<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2024786/open_sms">Send us a text</a>We return to Milton's magnificent octopus today with an eye toward evaluating the epic's success according to its own mission statement: "to justify the ways of God to men."  How does Milton approach the great theological problems of evil and suffering, divine foreknowledge, and free will?<a rel="payment" href="https://paypal.me/classicenglishlit?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US">Support the show</a>Please like, subscribe, and rate the podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen. Thank you! Email: classicenglishliterature@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting it with a small donation. Click the "Support the Show" button. So grateful! Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber Orchestra Subcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish Guards Sound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.org My thanks and appreciation to all the generous providers!

The Classic English Literature Podcast

To Justify the Ways of God: John Milton's Paradise Lost (episode 2)

Where rhyme gets its reason!In a historical survey of English literature, I take a personal and philosophical approach to the major texts of the tradition in order to not only situate the poems, prose, and plays in their own contexts, but also to show their relevance to our own.  This show is for the general listener: as a teacher of high school literature and philosophy, I am less than a scholar but more than a buff.  I hope to edify and entertain!