo9622]

I decided to get a degree in English literature as a mature student with grownup children. One of the set books was Paradise Lost and it overwhelmed me by the majesty and beauty of Milton's poetry. I remember being moved to tears by the description of Satan's reaction when he first sees the Garden of Eden and racing in to my kids so I could read it aloud to them .

[@nostradamus1162]

im not really into poetry and i've never heard of milton (im not from a english speaking country, we focus on our own literature mostly) up until recently. bought a cheap copy of paradise lost on a whim and the description of satan's fall from heaven moved me like barely any other poetry ever did

[@PhilipFClark]

Benjamin, if anyone should make an audio recording of Paradise Lost, I hope you do. Your diction, elocution, and -- most important -- your deep love and understanding of the work are all there in your voice. This was an extraordinary podcast, and gave me such new perspective and meaning for this great work. Thank you! 30:15 30:16

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Philip. That is so kind of you to say. You have completely made my day :) It's actually a dream of mine to do narrations in the future, and Milton's Paradise Lost is in my top five of works I'd love to read! So hopefully someday!

[@rrumzis7899]

Wow, how funny. My dad and I were just talking about Milton and his Paradise Lost. I've read it MANY moons ago when I was in my early twenties & fell so head-over-heels in love with it! My dad hasn't read it yet, but I told him it has to be his next read!🖤 Fun fact: the 1997 movie The Devil's Advocate with Keanu Reeves & Al Pacino has a TON of references to Milton and his Paradise Lost. Al Pacino's satan character was even named 'Milton'.

[@Tage-in-Weimar]

I love the sound and structure of the Latin language. In my humble opinion, Milton's language represents a kind of modern Latin that overwhelms the listener with its wonderful sound.

[@salamander_automatic2491]

I first read Paradise Lost about 2-3 months ago and I still think about it, as I do with a lot of books, but the thing that really stands out to myself is the sheer and utter despair after A&E leave the Paradise and that they go on living despite what they have done, despite the innocence that was lost "So spake our father penitent; nor Eve felt less remorse. They, forthwith to the place repairing where he judged them, prostrate fell before him reverent, and both confessed humbly their faults, and pardon begged, with tears watering the ground, and with their sighs the air frequently, sent from hearts contrite, in sign of sorrow unfeigned and humiliation meek."... I'm not a religious person, but that ending makes me cry both tears of sadness and of joy every time. It has got to be one of the greatest endings in all of fiction.

[@warlockofwordschannel7901]

A true epic. I've always been fond of the Paradise Lost reference in Lovecraft's Dagon, as the narrator clambers over the slimy rocks of the uncharted outcrop he discovers.

[@t.m.4864]

How to start a fight: whisper ‘limited atonement’ into the realm of theologians & question what is accurate salvative doctrine and free will. Milton was a brave soul to challenge his own, let alone write Paradise Lost. This is going to be an incredibly valuable lecture series.

[@brancellbooks]

I’ve been preparing to read Frankenstein for the first time recently, and upon reading its epigraph (“Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay to mould me man? Did I solicit thee from darkness to promote me?”), I decided to reread Paradise Lost, in part for pleasure, in part to rediscover the exact context of that quote. I expect I’ll have this video on and off, repeating, while I make my way through the poem. Thank you!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Fantastic pairing! :) I'd love to know what you make of Frankenstein after your first reading. Mary Shelley's masterpiece is one that always makes me cry.

[@ShintoBroadcasting]

When reading Paradise Lost in college, I met Milton, blind and all, in a dream. Never forgotten about that.

[@LeahCath386]

I had read very few classics before joining Hardcore Literature book club at the beginning of this year. This year so far has been a year of getting into some challenging and daunting reads and coming out of it inspired and completely in love with these works. Paradise Lost feels so intimidating and novel to me - and I am learning this is a great thing to feel beforehand. The read will be incredible.

