While this is intended for Legolas, I'll give you my answer: I don't think it is beyond you. You could always read the first book and then put it aside if you find it impossible. But if you are not used to reading epic poems, I would start with the Iliad or the Odyssey. Milton is a tougher read, and not as entertaining.
Okay. I am thankful for your answer.
Yeah I might try that but...I always feel guilty starting something then putting it down. Is the first book a few hundred pages or about two?
In my edition the first book is about 30 pages.
I've read the Odyssey, a few times actually and of a few different translations. The Iliad I read on and off throughout the years. But those were definitely more exciting that what I hear of Paradise Lost...Plus all the religious stuff Legolas mentioned...I'm not so sure.
The only reason I suggested you try the others is that some people have trouble reading verse for a long time. If you can handle that, you can handle Milton. Legolas is spot on about the religious stuff, but there are gems in between.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
John Milton - Paradise Lost (and Paradise Regained)
- 11/01/2011 11:25:45 PM
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Re: John Milton - Paradise Lost (and Paradise Regained)
- 11/01/2011 11:55:35 PM
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Wow. <<<<Should be over there<<<<
- 12/01/2011 12:03:38 AM
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- 12/01/2011 12:06:39 AM
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- 12/01/2011 12:06:39 AM
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Re:
- 12/01/2011 12:47:50 AM
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- 12/01/2011 12:47:50 AM
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The word "book" is a bit misleading, they're really more like chapters.
- 12/01/2011 06:22:38 PM
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I'm glad we agree on so much. 
- 12/01/2011 06:50:27 PM
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- 12/01/2011 06:50:27 PM
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Re: I'm glad we agree on so much.
- 12/01/2011 07:47:21 PM
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- 12/01/2011 07:47:21 PM
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I thought I'd have a short response
- 12/01/2011 12:13:48 AM
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OK, I blogged about my own reaction to it
- 12/01/2011 05:26:18 AM
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Not that much in there that I disagree with, actually.
- 12/01/2011 06:30:28 PM
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With the utility of the religious discussion in poetic form
- 12/01/2011 06:50:30 PM
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- 12/01/2011 06:50:30 PM
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Well, if I'd found really all of those Heaven books boring, I'm not sure I'd have finished it.
- 13/01/2011 09:53:19 PM
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Re: Well, if I'd found really all of those Heaven books boring, I'm not sure I'd have finished it.
- 13/01/2011 10:32:49 PM
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I've started to read it three times and put it down due to the style.
- 12/01/2011 01:34:24 AM
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Yeah, if you really dislike the style, it really may not be worth forcing yourself through.
- 12/01/2011 06:33:43 PM
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Okay, i think I may change my classic from this to something else now *NM*
- 12/01/2011 02:41:59 PM
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It certainly wasn't my intention to frighten people off. Like I said, I'm glad I read it. *NM*
- 12/01/2011 06:31:31 PM
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Like I said, I'm glad I read it. *NM*
- 12/01/2011 06:31:31 PM
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