*Paradise Lost*, John Milton's epic 17th-century poem in English, retells the biblical Fall of Man with Satan's rebellion and Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden. Written in blank verse, it explores themes of free will, obedience, and redemption, portraying Satan as a tragic antihero while affirming divine justice. Milton's rich language, vivid imagery (e.g., Hell's "darkness visible"), and cosmic scale—spanning Heaven, Chaos, and Earth—elevate it as a masterpiece of English literature. The poem's influence endures in Western thought, debating morality and human nature. Notable phrases like "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven" underscore its enduring power.
