In Miltons epic simile in Book one of Paradise Lost, the fallen angels in Pandaemonium are also called to assembly. Stanley E. Fish, for instance, suggests that the loss of the perfect language is more than anything else the sign of the Fall, since in Eden speech is the outward manifestation of the inner Paradise (Surprised by Sin 118). What's Up With the Ending? John Milton employed this device several times throughout Paradise Lost. (Paradise Lost Book I). Lecture 11 - The Miltonic Simile Overview. Mans disobedience is the main theme and the immediate result of his disobedience in the loss of the Paradise. Milton's religious views reflect the time in which he lived and the church to which he belonged. Deliberate use of many conjunctions; Paradise Lost 2.1009-10: "go and speed;/ Havock and spoil and ruin are my gain" 4. Paradise Lost by John Milton is considered to be a universal epic, which had its theme statement as mans first disobedience and his consequent fall. To the dazed Sweetie, the Convent women seem like birds, notably here hawks, suggesting that she views these women as frightening and predatory. Style and Language of Paradise Lost. One problem is that Paradise Lost is almost militantly Christian in an age that now seeks out diverse viewpoints and admires the man who stands forth against the accepted view. Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas. Which makes the language of Paradise Lost grand. Paradise Lost Ambiguity of Political Metaphor in Paradise Lost Anonymous College. It is an instance where Milton had remained loyal to the etymological root of the word taste (derived from French tast) Placing the object of the sentence at the beginning at once puts the emphasis on man and not on Satan. Paradise Lost Literary Terms. 1667 Original Version. So grandly that they reach to the status of the similes using by Homer Virgil Spencer and others. It attempts to justify and explain how we came to be what we are today. Miltons metaphors are unique because they are lengthy without giving too many details; they use allusions to things or places that people could not have witnessed, leaving the imagery up to the individuals imagination. Milton wrote his epic poem Paradise Lost taking deliberately inspiration from the epic poems of Virgyl and Homer. Introduction. Paradise Lost: Theme Analysis. All is not lost. 121 experts online. Simile: The Ocean is Like a Mighty Beast. Paradise Lost is the creative epic poem and the passionate expression of Miltons religious and political vision, the culmination of his young literary ambition as a 17th century English poet. As a literary device, an allegory in its most general sense is an extended metaphor. The epic is written in blank-verse without rhyme. All is not lost. 1297 Words6 Pages. Comparison can be a significant positive force in the realm of creative writing. Illustration: Gustave Dor We note the nifty use of a metaphor to say what a simile John Miltons epic poem Paradise Lost is remembered for two things, the famous quote from Satan after having been expelled from Heaven, Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heavn, (i.263) and for creating the fiery depiction of Hell dramatically juxtaposed to the cold and frozen hell of Dantes Inferno. Most critics of Paradise Lost have stated this tension between the two languages. But the express purpose here is to show how the poet's manipula-tion of this traditional, though now highly quali-fied, element of imagery in Paradise Lost can be a way of determining the underlying structure of the imagery as a whole in the poem. The Ocean is a Mighty Beast. 196-208 of Miltons Paradise Lost, conditions the reader to first be afraid of Satans physicality before inspiring an equally disturbing fear of the unknown. Book three begins with an invocation of Light as a muse, and from then on, the discussions between God and Christ and the decisions of Satan often use light and dark imagery to express contrast. Get an answer for 'What are some examples of assonance and metaphor used in books 1 and 2 of Paradise Lost?' Justifying the Ways of God to Men. The Paradise Lost by John Milton is an outstanding creation in the history of English Literature. The Metaphor of Light and Vision . Milton's Use Of Simile In Paradise Lost example essay topic. Milton inherited from his English predecessors a sense of moral function of poetry and an obligation to move human beings to virtue and reason. It attempts to justify and explain how we came to be what we are today. Angels are physically described in terms of light, whereas devils are generally described by their shadowy darkness. With Homeric similes, allusions and long speeches and soliloquies, unity of actions and a grand Pecking at her, flapping. (Narrator, 129) (Simile and metaphor) This is an example of both a simile and a metaphor. In this way the similes in Paradise Lost ( Book I ) play a vital role by adding beauty and grandeur to the poem. In an epic poem, similes serve the purpose of illustration as well as decoration. Miltons Satan as a Heroic Figure. Or that Sea-beast. He makes use of allegories, extended similes, imagery and other literaty devices. Paradise Lost: similes provide a breathing space. Pecking at her, flapping. (Narrator, 129) (Simile and metaphor) This is an example of both a simile and a metaphor. Storyline: The great war of the angels has been settled and Satan and the other demons have been cast into hell. Mans disobedience is the main theme and the immediate result of his disobedience in the loss of the Paradise. Its one of the first things Frankensteins monster reads, and it becomes something of a formative experience. Milton also uses epic similes to describe the events and characters of the story. 