[@Roland96351]

I have wondered if Milton in the movie Office Space is somehow inspired by this author. He is banished to the basement and then ascends in a blaze of glory.

[@Elentirion]

I read Paradist Lost a couple years ago and was blown away by it. It is still to this day one of the most beautiful (if at times a little difficult and dense) pieces of (English) writing I have ever read, alongside Tolkien. I've been meaning to do a reread eventually where I dive a little deeper into the text so when that time comes I'll be sure to keep your advice handy! Thank you as always for making these insightful videos!

[@brianbuch1]

Thank you! PL is an intensely visual experience. Your comments on his blindness remind me that I have the opposite problem from Milton's blindness. I can see with my eyes quite well despite being in my 8th decade. But I have no "theatre of the mind". That is, I do not see images without using my actual vision. I and about 5% of humans have "aphantasia". I'm grateful for Milton's images, because they are so vivid that an inner theatre isn't required for me to "see' them.

[@gavrielsolomons]

I'm looking at reading Paradise Lost after going back over His Dark Materials (apparently written as a foil to Milton) and am currently in the middle of The Brothers Karamazov. Was a pleasant surprise to be recommended your channel today and a nice coincidence for this to be your most recent video. I'm both returning to reading from social media addiction and looking to attempt at writing an allegorical epic, so very much appreciate your content - you have a new subscriber in me.

[@arshjotkaur]

During my last visit to the bookstore, I gave purchasing Paradise Lost a hard pass because sometimes I find poetry very intimidating and elusive (especially the ones with archaic language, that’s why Homer is still on my TBR). Now after watching this beautiful video, I think the first step would be at least owning a copy. Really, the passion and love you have for literature pours through your videos and it is passed on to us, the viewers. As a result, now I always search for your recommended books in the bookstore. And this is coming from a person who was not into reading classics or poetry. But now I am trying and I want to keep on trying! You’re such an inspiration! 🙏🏻❤️ PS: Currently reading Anna Karenina at a slow pace like you always recommend. It has been a month and I am 200 pages in. I am enjoying and appreciating it very much. I had read Crime and Punishment in a similar fashion and I must say that this is a top notch advice for people who have a problem getting into classic literature! Also, they should definitely watch your videos along the way like I did! 🙈

[@CurtRowlett]

I am one of those people who seems to have some sort of built-in aversion to reading epic poems such as Paradise Lost. But after watching/listening to your lecture here, you have definitely inspired me to want to give this a try. Thank you for continuing to provide such excellent commentary and I daresay, encouragement to others who love classic literature but may feel, as I sometimes do, that I may lack what it takes to truly appreciate it. Well done.

[@menelvegor]

The timing of this video couldn't have been more perfect... gosh. I'm reading PL properly for the first time on my own (I'm a Lit major), and I've been loving it! It's daunting, challenging and a little bit of everything. I am on Book VI right now. I, of course, don't understand it all, but I feel things. That's enough for now. Perfect video, and I simply can't wait to restart reading PL keeping things you said in mind. 🌞🌾

[@littlefelix]

Absolutely agree with you about the audiobook by Anton Lesser, Ben. As a non-native English speaker, I found it very difficult the first time I read Paradise Lost. I came to it after reading Frankenstein and truly wanted to get through it, and the audiobook helped me tremendously. It was really moving as well, and I'm planning to return to the book soon. Thank you for the video and especially the recommendations, as always ❤

[@a38226]

I've been slowly battling my way through PL for the past few months but after watching this have started reading it whilst listening to Anton Lesser's narration and it's an instant game changer! Thank you so much for the content you put out, you are an absolute legend!

[@philipswain4122]

Excellent video, Benjamin. During convalescence after major surgery, I read ParadiseLost and Dante’s Inferno back-to-back. Both had a profound effect on my life during a period of personal darkness. The majesty snd emotion of the language therein, sometimes made me well up, especially the invocation of the Muse when Milton began to lose his sight I really should re-read and marginate. I only own clothbound, hardback copies. I don’t want to mark these and so I might buy the Oxford Classics paperback version.

