* In Medias Res: The epic poem begins "in the middle of things." The story doesn't start with the creation of the universe or even the Garden of Eden. Instead, it drops us directly into the aftermath of Satan's rebellion and his exile to hell. This creates immediate dramatic tension and compels the reader to ask: "How did we get here?" This technique, known as "in medias res," is a hallmark of epic poetry.
* Focus on the Fall of a Hero: While Satan is the antagonist, he is also a complex character with ambition, intellect, and charisma. His fall from grace, his journey through the underworld, and his plan to tempt Adam and Eve, are central to the narrative. This focus on a fallen hero echoes the epic narratives of Odysseus, Achilles, or even the Aeneid's protagonist, Aeneas.
* Divine Intervention: The poem is profoundly influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition. God's role in the story, his pronouncements, and his actions as the creator and ultimate authority are central to the narrative. This echoes the influence of divine beings in classic epics like the Greek gods who interfered in the lives of mortals.
* Themes of Destiny and Free Will: The epic explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of choices, all of which are central to the human experience. The fall of man, the rebellion of Satan, and the struggle between good and evil all point to these fundamental questions.
* Grand Scale and Cosmic Significance: Paradise Lost is not just a story about individuals, but a grand narrative encompassing heaven, hell, and earth. It explores the nature of creation, the battle between good and evil, and the consequences of sin. This grand scale and cosmic significance are typical characteristics of epic poetry.
By starting after the fall, Milton creates a sense of urgency and mystery. He forces the reader to engage with the consequences of the rebellion and to grapple with the complex issues of good and evil, fate and free will. The poem is structured to answer the "how" and "why" of Satan's rebellion and its implications for humanity.
In conclusion, the decision to start after the fall of Satan is more than just a narrative choice. It is a deliberate strategy to create a compelling and meaningful epic poem that resonates with timeless themes and engages with the grand questions of human existence.