Language analysis for Paradise Lost

Authors Avatar

Language analysis for Paradise Lost

“…whom shall we send…” (401-415)

Milton read out aloud as he dictated a transcript of the epic. This was apposite as the good Greek epic was recited not read. How has the fact that this passage was recited had an impact on how language is used?

 

Language techniques

Repetition:

The language technique of repetition is used in this text selection. Examples of repetition in this piece includes the words ‘whom’ and ‘what’, which give the piece an emphasis thus creating a more powerful tone and in other words a voice (more of a passion). These words help create life to the sentences eg. “But first whom shall we send” and “whom shall we find”. The use of ‘whom’, helps create a commanding tone especially when incorporated into these lines. The commanding tone created lets the audience know that someone with authority is speaking these words, and in this case it is Satan. Another example is “what strength, what art can then”, which produces the same effect as the word ‘whom’ as stated above. So it is these repetitive and powerful words that help develop the characters and bring life to this extract. Without repetition, a sense of passion isn’t highlighted and thus no sense of voice is created to develop the characters. Reciting this extract with repetition produces a stronger voice because it seems as if a live person is speaking these words rather than an inanimate object.  

Personal pronoun:

Personal pronouns such as the word ‘we’ is a techniques used in this extract eg. the word ‘we’ in “All circumspection, and we now no less”. Another example is the word ‘our’ in “Choice in our suffrage”. These personal pronouns help create a connection between reader and character, thus including the audience so that they are placed closer to the character’s thoughts and feelings. This technique is usually used for the audience to empathise with the character(s). So basically personal pronouns help provide a link between reader and character so that there is an understanding of the character’s actions/thoughts/feelings. Sometimes personal pronouns are also used so that a member of the audience can relate to the character as if he/she was the character themselves. In this case, these personal pronouns are used to engage the reader as if they’re part of the situation rather than to just understand it from third person’s point of view. So this technique breaks the barrier of outsider-insider and instead includes the outsider (the audience) to be part of the story themselves. Therefore reciting this extract enhances the effect personal pronouns produce meaning the audience feel first-handed experience of the events and are more involved in them.

Join now!

Rhetorical questions:

Rhetorical questions such as “But first whom shall we send” and “who shall tempt with wandring feet” are used to engage the audience. These rhetorical questions place the audience in a position to respond as well as to be close to the character’s thoughts and feelings. In this piece, rhetorical questions give the character of Satan a sense of authority because of his ability to control situations by questioning those around him whilst engaging them at the same time. Those who question others usually want to emphasise their ability to control the situation rather than expect an ...

This is a preview of the whole essay