[@tjh12473]

thank you for this video. I just finished Paradise Lost for the first time. I have tried to read three times before but I always struggled with it. Your video helped me very much. I was able to read it, enjoy it, comprehend it and digest its meaning to me. I can't express my gratitude enough for this video.

[@ismailashraf7935]

Very impressive and influential long lasting narration. God bless you for providing this peace of narration. Thanks a lot.

[@davidparker2173]

Just getting done with a stint in construction where I never had the time or focus for reading my favorites among the greatest works ever written, and now I am returning, and Paradise Lost should get me back into one of my better past times.

[@artelc]

You are an engaging symphony and I love listening to you. The world desperately needs more people like you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much. You have completely made my day 🙏😊

[@shrineshpatel2642]

An incomparable classic. Haven't read Paradise Lost in a few years but am adding it to my winter list because of your video. Thanks for all your spectacular content my friend.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Shrinesh! I really appreciate that and I'm so happy to hear you'll be returning to this masterpiece this winter! I'd love to know what resonates with you this time around :)

[@exjwukmusicalescape9241]

Thank you for sharing your analysis of this epic work. The BCC recording with Ian McDiarmid as Satan has been my friend for many years. Decided to start actually reading it this year and you’ve inspired me to get back to it your channel is awesome keep bringing your enthusiasm for English Literature it very contagious!

[@chrisseeker1]

Reading PL out loud adds immeasurably to the sense and the enjoyment. I hope your advice on this point will be heeded. Anton Lesser is a marvel and his reading of PL adds to the enjoyment.

[@lthecatt9667]

I adore Paradise Lost. We had to read it for a module about Early Modern literature, and I was about the only one who liked it. Appreciate these types of video, they are like a novel in and of itself

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! That's incredibly kind of you to say :) I'm so happy you love Paradise Lost so much. I was so thankful we got to spend so much time with Milton during my studies, but, like you, I was also one of the few who really took to his work!

[@davidcummings5984]

The Eminent John Milton poetry defies being a type of writer that we slot into categories . But the academic view is that the language was classical, which, although it is true to degree . I still view his works as groundbreaking in his heavy usage of onomatopoeia. In this contexts I view Paradise Lost an apt example of how creatives use sound in words to achieve the sonic effect to allow the reader to make their own interpretation of the semantics. In this limited context, Milton style was very unique and ahead of his time . I draw on jarring sounds of words to achieve meaning & expression .

[@winstonmiller9649]

Thanks for you electrifying talk on Paradise Lost you remind me of how excting literature can be. Plus your hints for how to read in order to get the most out of literature are pricess. 😊❤📖🖤😊

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow, thank you so much! I really appreciate that 🙏😊

[@emmaphilo4049]

I need to start reading Paradise Lost again. I thought it was an interesting and fun read, like an OG dark fantasy novel. It's so influential too on Tolkien, and on more. English isn't my first so I struggled a little, but I really need to go back to it. Thank you Benjamin for this video reminding me I should get definitely myself a copy of Paradise Lost

[@simritnam612]

Every rereading of every work produces a fresh experience, including TV guide

[@Wandar945]

Just joined you Benjamin. Have been watching your utube videos for a long time now. Excited to start the Paradise Lost lecture series.

[@johnmccullagh_]

Hi Benjamin, just wanted to say as many have before me absolutely love your videos. I picked up a copy of an Everyman edition Don Quixote in a second hand book shop the other day. I remember you saying you don’t leave a shop without a Everyman! So looking forward to tucking into that. I also noticed you’re a Dylan fan which made me resonate which you more! What is your favourite Dylan album? And are you into Leonard Cohen? Keep up the great work. John 😊

[@brandnewyorker]

Thank you sooo much! as I’m listening to a wonderful reading of an audiobook I’m absolutely missing the text before my eyes 😊 The second reading will be via deep immersion through both senses - visual and auditory!!!

