Darkness Visible

The apparent heroism of Milton's Satan, the grand structure of his universe, and the cinematic drama of his poetry, are on full display in this episode detailing the second half of Book II of Paradise Lost. Students are asked to look closely at the cumulative effect of language in creating poetic imagery.

Have you ever felt trapped? In Book II of Paradise Lost, Satan plots his escape from Hell. But first, he must confront a horrifying secret from his past. In this episode, students are asked to consider the allegorical origins of evil in Milton’s conception of the universe.

How far would you go to escape a tyrant? In this episode, students are introduced to the poem’s antagonist, and asked to consider how a character’s point of view influences their motives and actions.