121 experts online. The seventh book, which describes the creation of the world, is equally wonderful and sublime. Kierkegaard, in his very pertinent meditation on Paradise, says that innocence is ignorance, it is the spirit yet asleep, dreaming. fied, element of imagery in Paradise Lost can be a way of determining the underlying structure of the imagery as a whole in the poem. Milton announces his subject (Mans Disobedience) and the overall theme of his epic poem (Justifying the ways of God to men) in the opening paragraph. His similies go far beyond the limits of comparison and are expanded to draw complete pictures. Milton also uses light to symbolize God and Gods grace. Miltons purpose was to absorb mythological themes into their myths, reassembling Truth as, in his figure, Isis reassembled the body of Osiris (MacCaffrey, 120). The main characters in the poem are God, Lucifer (Satan), Adam, and Eve. Meltons sentences are full of substance and weight. It tells the story of the fall of Satan and his compatriots, the creation of man, and, most significantly, of mans act of disobedience and its consequences: paradise was lost for us. Opposites abound in Paradise Lost, including Heaven and Hell, God and Satan, and good and evil. The style of Paradise Lost is grand and the language is sublime. The seventh book. Miltons uses imagery of light and darkness to express all of these opposites. Light and Dark. Thus he makes a parade of his learning, experience, and erudition. A simile is a figure of speech in which two different things are explicitly compared. Frankensteins monster reads it. Leviathan, which God of all his works. His similes and metaphors are epical. Comparison is something we all engage in. To the dazed Sweetie, the Convent women seem like birds, notably here hawks, suggesting that she views these women as frightening and predatory. Note the unusual spelling of tast. In John Miltons Paradise Lost, epic simile is frequently used to create elaborate and sweeping comparisons that contribute to a characters development. Addison, for instance, commented on Miltons use of epic simile in Paradise Lost: There are several nobel similes and allusions in Paradise Lost. The bee simile in Paradise Lost seemsto contain the details of the simile as it occurs in both Homerand Virgil. There are many similarities between the two epic similes. The style of Paradise Lost is grand and the language is sublime. The study we have made of Milton's use of the epic simileleads us to the fact that the epic simile has played an impor-tant part in winning for Milton the distinction of a style allhis own--the Miltonic style. The study we have made of Milton's use of the epic simileleads us to the fact that the epic simile has played an impor-tant part in winning for Milton the distinction of a style allhis own--the Miltonic style. The bee simile in Paradise Lost seemsto contain the details of the simile as it occurs in both Homerand Virgil. Paradise Lost As a Renaissance Epic define because whenever we term any great poem of English Literature as an epic, we, first of all, recall some basic requirements or demands which an epic requires. A striking features of Milton's style in Paradise Lost in his use of epic similes.Satan's huge bulk is compared to the huge Leviathan who may be mistaken for an Island.Milton also uses epic similes to compare Satan to various creatures and with each comparison Satan becomes further diminished.Milton writes his book-9. The paper examines how Milton uses the powerful symbols and metaphors of fruit, light and dark, the serpent and the wreath to convey this theme. Paradise Lost is the creative epic poem and the passionate expression of Miltons religious and political vision, the culmination of his young literary ambition as a 17th century English poet. The Invocation. On the other hand, III and IV are rich in ordinary similes; VI and VII, active with war and creation, have Miltons Satan as a Heroic Figure. There is also a lot of unusual sentence construction. Light and Dark. The Invocation. Milton also uses light to symbolize God and Gods grace. In proportion to their length, the books of Paradise Lostwith most epic similes 1297 Words6 Pages. The study we have made of Milton's use of the epic simileleads us to the fact that the epic simile has played an impor-tant part in winning for Milton the distinction of a style allhis own--the Miltonic style. The poem vividly narrates the story of Satan and the Fallen Angels. 