English department conducts reading marathon

The term "paradise lost" may take on descriptive qualities in reference to the horror that occurred nearly two months ago in New York. Not without a twist of irony does the English department's fourth annual marathon reading of John Milton's epic "Paradise Lost" ensue tomorrow, perhaps taking on a whole new meaning for readers familiar with the work.

English department representatives said the event promises to be entertaining.

"Just (listening for) a few hours would be insanely interesting," said Karen Lutrick, a senior majoring in English who is also co-hosting the reading.

Mandy Siegel, another senior majoring in English and co-host of the event, described the story as dealing with loss of innocence.

"It's Milton taking a good look at the Garden of Eden scenario, with angels fighting and God involved," she said. "It's pretty exciting."

The fact that the story deals with Biblical references has made it a famous cultural piece.

"Most people have heard of 'Paradise Lost,'" Lutrick said. "Lots of concepts of the Bible are in it."

Most people, however, have never heard the story told in such a unique way. The book will be read aloud over the course of 12 hours, starting at 8 a.m. and running until 8 p.m.

"Doing it all at once gives a sense of urgency; it makes it like an event or party," Siegel said.

Anyone in the University of Arizona community can take a shot at reading the text.

"We usually let people go in eight to 10 minute blocks, depending on how busy it is," Siegel said. "When it gets busy, the time might be shorter, like four or five minutes, but usually never longer than 10 minutes at a time."

Some potential readers might be afraid to take a turn because of fear of public speaking.

"Reading is only a small part of it," Siegel said. "Come read anyway; it's about having fun. It's a time to catch up with old friends, meet new people and help in building a community."

Another thing working to the advantage of fearful readers is the number of attendees at one time.

"The average is about eight to 15 people in the room at one time," Lutrick said. "The room is really small."

Expect the most traffic at lunchtime, when pizza will be served, and during the coffee and donuts breakfast starting at 8 a.m., when the reading begins.

"Every year, two to six people stay the whole time," Lutrick said. "The organizers will be there the whole time, but most people just pop in for a couple hours."

The history of marathon reading is not limited to UA.

"It's a tradition in English departments across the country," Siegel said.

Finding funding for food for such an event is also a tradition for English departments across the country, as the organizers found out.

"The money going into it is all ours," Siegel said. "The school only had to give us a room. This is a positive event for the university with no negatives."

"It's really all about reading Milton," Lutrick said. "It's a real service to the author to have his work read aloud."

Both event hosts agreed on one thing.

"Just come," Siegel said.

The fourth annual Milton marathon reading of "Paradise Lost" takes place tomorrow in the Modern Languages building Room 451, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact John Ulreich at jcu@email.arizona.edu or Mandy Siegel at asiegel@email.arizona.edu. The event is free to the public.