[@lohkoon]

Dear Milton, you were wrong to rhyming hate. You're impatient; you didn't want to wait. Rhyming is a very natural thing; And if helps us well when we want to sing.

[@RyanMcCarl]

Well-done video and channel concept - for those whose appetite for self-education leads them beyond the superficial, fast-food “content” that floods the internet. Keep up the good work.

[@marianapgar4409]

As always, wonderful content from you, Ben. I will now endeavor to buy Paradise Lost to read and to add to my library. Thank you!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Marian :) I really appreciate that! I'd love to know what you make of Milton's masterpiece!

[@flatbread2706]

Hi Mr. McEvoy, Thank you so much for the incredible videos! I'm in high school and love scifi and fantasy, and these sorts of videos really help get me interested in such a wide variety of literature!

[@AS-pn5zl]

One of my all time favorites

[@mattmontag3922]

Reading Ulysses rn with the help of spark notes, some of its going over my head (especially the Italian ((I’m taking Latin at Uni so further readings with blossom my knowledge of the book)) I am enjoying it and since starting my journey this year of reading Don Quixote I am fascinated by the literary world

[@OccamsRazor393]

I absolutely Love Paradise Lost. I've read it 3 times but I imagine It will take me100 more times to get it all. ❤

[@susanshoemaker7290]

Thank you for your most important and tremendous contribution!!!you are a true inspiration!!!

[@jonathanmarcelthome]

My god thanks formaking this! I was literally about to ask you if you would consider doing Paradise lost. I'm trying read it deeply, so thanks for sharing your thoughts. ❤

[@crazyadam738]

Quite simply and by a considerable margin, the best thing i have ever read.

[@carrollwilliams8861]

Hi Ben. I've finished reading The Forsyth Saga. I am currently reading Fathers and Sons by Turgenev. Also reading some contemporary books, but it's hard to find anything worthwhile. Lots of junk out there, so it is very satisfactory to have the classics to depend on. Your faithful Yankee.

[@PatMcAnn]

Paradise Lost sounds perfect for the Baylor on line course- I never would have made it through Dante's Divine Comedy but for their program's excellent guidance and analysis.

[@texmax888]

I just finished your lecture series on Persuasion. Outstanding! I am also enjoying The Count. What a treasure you are!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow, thank you so much! That means the world to me :) I'm so thrilled you're a fan of Austen and Dumas. Both such amazing writers!

[@anthonygray9888]

I did PL some years ago. A website dedicated to public domain books supplied the work. It was easy for me to read. I had no expectations. I remember my shock as the gates were shut. The reader was barred too!!

[@dexterhughes7784]

Can't wait to watch the video! Have you ever thought about making a video on essays, and how to read them? I always find them hard to incorporate into my reading, alongside other books, and to find the best ones to read, and your advice is always useful.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Dexter! I have been wanting to talk specifically about approaching essays for a little while now and I'm currently planning some videos on specific essay writers :) So we'll definitely get that discussion going very soon!

[@dexterhughes7784]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank you!

[@R.L.Kramer]

BEN! 4 days ago, after finishing Don Quixote, I didn't know what next to choose and I chose paradise lost off the shelf because, why not? and now seeing you posted this video the exact day I picked it up. Brilliant.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow!! I love when serendipity strikes :) Congratulations on finishing Don Quixote. One of my all-time favourites. I'd love to know what you make of Milton's masterpiece, my friend!

[@R.L.Kramer]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank you for you contagious love of great literature.

[@jameskeating4719]

Ive read Matthew just like you explained but i listen to one topic watch another n draw all at the same time to see what i may obtain drawing more like i doodle

[@rennanpoeta]

Benjamin, você é uma das pessoas mais inteligentes que eu conheço. Gosto muito do seu canal. A cada novo vídeo, aprendo mais e mais. Obrigado por tanto!

