Paradise Lost is a tale of humanity's fall from grace, rooted in the consequences of disobedience and the nature of free will. Its central theme revolves around sin, redemption, and the justice of God, as Milton seeks to "justify the ways of God to men." The poem also delves into the destructive power of pride and ambition, exemplified by Satan's rebellion, and contrasts it with the virtues of humility, repentance, and divine grace.

The plot begins with Satan and his followers cast out of Heaven after their failed revolt. From the fiery depths of Hell, Satan schemes to corrupt God's newest creation, humanity. Disguised as a serpent, he tempts Eve to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. Adam, out of love and solidarity with Eve, joins her in disobedience. Their sin brings death and suffering into the world, leading to their exile from Eden. Despite their tragic fall, the story concludes with hope, as Adam and Eve repent and find solace in God’s promise of salvation through future redemption.

The characters in Paradise Lost are richly complex and symbolic. Satan is portrayed as a proud, defiant figure who, despite his villainy, displays a charismatic and tragic dimension. Adam and Eve represent human innocence, love, and vulnerability, while their fall reflects the fragility of moral choice. The archangels, particularly Raphael and Michael, serve as guides and protectors, embodying divine wisdom and justice, while God is depicted as just, omniscient, and merciful.

Milton’s use of figurative language enhances the poem’s depth and grandeur. Symbolism is woven throughout, with the Tree of Knowledge representing the boundary of human obedience and the serpent embodying sin and deception. Light and darkness serve as motifs of good and evil, and epic similes bring the battles of Heaven and Hell to life. These elements elevate the poem’s emotional and philosophical resonance.

The setting shifts between the celestial realms of Heaven, the infernal pits of Hell, and the earthly paradise of Eden. Each location is vividly described, reinforcing the poem’s moral and theological contrasts. Heaven is a place of divine order and light, Hell is a realm of eternal torment and despair, and Eden is a lush, tranquil garden, emphasizing the beauty of innocence and the tragedy of its loss.

Milton’s style is marked by its formality and grandeur, fitting for an epic poem. Written in blank verse, the poem’s unrhymed iambic pentameter creates a dignified and rhythmic flow. Milton incorporates allusions to classical mythology and Biblical scripture, imbuing the narrative with both intellectual depth and spiritual significance. The solemn tone underscores the gravity of its themes, while the poetic style ensures its lasting impact.