The grand style of John Milton in "Paradise Lost"

                                            The grand style in Paradise Lost.

Paradise Lost is a long epic written by John Milton.He has used some styles in his writing which are called "Grand Style".These styles are called grand style because he has used them flawlessly.His diction is not simple.He has used a lot of Latin words.He creates a language and diction which are appropriate to his theme.He has used similes,metaphors,allusions to understand his thoughts to the readers.He has used these styles perfectly so his styles are called grand style.

The first aspect of the grand style is to use the number of allusions and references which seem obscure along with the mysterious and ancient vocabulary.Some references from the first few lines of the poem " Oreb" "That shepherd" "Chosen seed" "Siloa's Brook" "and Aonian Mount" occur.The main purpose of the references is to extend the reader's understanding through comparison.Further,words such as "Adamantine" "Durst" "Compeer" "Sovran" and many others.They are more or less familiar and add an imposing tone to the work.

Milton has used alliteration in Paradise Lost.Alliteration means repetition of consonant several times in a line.For example from book-3

               
                                         "So heav'nly love shall outdoo Helish hate"

He Also used metaphor in Paradise Lost.Metaphor means a comparison between two dissimilar things.This comparison is implicit.From Book-9, we find a line which expresses metaphor.

                                           "Her self,though fairest unsupported Flour"

Besides the references and vocabulary,Milton also tends to use Latinate constructions.English is such language used word order in sentences to produce sense.Latin words often come at the end of the sentence which may precede the subject.Milton has used
unusual English syntactical patterns.He almost never writes in simple sentences.Partly,this type of invert,syntax is necessary for the poem.It seems syntax is Milton's stylistic goal.

Another aspect of Milton's style is the extended simile.The use of epic similes goes back to Homer in the Iliad and Odyssey but Milton has used more similes and more details.Simile refers to the explicit comparison between two different things.Milton compared Eden to the field where Proserpine gathered flowers.

Milton also uses a number of images throughout the poem.These images appear like the maze or labyrinth.The image of maze is mentioned like this.

                         "Circular base of rising folds,that tow'r'd/Fold above fold a surging maze"

Each image opens up new possibilities for understanding Milton's ideas.

Christian Bible and the Greek and Roman classics were among the most important texts of Milton's culture.His tendency is to use the Biblical tone in Paradise Lost and he does so.Using blank verse is another important feature of his poetic style in Paradise Lost.This blank verse has created the sublime effect in this epic poem.Milton has intentionally used it to make his epic more attractive.In spite of using blank verse,he has not lost the sight of the original melody.

The grand style is an unique style of Milton.He tends to make the grand style that take numerous references,allusions,vocabulary,similes and images.He has used the grand style consciously and given the proper shape.