Paradise Lost: Academic Retreat Led by Dr. Benedict Whalen
This retreat will turn to Paradise Lost, John Milton’s retelling of the angelic rebellion and the Fall of Man in Genesis. In the famous opening section of the epic poem, Milton states that he aims to “justify the ways of God to men.” What accounts for our frailty and fallenness? Do people suffer needlessly at the hands of an uncaring God, or are there more interior causes for human waywardness? Vast in scope yet precise in analysis, Paradise Lost searches for the origins of human misfortune as well as the great reasons for hope.
Led by Dr. Benedict Whalen, participants will consider Milton’s through seminars and lectures. Through careful attentiveness to the poetry, we will not only grow in our appreciation of Milton’s style and depth, but also deepen our understanding of the person as depicted in his verses.
Retreat Details
Our multi-day academic retreats are small gatherings focused on great texts, thoughtful conversations, and intellectual friendship. Each retreat is led by a professor and centers on a specific thinker, theme, topic, or text.
The heart of the retreat is a robust academic program of twelve one-hour sessions—typically nine seminars and three lectures. Seminars are limited to 15 or fewer participants and emphasize close reading, intellectual humility, and the shared pursuit of truth. The professor's lectures synthesize themes and situate the readings within a broader whole.
The atmosphere is intentionally contemplative and relational—free from digital distraction and grounded in attentiveness, presence, and receptivity.
Location
Our academic retreats are held at our Kingfisher Center, which is located on the southwest side of Austin, Texas.
Cost
For accepted participants, the Valor Institute will cover the cost of the program fee, texts, lodging, and meals. We ask for participants to pay for their own travel to and from the retreat — though we do offer travel scholarships for those in need. We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone desiring to participate in our programs.
Schedule
A typical retreat day runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. including time for lunch, dinner, and breaks.
Preparation
Participants are expected to carefully read and annotate all texts before arriving at the retreat. Because of academic retreats involve a significant amount of time in seminar, preparation is essential.
Registration & Questions
Space in our retreats is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For any questions, please contact us.
About the Leader
Dr. Benedict Whalen is Associate Professor of English at Hillsdale College. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Dallas and his M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His scholarship focuses on Renaissance and early modern literature. He has served as Book Reviews Editor for Ben Jonson Journal and is the co-editor of Lyra Martyrum: An Anthology of the Poetry of the English Martyrs 1503–1681.
At Hillsdale Colelge, Dr. Whalen has taught courses ranging from the works of Shakespeare and other Renaissance British authors to twentieth-century American literature, including the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. He was named Professor of the Year by the Graduating Class of 2020, received the Emily Daugherty Award for Teaching Excellence in 2024, and is the newly appointed Chair of the Hillsdale Department.