Because of his preoccupation with the mysteries of God, John Milton breaks from the epic tradition in his masterpiece, Paradise Lost. Gone is the usual focus on a single, human hero, which had defined epics in Europe from The Iliad to Beowulf. which statement most accurately identifies the theme that the critic is discussing and the historical context that affects the theme?

a. the theme is the epic hero, and the historical context is the focus on a single, human hero.
b. the theme is Paradise Lost, and the historical context is prior epic poetry; The Iliad and Beowulf.
c. the theme is The Iliad and Beowulf, and the historical context is Milton’s break from theme.
d. the theme is mysteries of God, and the historical context is the epic tradition in Europe.