[@ashwanikumarsharma15151]

Hey Benjamin, can you do a video on your book shelf? I mean not the books but the furniture it self. I have seen most of the Book Shelves sag after few month or years especially made of MDF. Yours seems very aesthetically pleasing and in very good condition and quality, also how do you take care of your books, and in open bookshelves does the dust not accumulate within a few days? Is that not harmful for books? I wish to keep my books for my entire lifespan for the least and thus buying everyman library editions for the books I truly adore, though feel scared of marking or annotating them, though I am thinking of doing it because without annotating I am unable to digest a book as I want to...

[@juliasampaio3364]

perfect timing: I just got a very nice annotated edition of Paradise Lost by norton, and this is the incentive I needed to start reading! Also everytime I think of Milton I think of Dorothea's fantasy of Mr Casaubon before she actually knew him 😅 I really want to know more about him now

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Fantastic timing, Julia! :) How wonderful to hear that you've got your hands on a great edition of this masterpiece. I would really love to know what you make of it. And beautiful reference right there! You've made me yearn to revisit Dorothea and my old friends in Middlemarch!

[@juliasampaio3364]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy rest assured I'll be on the comments session of the next video telling you about Paradise Lost 😅

[@JulianNietobermudez]

Just in time! I got this book not too long ago and I'm excited to reading it. I'm currently reading Raymond Carver's What we talk about when we talk about love. Next I'm going to read The Obscene Bird of Night by Jose Donoso and then I'll jump into this, so let's go!!!

[@luked88]

You are an inspiration Benjamin

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Luke. That is so kind of you :)

[@deathbychai]

Amazing. I just did a 31 books for 31 days of August challenge and I was reading to do some slow reading - and I was JUST telling a friend maybe I should attempt to tackle Milton again. Third time lucky.

[@Kuzglamdring]

Thanks for your advice and audio version recommendation! Paradise Lost is my next to-read poem after my one-play-per-week Shakespeare challenge, about ten plays to read (recently I was almost obsessed with Hamlet after reading it and watching three movie adaptations). I've never read the Bible and the Old Testament in English, I hope I can enjoy it nevertheless.

[@Kuzglamdring]

@@BooksAtMidnight Shakespeare challenge is fun, and I was prepared for it by ASonnetADay challenge, for english is not my native language. I found it difficult to enjoy his comedies, because of strange puns, even with commentaries. I think, comedy - is the essence of language, it must be in your veins, and I'm not that familiar with this cultural code and millions colours of sex-jokes, which every language has. But tragedies are great! Well, I was not planning to read the whole Bible in English before Paradise Lost, may be just the Genesis. I've read it in my mother language. I am thinking about the King James Version, because it was so influential for so many authors.

[@BooksAtMidnight]

@@Kuzglamdring thank you for your response! All the best on your reading adventures!

[@chathanvemuri2625]

My favorite edition of Paradise Lost is actually the hardcover Complete Poetry and Essential Prose of John Milton from Modern Library. It's the best collected omnibus of Milton's poetry and prose (including Paradise Lost) available right now. The text of Paradise Lost from that edition minus the other poems and prose is also available as a Modern Library paperback.

[@cynthiamegyola3033]

Thank you so much for this video. Just what I was looking for.

[@lpc395]

Benjamin, your channel is just wonderful. The topics you choose to talk about and the clear, passionate and easy to understand way you deliver them are perfect. I feel like I am gaining a very high level of education in English Literature when I listen to you. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@Kuzglamdring]

I would like to ask your opinion and advice about The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser. I was somewhat influenced to read it after Cormoran Strike series novel Troubled Blood, but I found it very hard to decipher that deliberately old-fashioned middle-english-like spelling, maybe audio version will be more helpful with that. Does it have any modern spelling edition?