3,810 words. Fourthly, Miltons use of epic similes prove his creation undoubtedly as an epic. An extended simile often runs to several lines. In proportion to their length, the books of Paradise Lost with most epic similes are I, IV, and IX. John Milton relies so heavily on the use of extended similes in Paradise Lost because the extended simile is a reflection of the influence of the Bible in the poem. Paradise Lost is an epic - poem based on the Biblical story of Adam end Eve. 31 - 40 In the case of Miltons use of epic similes in Paradise Lost, some critics justify them. In proportion to their length, the books of Paradise Lostwith most epic similes Miltons poem, though written over various stages of his life, was Paradise Lost: Theme Analysis. Addison, for instance, commented on Miltons use of epic simile in Paradise Lost: There are several nobel similes and allusions in Paradise Lost. Can make a heavn of hell, a hell of heavn. The epic is written in blank-verse without rhyme. Paradise Lost is an epic poem based on the Biblical story of Adam end Eve. Meltons sentences are full of substance and weight. As a literary device, an allegory in its most general sense is an extended metaphor. It attempts to justify and explain how we came to be what we are today. Opposites abound in Paradise Lost, including Heaven and Hell, God and Satan, and good and evil. Satan Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge. Vallambrosa. By John Milton. Rather they are Angels and Gods for above the the limit of common human dimension. With Homeric similes, allusions and long speeches and soliloquies, unity of actions and a grand Miltons characteristic use of simile is explored in Books One and Two of Paradise Lost. Rather they are Angels and Gods for above the the limit of common human dimension. Paradise Lost: Metaphor Analysis. Both similes suggest an extremely dense cluster of bees. It also explores his characterization of Adam and Eve and how rich language and metaphor result in a stunning piece of work. And logic and rhetoric, in Like the moons orb shape the shield is round and large and hangs on his shoulders like the moon hangs in the sky. Paradise Lost Similes/Metaphors. The extensive use of similes, metaphors and allusions are another feature of epics. Epic Simile in Paradise Lost. Paradise Lost Ambiguity of Political Metaphor in Paradise Lost Anonymous College. It is specific in places, describing the Norway oceans as foamy and the They intensify the epic atmosphere. As whom the Fables name of monstrous size, Titanian, or Earth-born, that warrd on Jove. Here he has shown his geographical knowledge and biblical knowledge. In an epic poem, similes serve the purpose of illustration as well as decoration. 1:254-255. Note the unusual spelling of tast. These are used to add richness to the narrative but more importantly, to transpose loftier ideas into familiar and The scope ofParadise Lostis cosmic, for it includes Heaven, Earth and Hell. (iii) The action involves heroic deeds: Paradise Lostincludes the war in Heaven, the journey of Satan to discover the newly created world, and his audacious attempt to outwit God by corrupting mankind. (iv) The action should be an entire action, complete in itself. The potential for political meaning in the metaphors, allegories and allusions of Paradise Lost is rich for interpretations due to the shifting associations of political ideologies with various sides, in order to prove a spectrum of arguments. The paper examines how Milton uses the powerful symbols and metaphors of fruit, light and dark, the serpent and the wreath to convey this theme. Views. TheEPIC SIMILEin Paradise Lost. Paradise Lost is an epic - poem based on the Biblical story of Adam end Eve. Miltons Satan still today remains and unmatched character among all the epic heroes. Epic simile refers to detailed comparisons that are built up over a large course of the text throughout several lines as opposed to the function of simile which points out similarities between two dissimilar concepts in a short and simple manner. Book-I of Paradise Lost is a suitable example of Miltons exceptional skill in using similes and metaphors to good effect. Gustave Dores woodcutting for the cover of this volume), Satan is depicted in human form and even has wings just like an angel). The Epic simile in Paradise Lost. TheEPIC SIMILEin Paradise Lost. and find homework help for other Paradise Lost questions at eNotes 3,810 words. Both similes mention troops which suggests the presence of many warriors. Milton uses epic similes. Modern criticism of Paradise Lost has taken many different views of Milton's ideas in the poem. It had an invocation to a muse which is claimed to be different from all other Biblical allusions. Tone Genre What's Up With the Title? 