Question

The 1667 edition of Paradise Lost had 10 books. How many more were added to the 1674 edition?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 12

Hint:

Milton's Paradise Lost shifted from 10 to 12 books in 1674 to align with classical epic models like Virgil's Aeneid. The number changed by division, not by adding new content.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Background of Paradise Lost
John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost was first published in 1667 in 10 books. This version already contained the full epic story of the Fall of Man, but structured differently.

Step 2: The 1674 revised edition
In 1674, Milton released a second edition. In this edition:
- The poem was reorganized into 12 books (in imitation of Virgil's Aeneid).
- Two of the longer books from the first edition were divided: Book VII and Book X were split, creating 12 shorter books.
- No new material was added; rather, the structure was adjusted for literary tradition.

Step 3: Calculation
1667 edition = 10 books.
1674 edition = 12 books.
Difference = $12 - 10 = 2$.
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