The Epic Part 3

[Footnote 14: For all I know, Hugo may never have read Milton; judging by some silly remarks of his, I should hope not. But Hugo could feel the things in the spirit of man that Milton felt; not only because they were still there, but because the secret influence of Milton has intensified the consciousness of them in thousands who think they know nothing of _Paradise Lost_. Modern literary history will not be properly understood until it is realized that Milton is one of the dominating minds of Europe, whether Europe know it or not. There are scarcely half a dozen figures that can be compared with Milton for irresistible influence--quite apart from his unapproachable supremacy in the technique of poetry. When Addison remarked that _Paradise Lost_ is universally and perpetually interesting, he said what is not to be questioned; though he did not perceive the real reason for his a.s.sertion. Darwin no more injured the significance of _Paradise Lost_ than air-planes have injured Homer.]