1667 Original Version. Allegory. All the the Grand similes have been used in Book 1. Other examples of common metaphors are night owl, cold feet, beat a dead horse, early bird, couch potato, eyes were fireflies, apple of my eye, heart of stone, heart of a lion, roller coaster of emotions, and heart of gold.. Here he has shown his geographical knowledge and biblical knowledge. Paradise Lost: Metaphor Analysis. Illogical, but we understand the meaning. The paper looks at how John Milton's "Paradise Lost" focuses on the theme of obedience to God and the result of sin. Paradise Lost As a Renaissance Epic define because whenever we term any great poem of English Literature as an epic, we, first of all, recall some basic requirements or demands which an epic requires. Milton employs all these three methods to give the air of grandeur to his epic. Paradise Lost, which was originally published 1667 in 10 volumes, is written in blank verse a literary device deployed to convey freedom of expression which is commonly attributed to poems of grand scope. Particular attention is paid to how Miltons similes work to support, undermine, and complicate both the depiction of Satan and the broader thematic concerns of the poem, such as the ideas of free will and divine providence. 31 JULISA, Volume 5 Nomor 1, April 2005, hal. S2 Answer #1 - Paradise Lost: The epic simile in Book 1, ll. Below are the Top Ten Quotes from John Miltons Paradise Lost: (1.) Vallambrosa. In Miltons epic simile in Book one of Paradise Lost, the fallen angels in Pandaemonium are also called to assembly. In this context we can mention the epic similes he has used to determine the numbers of the fallen angels. Aristotle observes that a sublime style can be formed by three methods by the use of metaphors, by making use of the idioms and by lengthening of the phrase by the addition of words. By having the Son create the universe, Milton expands on his idea that though the Son and the Father are of one essence, the Son is the more active aspect of God it is the Son who defeats Satan, creates the universe, punishes Adam and Eve, and then becomes incarnate as a man. (Paradise Lost Book I). Book-I of Paradise Lost is a suitable example of Miltons exceptional skill in using similes and metaphors to good effect. Comparing Satan's shield to the shape of the moon. 31 - 40 In the case of Miltons use of epic similes in Paradise Lost, some critics justify them. The Invocation. Milton, as a habit, uses similes after similes until his knowledge on the particular subject is exhausted. All the major characters of Paradise Lost are never found common creatures. Epic Simile: Leviathan. T he mind is its own place, and in itself. Paradise Lost is an epic - poem based on the Biblical story of Adam end Eve. 196-208 of Miltons Paradise Lost, conditions the reader to first be afraid of Satans physicality before inspiring an equally disturbing fear of the unknown. Leviathan, which God of all his works. Like the moons orb shape the shield is round and large and hangs on his shoulders like the moon hangs in the sky. Miltons Satan still today remains and unmatched character among all the epic heroes. Metaphors about the Ocean. 196-208 of Miltons Paradise Lost, conditions the reader to first be afraid of Satans physicality before inspiring an equally disturbing fear of the unknown. comparing God to a dove sitting on a nest. It attempts to justify and explain how we came to be what we are today. In this context we can mention the epic similes he has used to determine the numbers of the fallen angels. (Paradise Lost Book I). There are some episodes, as that of Sin and Death, which are the necessary appurtenance of the classical epic. Since Miltons characters are mostly supernatural-God, Angels, Devils with but two human beings who are also more like angels than men, this makes the action of Paradise Lostalso different from other epics. Milton inherited from his English predecessors a sense of moral function of poetry and an obligation to move human beings to virtue and reason. Milton's Use Of Simile In Paradise Lost example essay topic. We find many similes of this type in Paradise Lost, Book I. Milton compares the fallen angels to the thick autumnal leaves that strow the brooks in remembers the quaint old story of sailors mistaking a whale for an island. Like a bird sits over its eggs to hatch God sat over the world and developed it. Paradise Lost Analysis. Paradise Lost: Theme Analysis. An epic simile, also known as a Homeric simile, is defined as a simile where A is compared to B, then B is described in such detail that it becomes a digression. Many simple and Homeric similies are used. It tells the story of the Fall of Man, a tale of immense drama and excitement, of rebellion and treachery, of innocence pitted against corruption, in which God and Satan fight a bitter battle for control of mankind's destiny. 