Paradise Lost critics

Shelley (1810) view on Satan

Milton’s devil as a moral being [is] far superior to his God

How did Dryden (1671) reimagine Paradise lost as a royalist?

Wrote The State of Innocence where he related the character of Satan to Oliver Cromwell.

What did Gray think the ending would help?

We would judge Nora on leaving her children less harshly if they were in good hands

What did Fish (1967) argue people see God and Satan as and why?

Seeing God as spiteful and mean and Satan as attractive was simply the reaction of a fallen man and part of the poem’s intended purpose.

What does CS Lewis (1942) think Eve was trying to do in keeping the Apple a secret?

“Aiming at tyranny” or “his superior”

What crime does CS Lewis (1942) call Eve’s persuasion of Adam to eat the apple?

Murder

How does CS Lewis (1942) argue Eve completes her fall?

She bows to the Tree, so “now worships a vegetable”

What does Edwards think Satan’s “relentless thoughts” suggest about his development?

He “isn’t free to grow, only to deteriorate”

What does Edwards suggests Satans “confession” of his mental state mean?

His “confession suggests Satan is tormented by his inner thoughts which convey he isn’t free”

What does Middleditch think the Fall of Man is?

“The fall of mankind is presented by Milton as being a necessary event" - link to Felix Culpa

What does Edward suggest is the point of making mistakes?

“Learning happens in Paradise Lost when characters make mistakes”

What does Revard think happiness cannot exist without?

“Happiness cannot exist with liberty”

What does Graeme (2024) think Eve’s nature is and why this is significant?

“Eve’s nature is to amplify” - “Satan targets her nature to amplify” 

How does Graeme (2024) argue Eve is linked to Jesus?

“Eve is strongly linked to the son”- “the pain in childbirth and giving life reflects the pain of the crucifixion which gave life”

What does McEvoy think pushes Eve to want Adam to eat the apple?

Jealousy then motivates the fallen Eve's desire to make Adam fall too

Why does Beer (2025) think Satan is the most interesting charatcer?

Satan is the most interesting character because, like Eve, he wants us to be seduced

What does Beer (2025) think Satan sets himself up as and how?

Satan sets himself up as a false monarch. He shows himself as a corrupt, selfish tyrant as he uses his words to wrongly lead. (Fallen angels, Eve).

What does Beer (2025) think about Adam and Eve separating?

Eve, in leaving Adam, does what Milton says we should do.

Why does Beer (2025) believe Adam is set up to fail?

They are set up to fail because Adam loves Eve

What does Empson (1961) think of Satan’s plan?

However wicked Satan’s plan may be, it is God’s plan too”

What does McColley (1983) argue about Eve’s work?

“So many readers […] have thought Eve’s suggestion to Adam that they separate [is] a mere whim. On the contrary, Eve […] takes her work seriously”

What does Edwards argue save Adam and Eve but not Satan?

It is their love and forgiveness of each other and repentance that saves Adam and Eve and love is what Satan doesn’t experience”

What does Edwards say Satan is “hugely worried” about?

Satan is hugely worried about hierachy and status.

What does Edward think is the sin?

The point is not the fruit. The point is choosing to break the rule.