at he can be a foil to show how great God is. In order for God to vanquish and control this awesome being, his characteristics must exceed the characteristics of Satan. Therefore, it emphasizes the great valor God possesses to successfully defeat Satan in their battle. One of the last characteristics that this poem demonstrates that are typical of an epic poem is the long list of the protagonists that the plot involves accompanied by long speeches by the main characters. Milton dedicates a large portion of the first book of the series to a catalogue of the fallen angels. The numbers of angels that are listed are used to give the reader the notion of being overwhelmed by the mass number of villains. He also provides extended formal speeches by the main characters. It is on the basis of the eloquence and power of those speeches that much of the personality of the characters is shown. This listing of villains and long, profound speeches verifies that this poem fits every description of an epic poem.When Milton writes Paradise Lost he uses a general outline that will categorize his poem as an epic poem. He elaborates on the general characteristics of an epic poem including the relationship between the muse and him. They are shown as two separate people with the muse as the higher being. Obviously, in spite of some adjustments and alterations, Milton undeniably uses classical epic traits. Milton builds his epic out of views of the past and uses every feature of epic poetry that can possibly be used. ...
