Excerpt from The Classical Mythology of Milton's English Poems The student who diligently peruses the lines of a great poem may go far toward a realization of its character. He may appreciate, in a degree, its loveliness, strength, and direct hold upon the catholic truth of life. But he will be more sensitive to these appeals, and receive gifts that are richer and less perishable, according as he comprehends the forces by whose interaction the poem was produced. These are of two kinds - the innate forces of the poet's character, and certain more external forces, such as, in the case of Milton, are represented by Hellenism and Hebraism. Their activity is greatest where they meet and touch, and at this point their nature and measure are most easily discerned. From a contemplation of the poem in its genesis one returns to a deeper understanding and enjoyment of it as a completed whole. The present study, though it deals with but one of the important cultural influences affecting Milton, and with it but in part, endeavors by this method to deepen and clarify the appreciation of his art and teaching. My interest in the present work has found support and encouragement in the opinions of Mr. Churton Collins, as expressed in his valuable book, The Study of English Literature. The particular subject was suggested by Miss Alice Sawtelle's study of the sources of Spenser's Mythology, which has served also as a helpful model. What is here printed as the second part was submitted as a doctoral thesis to the Philosophical Faculty of Yale University. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This study, first published in 1979, explores the idea that all spheres of action - hell, heaven, and earth - of the classical epic is relevant to all parts of Paradise Lost. The author also examines the structure, style, and the narrator of the text. This title will be of great interest to students of Milton and English Literature.