4. In Book IX, Milton compares Eve to a list of goddesses by writing To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorned / Likest she seemed Pomona when she fled / Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her prime / Yet virgin of Proserpina from Jove (393-6). Similes are an essential part of literature, and especially poetry. One problem is that Paradise Lost is almost militantly Christian in an age that now seeks out diverse viewpoints and admires the man who stands forth against the accepted view. To read the essay, scroll down. Setting Tough-o-Meter Writing Style Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory Narrator Point of View Booker's Seven Basic Plots Analysis Plot Analysis Three Act There are many similarities between the two epic similes. In many of the illustrations associated with Paradise Lost (eg. Miltons uses imagery of light and darkness to express all of these opposites. All the major characters of Paradise Lost are never found common creatures. At many place Milton uses old English words or words in their original Latin sense. Modern criticism of Paradise Lost has taken many different views of Milton's ideas in the poem. 2. Paradise Lost As a Renaissance Epic define because whenever we term any great poem of English Literature as an epic, we, first of all, recall some basic requirements or demands which an epic requires. Paradise Lost Literary Terms. 61. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. 1. But the dream is infected with a presentiment of freedom, a possibility of possibility, which makes the spirit anxious and, once awake, unresistant to sin (The Concept of Anxiety 1. 6). 1667 Original Version. Thus he makes a parade of his learning, experience, and erudition. Movement across or through space becomes a process of colonization of that space.Discuss the uses of metaphors of colonization in metaphysical poetry and/or Milton. The Epic simile in Paradise Lost. To read the essay, scroll down. Paradise Lost, which was originally published 1667 in 10 volumes, is written in blank verse a literary device deployed to convey freedom of expression which is commonly attributed to poems of grand scope. The essay sample on Epic Simile In Paradise Lost dwells on its problems, providing shortened but comprehensive overview of basic facts and arguments related to it. Introduction. Paradise Lost by John Milton is considered to be a universal epic, which had its theme statement as mans first disobedience and his consequent fall. Book three begins with an invocation of Light as a muse, and from then on, the discussions between God and Christ and the decisions of Satan often use light and dark imagery to express contrast. Milton is master of the most important minor convention of epic, the epic simile. They intensify the epic atmosphere. Schemes of Repetition metaphor. These are used to add richness to the narrative but more importantly, to transpose loftier ideas into familiar and S2 Answer #1 - Paradise Lost: The epic simile in Book 1, ll. Most critics of Paradise Lost have stated this tension between the two languages. And logic and rhetoric, in Thats a relief. Our notions of style in general may be clarified by acomparison. Milton's Paradise Lost is one of the greatest epic poems in the English language. Learn all the basics of similes and how you can create and use them in your own creative writing! It attempts to justify and explain how we came to be what we are today. Miltons Paradise Lost is studded with characters ranging from the devious Satan through to the humanistic, yet wise Eve. Milton is master of the most important minor convention of epic, the epic simile. comparing God to a dove sitting on a nest. Book-I of Paradise Lost is a suitable example of Miltons exceptional skill in using similes and metaphors to good effect. The epic conventions in John Miltons Paradise Lost include the invocation of the muse in the beginning of story, the story beginning in the middle of the action, and the elevated style, subject matter and tone. It is an instance where Milton had remained loyal to the etymological root of the word taste (derived from French tast) Placing the object of the sentence at the beginning at once puts the emphasis on man and not on Satan. Milton also uses epic similes to describe the events and characters of the story. This simile does more than pointing out the countless number of Satans army, but conjures up the picture of the drowned army of Pharaoh , a Biblical incident. Option C is correct. Milton's Use Of Simile In Paradise Lost example essay topic. In John Miltons Paradise Lost, epic simile is frequently used to create elaborate and sweeping comparisons that contribute to a characters development. Views. PLAY. A simile is a figure of speech based on comparison. Our notions of style in general may be clarified by acomparison. Like other epics, Paradise Losttreats a war; it employes long-tailed similes: it obeys the convention of invoking the Muse. Share this: Start studying Paradise Lost. All the major characters of Paradise Lost are never found common creatures. An epic or descriptive simile is one in which the image or ikon is not just referred to, but elaborated, perhaps forming a complete scene or incident itself. The theme of Paradise Lost is religious in nature. Stanley E. Fish, for instance, suggests that the loss of the perfect language is more than anything else the sign of the Fall, since in Eden speech is the outward manifestation of the inner Paradise (Surprised by Sin 118). 