This week DSRA is back and tackling one of the most ambitious works in the English language–John Milton’s Paradise Lost. James starts us off by going through early cultural interpretations of Satan. He traces how versions of the Devil in folklore and medieval theatre lead to Milton’s famous take on him. Claire talks about the life of John Milton and what people, world events and institutions lead him to write one of the English language’s greatest poems. Our hosts conclude with their thoughts on Paradise Lost, their preconceptions of it, and why it’s so important. They also discuss how it will tie into our next topic, The Golden Compass, book one of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.