In Book 8 of John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” the archangel Raphael concludes his divine narratives to Adam and shifts focus to deeper topics of curiosity. The pa⋯ Read the full article

In Book 7 of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” the narrative shifts to the wondrous account of Earth’s creation. Continuing his conversation with Adam, the archangel Raphael⋯ Read the full article

In Book 6 of John Milton’s epic “Paradise Lost,” the celestial war between the loyal angels of Heaven and the rebellious forces of Satan reaches its climactic height. Mil⋯ Read the full article

In Book 5 of John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” a new day dawns in Eden as Adam and Eve awaken to celestial calm. The archangel Raphael arrives with divine messages⋯ Read the full article

In Book 4 of John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” the focus shifts from the cosmic battlegrounds of Heaven and Hell to the serene realms of Eden, where Adam and Eve d⋯ Read the full article

In Book 3 of John Milton’s epic “Paradise Lost,” the focus shifts dramatically from the fiery depths of Hell to the serene grandeur of Heaven. Milton opens with an invoca⋯ Read the full article

In Book 2 of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” Satan presides over a grand council within Pandæmonium, the capital of Hell. Recently cast out of Heaven, the rebel angels gat⋯ Read the full article

John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” is a grandiose epic poem first published in 1667, and Book 1 sets the stage for the entire narrative. It begins with the famous invocation t⋯ Read the full article

In “Holy Sonnet 2,” John Donne presents a speaker who acknowledges the many ways in which he belongs to God—as child, servant, and precious creation—yet laments how easil⋯ Read the full article

In “Loves Deitie,” John Donne contemplates the elusive nature of love and its spiritual or quasi-divine power. The speaker begins by describing his inability to understan⋯ Read the full article

In “The Undertaking,” John Donne contends that the bravest act one can accomplish is not a visible deed, but rather the decision to guard a profound, inward truth—particu⋯ Read the full article

In “Goodfriday, 1613. Riding Westward,” John Donne contemplates the tension between worldly obligations and spiritual devotion. While physically heading west on Good Frid⋯ Read the full article

In “The Ecstasy,” John Donne meditates on the profound connection between lovers that transcends mere physical attraction. The poem begins with the lovers seated on a ban⋯ Read the full article

In “A Valediction: of Weeping,” John Donne explores the powerful interplay between sorrow and love when two souls are about to part. He likens tears to minted coins, carr⋯ Read the full article

In “Holy Sonnet 1,” John Donne pleads for God’s help, fearing both physical and spiritual decline. The speaker recognizes God as his creator, worried that what God has ma⋯ Read the full article