The central conflict involves the rebellion of Satan against God and the subsequent temptation of humanity in the Garden of Eden. The narrative follows the fall of the rebel angels and their efforts to corrupt God's new creation, Adam and Eve. Milton employs a complex, elevated blank verse structure to explore themes of free will, disobedience, and divine justice. The story operates through a series of grand speeches and descriptive passages that frame the cosmic struggle between heaven and hell.

Discussion often centers on the moral ambiguity of the characterization of Satan, which has sparked centuries of debate regarding Milton's true intent. Readers frequently highlight the density of the language and the rhythmic precision of the blank verse as both a challenge and a reward. Critics often examine how the poem synthesizes classical epic traditions with Christian doctrine to create a unique literary form. The work remains a primary subject for academic analysis regarding the nature of authority and the human condition. Many readers find the atmospheric descriptions of the fallen angels to be the most compelling aspect of the text.