Milton takes the traditional epic and transforms it with the clarity of his moral vision and with the power of his language, turning it into triumphant blank verse--seldom used in his day except in drama--that is moving, exciting, and full of the grandeur of Milton's poetic vision. In the early parts of Paradise Lost, he manages to convey sympathy with Satan's heroic energy. As the epic narrative progresses, however, our allegiance shifts subtly to Christ's message of love and a vision of Paradise free of Satan's destructive strivings. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.