Abstract

The concept of metagenre in literature has become an increasingly helpful interpretive tool by which to analyze and understand various pieces of literature in relationship to their particular genres. A metageneric examination of Milton’s Paradise Lost�����Ի���Paradise Regained, both in relation to the Homeric epics and in relation to each other, allows readers to understand that Milton’s celebration of “Patience and Heroic Martyrdom” (Paradise Lost 9:31) is best exemplified in each of Milton’s epics by Milton’s Son. The Son, both in his self-sacrificial decision to leave Heaven’s glory, become incarnate, and die for the sake of sinful humanity; and in his resistance to Satan’s temptations, transcends the classical heroism both of Homer’s Achilles and Milton’s Satan in order to effect salvation for humanity. A metageneric recognition that Paradise Regained is a continuation of Paradise Lost aids greatly our understanding of the Son’s heroism.