1962 words | 4 Pages . Justifying the Ways of God to Men. Satan Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge. 1297 Words6 Pages. His similes and metaphors are epical. Milton, as a habit, uses similes after similes until his knowledge on the particular subject is exhausted. Movement across or through space becomes a process of colonization of that space.Discuss the uses of metaphors of colonization in metaphysical poetry and/or Milton. Paradise Lost is an epic poem based on the Biblical story of Adam end Eve. Like a bird sits over its eggs to hatch God sat over the world and developed it. Throughout Paradise Lost the motif of light and dark recurs, figuratively contrasting God and Satan, Heaven and Hell. It tells the story of the fall of Satan and his compatriots, the creation of man, and, most significantly, of mans act of disobedience and its consequences: paradise was lost for us. As whom the Fables name of monstrous size, Titanian, or Earth-born, that warrd on Jove. GRAND THEME: Another main feature of an epic is its Grand theme. The epic replete with Homeric or epic similes. Milton employs all these three methods to give the air of grandeur to his epic. Both similes suggest an extremely dense cluster of bees. The extensive use of similes, metaphors and allusions are another feature of epics. All the the Grand similes have been used in Book 1. The epic conventions in John Miltons Paradise Lost include the invocation of the muse in the beginning of story, the story beginning in the middle of the action, and the elevated style, subject matter and tone. Epic Simile: Leviathan. Milton wrote his epic poem Paradise Lost taking deliberately inspiration from the epic poems of Virgyl and Homer. Movement across or through space becomes a process of colonization of that space.Discuss the uses of metaphors of colonization in metaphysical poetry and/or Milton. 31 JULISA, Volume 5 Nomor 1, April 2005, hal. The study of Milton's use of classical mythol-ogy is well-covered territory. Paradise Lost is a poetic rewriting of the book of Genesis. Our notions of style in general may be clarified by acomparison. Therefore, although Milton credits God with speech and with enough form that the Son can sit "on his right," everything relating to God in Paradise Lost should be understood as a kind of metaphor, a device used to place the divine in human terms (PL 3.62). The poem vividly narrates the story of Satan and the Fallen Angels. 14 Virgil used the figure of autu1nn leaves todescribe the multitude of souls on the banks of the Styx; 15Milton used the same figure to describe the number of fallenangels upon the lake of fire. The seventh book, which describes the creation of the world, is equally wonderful and sublime. fied, element of imagery in Paradise Lost can be a way of determining the underlying structure of the imagery as a whole in the poem. Allegory. 14 Virgil used the figure of autu1nn leaves todescribe the multitude of souls on the banks of the Styx; 15Milton used the same figure to describe the number of fallenangels upon the lake of fire. Milton's religious views reflect the time in which he lived and the church to which he belonged. Get an answer for 'What are some examples of assonance and metaphor used in books 1 and 2 of Paradise Lost?' There are The nature of Miltons blank verse in paradise lost is the unrhymed meter of five accents and ten syllables. In Paradise Lost, we have human as well as superhuman characters. STUDY. We find many similes of this type in Paradise Lost, Book I. Milton compares the fallen angels to the thick autumnal leaves that strow the brooks in remembers the quaint old story of sailors mistaking a whale for an island. Fourthly, Milton's use of Epic Similes prove his creation undoubtedly as an epic. Paradise Lost is a poetic rewriting of the book of Genesis. Miltons Paradise Lost is a sublime and noble poem characterised for the imagination of man to distend itself with greater ideas than those which Milton has presented in the first, second and sixth books. Rather they are Angels and Gods for above the the limit of common human dimension. Put plainly, Milton was a revolutionary and Paradise Lost is an anti-authoritarian text. Note the unusual spelling of tast. Also the use of alliterations produces musical effect. Miltons poem, though written over various stages of his life, was Paradise Lost is the supreme masterpiece of epic poetry in English literature and rivals the works of the classical poets like Homer, Virgil etc. It is an adventurous song that pursues things unattempted yet in prose and rhyme. 3,810 words. In Paradise Lost, tradition is modified to weave the long similes more closely into the poems structure and meaning. Epic simile refers to detailed comparisons that are built up over a large course of the text throughout several lines as opposed to the function of simile which points out similarities between two dissimilar concepts in a short and simple manner.