THE INTELLECTUAL AND THEOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF THE OPENING PASSAGE OF “PARADISE LOST” BY JOHN MILTON

Abstract

This article analyzes the opening passage of Paradise Lost by John Milton from literary, theological, and philosophical perspectives. The study examines the central themes of the Fall of humanity, disobedience, divine justice, redemption, and free will presented in the first book of the epic poem. The analysis demonstrates how Milton combines Biblical narrative with philosophical reflection in order to “justify the ways of God to men.” The research concludes that the opening passage of Paradise Lost establishes the intellectual, theological, and artistic foundation of the entire epic and remains one of the most influential introductions in English literature