[@robindavda8967]

fabulous timing on this thank you I'm just about to start a literature degree and we're studying this. it was really daunting so thank you for this

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! You've got this, my friend :) I'd love to know how you get on with your degree!

[@NeelimaMishra-yl1zy]

Beautifully explained....i could hear you for hours!! You have an amazing art of storytelling and expressing your opinion throughout the video. Your new subscriber from India 🇮🇳

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Neelima! You have completely made my day! Happy reading over in beautiful India 🇮🇳❤️

[@pleasebekind9115]

Thank you! This is one of my favorites, but it is rather daunting!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that it's a favourite of yours too :) It certainly is rather daunting, but well worth the perseverance!

[@Whatever_Happy_People]

Hullo Ben there is a lecture on each chapter of this book on KZbin by dr scot Masson. The two of you help a lot with the understanding. Dr scot Masson is American. I bought the book. PS I just finished the last days of a condemned man by Victor Hugo. Thanks and happy reading .

[@NickSchinder]

I'm enjoying your amazing videos and classes from Argentina. Thank you 🙏❤️

[@samadoquei695]

Hello Benjamin, wondering if there is a chance that one day you will do an analysis on what you think makes a great book or write a book on the subject? I just started following you

[@MayelinGarcia-pq3hp]

Beautiful video Benjamin!! Thank you again!📖

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

My absolute pleasure! Thank you so much for watching :)

[@susprime7018]

Thanks for adding the background information on Milton.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy you found it valuable :)

[@joelsilvey9046]

Wow , just wow it's about time I re-read paradise lost, first time I read it I was 14 years old, now here I am 32, it's been to long , this video has inspired me

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that, Joel! I'd love to know what you make of this masterpiece this time around. It's always so fascinating to see what resonates after a few years. You'll be bringing so much lived experience to Milton's epic!

[@felixrenedo1228]

Before the summer, the Last play of the season I could enjoy a spectacular adaptation of this poem in the theatre at Madrid. I liked very much because the player are very good. The devil was a woman and god remained to Peter Seller as dr stranglove. Eve and Adán were as the monkey of 2001.

[@leslieschippert4954]

What a beautiful copy you have!

[@Arkapravo]

Hello Ben, I have been following your channel for a while and though I tend to explore the book at my own volition, your suggestions do help. Do you have any suggestions for reading W.G Sebald?

[@louiseluu6112]

Hi Benjamin, Love your content! I was just wondering if you could recommend an illustrated version of Paradise Lost, similar to the one in this video, please. I would love to buy one just like yours.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Nice to see us venture into poetry. Maybe some of us will take notes and be less prosaic.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, my friend :) A spot of poetry appreciation is good for the soul!

[@Whatever_Happy_People]

Hullo Ben I have just finished the man who laughs by Victor Hugo , highly recommend.Will read you're recommendation. Peace. Lara.

[@carlorizzo827]

Thank you!! The beauty comes through. I tried reading it ages ago, it went over my head. I'm inspired to try again. Did you rank the top 3 English language authors Milton, Shakespeare, and.....? Was that Joyce or Chaucer? I have to re-listen later. Not that i disagree, i don't understand how or why they need to be ranked at all. Never read Chaucer, and Joyce goes waaaay over my head, except i could get into Dubliners. Adorable bio!!

[@carlorizzo827]

Oh yes, you said James Joyce. Now that is interesting, "Read it aloud" was exactly what Joyce urged his friends who were baffled by Finnegan's Wake

[@johntuffin3262]

I would very much like to join the deep reading. Please can you explain how to go about it. I have to admit that I don’t understand the links.

