Last week we learned about an artistic vision of heaven and hell. Today we will learn about a poem that is still well known in this era. Paradise Lost was written by the English poet John Milton, first published in 1667.

Milton was born in London and was educated at Cambridge University. He initially pursued a career in the Church but later became a writer and political activist. He was a staunch defender of freedom of speech and the press, and his writings on religious and political issues were influential in the development of modern liberal democracy.

The poem, which begins with Satan and his fellow fallen angels in Hell, plotting their revenge against God, tells the biblical story of the fall of man, from the perspective of Satan, Adam, and Eve.

Milton's depiction of heaven is one of order and harmony, with God as the supreme ruler and source of all light and goodness. The angels in heaven are arranged in a hierarchical order, with the archangels at the top and the lesser angels below. Milton describes the physical surroundings of heaven as a place of pure light and crystal clarity, with gold and precious stones adorning its walls and streets.

In contrast, Milton's depiction of hell is one of chaos and darkness. Hell is described as a vast, fiery wasteland, populated by the fallen angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. Satan is depicted as a powerful and charismatic figure, capable of inspiring loyalty and admiration from his fellow fallen angels, despite his ultimate evil nature.

Milton was blind for the last 20 years of his life, but he continued to write and dictate his works until his death. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language and his works continue to be studied and admired for their depth, beauty, and intellectual rigor.