Unit 5: Vocabulary from Readings 2

This list covers Paradise Lost.
12 words 17 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. epic
    a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
    An epic is a long narrative poem that portrays the heroic acts of legendary figures and mythical gods.
  2. antihero
    a protagonist who does not act brave or morally good
    Most epics feature a hero, a character who represents the ideals of the culture that creates it. In contrast, an antihero is a central character who lacks all the qualities traditionally associated with a hero.
  3. blank verse
    unrhymed poetry, usually in iambic pentameter
    Milton wrote the epic in blank verse, or unrhymed iambic pentameter, which was unusual at the time for works outside drama.
  4. invoke
    request earnestly; ask for aid or protection
    ...I thence
    Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song
  5. impious
    lacking piety or reverence for a god
    ...and with ambitious aim
    Against the throne and monarchy of God
    Raised impious war in Heaven and battle proud,
    With vain attempt.
  6. ethereal
    of heaven or the spirit
    Him the Almighty Power
    Hurled headlong flaming from th’ ethereal sky
    With hideous ruin and combustion down
    To bottomless perdition, there to dwell
    In adamantine chains and penal fire,
    Who durst defy th’ Omnipotent to arms.
  7. perdition
    the place or state in which one suffers eternal punishment
    Him the Almighty Power
    Hurled headlong flaming from th’ ethereal sky
    With hideous ruin and combustion down
    To bottomless perdition, there to dwell
    In adamantine chains and penal fire,
    Who durst defy th’ Omnipotent to arms.
  8. omnipotent
    having unlimited power
    Him the Almighty Power
    Hurled headlong flaming from th’ ethereal sky
    With hideous ruin and combustion down
    To bottomless perdition, there to dwell
    In adamantine chains and penal fire,
    Who durst defy th’ Omnipotent to arms.
  9. baleful
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
    But his doom
    Reserved him to more wrath; for now the thought
    Both of lost happiness and lasting pain
    Torments him; round he throws his baleful eyes,
    That witnessed huge affliction and dismay,
    Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate.
  10. obdurate
    stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
    But his doom
    Reserved him to more wrath; for now the thought
    Both of lost happiness and lasting pain
    Torments him; round he throws his baleful eyes,
    That witnessed huge affliction and dismay,
    Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate.
  11. sovereign
    greatest in status or authority or power
    Be it so, since he
    Who now is sovereign can dispose and bid
    What shall be right
  12. filial
    relating to or characteristic of or befitting an offspring
    ...for in their looks divine
    The image of their glorious Maker shone,
    Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure—
    Severe, but in true filial freedom placed
Created on Tue Mar 09 09:50:16 EST 2021 (updated Tue Mar 16 14:09:53 EDT 2021)

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