Milton's Use of Epic Simile in Paradise Lost, Book-I

Epic simile is, in simple words, an elaborate comparison that travels beyond
the point of comparison and gives a complete poetic picture of some scene
or incident suggested to the mind of the poet. They are used for illustration
and ornamentation. They add dignity to the style.

Unlike ordinary similes epic similes are grand, ornate, decorative, digressive
and detached. They form an integral part of the epic style and enrich the
epic grandeur. Milton’s similes which resemble the similes used by Homer,
Virgil and Dante, are remarkable for their pictorial quality and
suggestiveness. They are vivid, elaborate and long-tailed, besides being
ornate, decorative, digressive and detached. As they paint the scenes and
incidents in detail, they are impressive. As they contribute to the richness of
the narrative by adding colour to the scenes, characters, events , ideas or
sentiments. They strengthen the imaginative splendour and reinforce the
style with sublimity. Hence Milton’s similes not only illustrate, but also
ennoble the mind of the reader by transporting it to a lofty region.

The first simile is the one in which Milton compares the huge bulk of Satan
with that of the monstrous size of the mythical Titans or giants who are
fabled to be of the greatest in size ever born. Milton extends the simile into a
comparison of Satan with Leviathan.The suggestion of Satan’s huge
dimensions is emphasized by another simile in which Satan’s massive,
ponderous, round shield is compared to the moon –
“The broad circumference
Hung on his shoulders like the moon”.

Immediately onwards Milton digresses by referring to Galileo viewing the

moon through his telescope. This reference to Galileo though not related to
the Original object of analogy, serves to add – a super terrestrial dimension
to the poem. This splendid and long-tailed simile seems to shift our
attention from the real object which is Satan.
Another significant simile is the one which compares the innumerable
angels fallen and groveling in the lake of fire to the cloud of locusts. Milton’s
comparisons of angels with locusts are significant because the locusts are
messengers of disasters and their association with the angel serves to suggest
the evil nature of the fallen angel. Milton in another simile compares the
fallen angels with the autumnal leaves thickly strewn on the streams in
vallambrosa. The reference of fallen leaves is very appropriate since it
suggests and reinforces the fallen nature and diminished glory of the angels
in hell.

Finally, one should also mention another very significant simile in which the
thick airy could of angels in pandemonium is compared to bees:
“As bees
In springtime, when the sun with Taurus rides.
Pour forth their populous youth above the hire
In clusters;”

In this way the similes in Paradise Lost ( Book I ) play a vital role by adding
beauty and grandeur to the poem. They intensify the epic atmosphere.
Milton is not imitative although he closely follows the established tradition,
but a genius as he was, he has handled the convention in a way that is
absolutely unique.

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