Problem
The mind is its own place and in itself/Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven" (Paradise Lost, Book 1, Lines 254-55). How do you evaluate this statement in light of the period of the poem? What does it reveal about the character who utters it? How central is it to the story of the poem, but also to the story of modernity and particularly to the idea of the Enlightenment which is your next reading due this week? Effective writing begins with the development of an idea. Begin the paper by creating a clear thesis (statement) of your idea, how you understand the character's statement and how you will be examining it. Then connect it to the specific character, the circumstances that urged him to utter this statement and the repercussions it has on the story of the poem, which essentially is the story of humanity. Remember that the best way to illustrate points is to use relevant examples (quotes) from the text. Examples help you stay grounded and avoid deviating from your central idea. Comparative perspectives also help. Comparing, say, the motives of one character with those of another. Or, perhaps, the intentions of the character.