Final answer:
John Milton, renowned for his epic poem 'Paradise Lost,' has been compared to Homeric epics, Dante Alighieri for his treatment of theology and free will, and William Shakespeare for linguistic mastery and exploration of human nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Milton has been compared to a variety of exceptional authors across history for his profound contribution to literature. Particularly, his epic poem Paradise Lost has garnered him acclaim and his work has been placed alongside other literary giants. For instance, Milton's intricate style and grand themes have led scholars to compare his work to that of the great Homeric epics of antiquity, which weaved together complex characters and profound narratives to depict larger-than-life tales.
Additionally, Milton's complex engagement with theology and free will resonates with the work of Dante Alighieri, whose Divine Comedy also explores realms of the afterlife with great philosophical depth. Finally, the way in which Milton shapes English with such mastery has led to comparisons with William Shakespeare, whose works are considered the pinnacle of English literature for their linguistic innovation and deep exploration of human nature.