1. Invocation to the Muse: Milton starts with a classical epic convention—he calls upon the Heavenly Muse for inspiration.

2. Epic Simile: Milton uses extended, detailed similes that compare Satan to:

• a titan,
• Leviathan (sea monster),
• a tower,
• The moon, etc.

3. Blank Verse: The entire poem is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, a hallmark of English epics.

4. Allusion: Milton indicates to:

• Biblical stories (Genesis, Fall of Man),
• Greek and Roman mythology,
• Classical epics (Homer, Virgil).

5. Symbolism: 

• Hell symbolizes spiritual death.
• Satan symbolizes rebellion and pride.
• Light and darkness symbolize good and evil.

6. Allegory: Characters like Satan, Sin, and Death represent abstract concepts like pride, temptation, and destruction.

7. Apostrophe: Milton often addresses abstract beings (e.g., "Heavenly Muse") directly.

8. Hyperbole: Satan’s size, strength, and Hell’s vastness are often exaggerated for dramatic effect.

9. Irony: Satan believes ruling in Hell is better than serving in Heaven—this is deeply ironic given his torment.

10. Imagery: Strong visual language paints vivid pictures of:

• burning lakes,
• darkness,
• Towering angels, etc.