English Puritanism and Milton's Paradise Lost

Sought a purer Christianity, stricter than the Reformation.
Characterized by austerity, intolerance of pleasure, and harsh punishment of vice.
Followed John Calvin's doctrine of predestination, contrasting with Luther's more traditional reforms.
Emphasized sola fide, sola gratia, sola scriptura (faith, grace, scripture alone).
Repudiated Catholic penitential system; viewed papacy as the Antichrist.

Milton valued the Bible and initially aligned with Puritanism but later rejected earthly tyrannies. He considered the Bible “the only Book left us of divine authority.”
Paradise Lost explores knowing and choosing through education; aims to cultivate discerning, virtuous citizens.
Poem includes dialogues where God educates Adam and Eve.
Milton employs allusions to classical epics (Homer, Virgil) and incorporates epic conventions.
Milton innovates by focusing on domesticity and internal trials rather than traditional warfare; introduces