[@Salman_Saho]

Ben, a quick suggestion on which novels or plays or poems to read to glean strength when going through personal/family problems please (marriage is on the rocks and the wifey is adamant on a divorce)? Thank you 😊

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds like you're going through an incredibly tough time right now, and you're in my thoughts and prayers. Shakespeare is always my go-to when I'm experiencing a crisis. Hesketh Pearson has a great introduction to his biography of the bard in which he talks about the 'Falstaff cure'. Basically rereading and reciting his favourite scenes (especially those from Henry IV parts 1 & 2). He said Shakespeare saved him when he was dying in a hospital tent during WW1. And then saved him during an existential crisis upon returning home. I really hope you and your wife are able to work through this and make it work. You're not alone! Look after yourself, my friend 🙏

[@Salman_Saho]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy It’s overwhelming especially as we have two children together. The emotional fatigue is unbearable. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts, my dear friend, and I shall definitely derive strength and succour from the Bard✅✅✅

[@c.6452]

Just what I needed! I tried reading it a while ago because of its reputation as an absolute masterpiece and incredibly influential on English poetry but gave up because it seemed only about puritanism. 😂 Great.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, my friend! It's definitely the kind of work that is the product of puritan dissent, but there's plenty to appreciate beyond that :)

[@S_Edward_Burns_ArtsEditor]

My thanks. Carry on!

[@AJ-kp1gw]

Truly a masterpiece from Milton, Books 9/10 is absolutely fantastic.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Couldn't agree more! :)

[@Cinderella227]

Thank you 👍🏻✝️

[@ivanyankovskiorkafka9083]

Terrific work! What is your attitude to John Updike?

[@tamperehotline]

hey! which painting is 12:45?

[@zucchini2114]

Hi sorry this isn’t related to video but I was wondering if you have read any RF Kuang novels and maybe what your opinion is on them

[@thelaurels13]

Love this. 👏

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! :)

[@mad3leine]

Wow wow wow! Im stunned by your performance of this masterpiece. I have become to know of Paradise Lost these last couple of years and i admit it terrifies me to start reading it because of its length and old language. English is not even my mother tongue, but you have showed me with this video that it is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Magnificent work😊 thank you for sharing your passion for great works in literature🫶

[@gommine]

Signing up again tomorrow for Paradise Lost and Invisibile Man 😃

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Amazing! I can't wait to hear what you make of them both, Paola :) I'm always so excited for all of our reads, but Milton and Ellison are two very special writers I'm personally particularly looking forward to discussing! There are so many interesting topics to explore with them both 😊

[@jameskeating4719]

Its like reading choose your own perspective which are always subjective

[@jameskeating4719]

Thank you

[@jr2470]

I read this a few years back when I was taking the bus to work. I think it took me about 18 months to read it. (It was not the only thing I read). The biggest hurdle was probably the obscure references in the beginning during the pandemonium scenes. Especially since it comes at the beginning. My favorite section is probably Satan's plotting his revenge and having his exstisential crisis on the way to earth. I found a lot of Adam and Eve's dialogue to be cloying and annoying, even after the fall. But upon finishing the book, I found I missed the rhythm of the poetry and found myself reading older poetry to keep that same feel, but nothing really compares to paradise lost.

[@villanelleprotectionagency5772]

Would you recommend the Norton Critical Edition?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Norton always have some superb critical essays! I'm not a huge fan of the actual physical copies because they can be a bit tricky to handle. But other than that I think they're a very good choice :)

[@johnjabez6300]

Been waiting for this

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm thrilled to hear that, John! :)

[@kevindavis3234]

Okay, confession time. I've never read 'Paradise Lost'. It's something that I know I *should* read, but it's always seemed so daunting. I probably should resolve to buy a copy and give it a try.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

It's definitely got a reputation that makes it seem daunting. But I'll bet you'll find yourself immersed in it pretty quickly! I'd love to know what you make of it if you pick up a copy, Kevin :)

[@kevindavis3234]

@BenjaminMcEvoy I actually ordered a copy right after posting this, and it should be here tomorrow. I'm currently rereading 'East of Eden', so the Genesis theme might make for an interesting companion to that. I'll definitely respond back to let you know how it goes.

[@davidgerber3970]

Great commentary love it.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, David! I really appreciate that!