[Milton-L] A question about The Argument in Paradise Lost

[Justin Kolb]

Hi Justin,

The argument is a traditional part of classical epic and rhetoric, so Milton is drawing on long-established models. Why he added it to the second edition specifically, I'm not sure off the top of my head. 

JBK

----- Original Message -----
From: justin k <justin.w.keck at gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:48 am
Subject: [Milton-L] A question about The Argument in Paradise Lost
To: milton-l at lists.richmond.edu


> Hello,
>  I am a first time user and first time student of Milton. I was hoping 
> if any
>  one might be able to answer a question for me.
>  I know that Milton, with the intention of giving the reader direction 
> for
>  his poem, added The Argument to the second edition of Paradise Lost, 
> .
>  What I would like to know is this.
>  Within the history of literature, is this the first time a device 
> like The
>  Argument has been used?
>  Is it a Miltonic device or has Milton borrow this approach form a 
> past poet
>  or author.
>  
>  Thank you,
>  Justin
>  
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