John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book 1

[@mcnallyaar]

GOLD MINE! I'm currently re-reading Paradise Lost, and you know Dr. Masson is doing top notch exegesis and analysis!

[@deneeschenck5180]

I thank you Dr. Scott for sharing your knowledge!

[@danortiz2123]

Best lecture of Paradise Lost I've found so far. Thank you!

[@claudette4113]

Thank you Dr Masson

[@aydenirish]

I have watched a couple of your lectures on Paradise Lost Book 1 to really get a grasp on Milton's writing style and to gain a better understanding before taking on the entire novel. Your lectures are amazing, I am hanging on to every word and can see the passion you have for the subject. You have inspired me to continue my reading of Paradise Lost, to re-read the bible in a new version, and take on The Divine Comedy at some point. Thank you so much for being an amazing resource to literature students and those interested in literary studies! You have made a difficult work more accessible to readers who would have previously been intimidated.

[@LitProf]

Glad to hear that. I know you will benefit. I do recommend reading it out loud.

[@vermoidvermoid7124]

Wonderful. In depth.

[@chasemorello60]

☄

[@LeelaCosmicDrama]

Corrections: Greco-Persian wars were fought between 492 and 449 BCE. Islam was founded in the 7th century CE--almost 1200 years before the wars! So you see, Persians were Zoroastrians, not Moslems as it's implied in this lecture. Persians were expanding their empire when they tried to conquer the Greeks (not the Greeks fighting to expand human rights). At the time, slavery was widespread in the Greco world, and there were no slaves in the Persian Empire. "The Cyrus Cylinder, often referred to as the "first declaration of human rights," dates back to the 6th century BCE, during the reign of Cyrus the Great, who founded the Achaemenian Persian Empire. This artifact...records Cyrus's conquest of Babylon in 539 BCE and his subsequent policies, which included the repatriation of displaced peoples and the restoration of temples. Cyrus's approach to governance, characterized by tolerance and respect for local customs and religions, had a significant impact on his empire and influenced subsequent civilizations. His policies are noted for their emphasis on human rights and cultural diversity, setting a precedent for future rulers." Quoted from Britannica Encyclopaedia. One more thing, the Second Temple in Jerusalem was ordered to be rebuild by Cyrus the Great.

[@LitProf]

From the Greek perspective, the Persians were characterized by tyranny. They were tolerant, as you say, but they did not recognize the freedom of the individual. You are missing the point I am making. And Zoroastrians are dualists, like the Manichaeans that Augustine strongly opposed.