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In his Oxford lecture 'On Translating Homer: Last Words', Mathew Arnold used
this now famous phrase. 'Such a style, he maintained, arises when a noble nature, poetically
gifted, treats with simplicity or with severity a serious subject'. Arnold refers to Homer, Pindar,
Virgil, Dante, and Milton as exponents of grand style. It was a lofty or elevated style
suitable for epic, a style Arnold himself attempted in, for instance in'Sohrab and
Rustum'.
Now, we discuss the devices used in 'Paradise Lost' by Milton which have caused
his style to be characterized as the Grand Style.
the heroic race that fought at Thebes and Troy mentioned by Homer
The whole treasury of poetry and the whole storehouse of learning are at his
command.
Use Of Similes
A striking feature in 'Paradise Lost' is Milton's use of similes. These are expanded
to draw complete pictures. They had dignity of the narrative, and do not merely
illustrate but also decorate the epic theme and character.
Elevated Speeches
The lofty tone is maintained in the speeches of Satan, as for instance in the
speech to Beelzebub. One cannot help noting the rhetorical eloquence with which Satan
encourages the fallen angels.
So Milton maintains a constant elevation and dignity of style corresponding to
the greatness of theme, and Mathew Arnold is absolutely right when he refers to Milton
as a poet of grand style.