Note on the Epic Similes of “Book II of Paradise Lost”.

The epic similes exhibit an essential pictorial quality without which the epic shall fail to charm and appeal. They make a striking contrast to the purely personal and objective similes of lyric poetry. Epic similes most accord well with the grandeur and dignity, beyond the limits of comparison, a sense of vastness and of limitless space. They should be ornamental and illustrative. This is most manifest in Milton's epic Paradise Lost Book II.

Epic Similes of "Book II of Paradise Lost":

In the hands of the British Homer the epic similes become a means to produce the desired effect and a thing of pure joy. Most of Milton's similes are epic ones. He does not use these similes as more means of comparison but extends them much beyond in suggestion. He makes use of a natural occurrence, a classical allusion, a historical or actual event as the basis for his similes. Milton draws o heavily on classical mythology, natural sciences, incomprehensible forces and phenomena of nature.

The first simile is seen in the murmur of applause which comes from the fallen angels at the end of Mammon's speech. This is com-1; pared to the sound of dying winds after a storm. This simile has drawn laudatory references.

Milton employs a lovely simile in the second epic similes. Here the joyous sounds of the fallen angels are compared to the joyous sounds heard in a valley when the clouds have faded away and the sun shines brightly again. The joy felt by the fallen angels provide an occasion for Milton to bring a most pleasing sense of nature. 

The next epic simile reminds us of those strange sights which am sometimes seen in the sky and which are supposed to signify ice fortune to human beings. Milton here suggests by comparison the devilish activities of the fallen angels who are no longer angels but have become devils. 

There is another simile drawn from Greek mythology which suggests that the angels are driven to feats of desperation born of the agonies of Hell.

Another celebrated simile compares Satan with outstretched wings to a fleet of the largest ships then known the Indiamen. 

The next simile relates to the figure of sin which is compared to the dog attended on Hecate.

Satan has been compared to various objects. In his confrontation with Death is compared to a comet with its horrid tail. On another occasion the encounter between Satan and Death is compared to two black clouds. On the third occasion Satan's flying through the air is compared to the monster Gryphon.

Thus, in the hands of Milton, the epic simile is not a trick of style but comes alive in a richness of comparison from ancient history and mythology, or from those great and strange things of nature.

The epic similes exhibit an essential pictorial quality without which the epic shall fail to charm and appeal. They make a striking contrast to the purely personal and objective similes of lyric poetry. Epic similes most accord well with the grandeur and dignity, beyond the limits of comparison, a sense of vastness and of limitless space. They should be ornamental and illustrative. This is most manifest in Milton's epic Paradise Lost Book II.

Epic Similes of "Book II of Paradise Lost":

In the hands of the British Homer the epic similes become a means to produce the desired effect and a thing of pure joy. Most of Milton's similes are epic ones. He does not use these similes as more means of comparison but extends them much beyond in suggestion. He makes use of a natural occurrence, a classical allusion, a historical or actual event as the basis for his similes. Milton draws o heavily on classical mythology, natural sciences, incomprehensible forces and phenomena of nature.

The first simile is seen in the murmur of applause which comes from the fallen angels at the end of Mammon's speech. This is com-1; pared to the sound of dying winds after a storm. This simile has drawn laudatory references.

Milton employs a lovely simile in the second epic similes. Here the joyous sounds of the fallen angels are compared to the joyous sounds heard in a valley when the clouds have faded away and the sun shines brightly again. The joy felt by the fallen angels provide an occasion for Milton to bring a most pleasing sense of nature. 

The next epic simile reminds us of those strange sights which am sometimes seen in the sky and which are supposed to signify ice fortune to human beings. Milton here suggests by comparison the devilish activities of the fallen angels who are no longer angels but have become devils. 

There is another simile drawn from Greek mythology which suggests that the angels are driven to feats of desperation born of the agonies of Hell.

Another celebrated simile compares Satan with outstretched wings to a fleet of the largest ships then known the Indiamen. 

The next simile relates to the figure of sin which is compared to the dog attended on Hecate.

Satan has been compared to various objects. In his confrontation with Death is compared to a comet with its horrid tail. On another occasion the encounter between Satan and Death is compared to two black clouds. On the third occasion Satan's flying through the air is compared to the monster Gryphon.

Thus, in the hands of Milton, the epic simile is not a trick of style but comes alive in a richness of comparison from ancient history and mythology, or from those great and strange things of nature.