Paradise Lost - Hell and Its Inhabitants in Books I and II - Lecture 10

Explore a 51-minute lecture from Yale University's ENGL 220 course on Milton's Paradise Lost, focusing on the depiction of hell and its inhabitants in Books I and II. Examine Milton's literary techniques as he strives to surpass his predecessors through allusions to Homer and Edmund Spenser's works, particularly the cave of Mammon episode in The Faerie Queene. Ponder the inclusion of classical mythological figures in the Christian hell and analyze the blurred distinctions between good and evil, beautiful and ugly, and heaven and hell. Delve into topics such as the source of Milton's poetic inspiration, his defense of divine authority, and the theme of temptation. Access complete course materials on the Open Yale Courses website for this Fall 2007 recording.