Milton’s great epic poem Paradise Lost has been a towering presence in English literature since its publication in 1667.  An audacious retelling of the story of the fall of Adam and Eve, the poem ranges over Heaven, Hell, and the entire created universe as Milton envisioned it. In the centuries since its first publication, Paradise Lost has been interpreted and reinterpreted, revered and reviled. Today, the poem still retains the power to engage readers in its universal drama. The emphasis in this class will be on the experience of reading the poem: How does Milton draw us into his grand vision?  What happens to us as we read? 

Suggested Readings: John Milton’s Paradise Lost: Any complete edition. Please read Book I before the first meeting. Subsequent reading assignments will be distributed in class.

Nancy Travis, professor emeritus, Berkshire Community College earned a MAT at Johns Hopkins University and taught English at BCC from 1976 – 2011.

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