Keen's Paradise Lost

What is "Theodicy"

The study of reconciling God's omnipotence and omniscience with the existence of evil in the world.

What does in medias res mean in epic poetry?

"In the middle of things" - the story begins in the midst of action, not at the chronological start.

How does Paradise Lost follow the in medias res convention?

The poem begins after Satan and the fallen angels have been cast into Hell, immediately focusing on the central conflict.

What is an invocation to the Muse?

When the poet calls on a divine or inspirational figure for guidance in telling the story.

Why does Milton invoke the Muse in Paradise Lost?

To seek divine inspiration to tell his "adventurous Song" and properly describe the fall of Satan and the ways of God.

What is the purpose of Milton's opening lines describing Mount Sinai, Oreb, or Sion Hill?

To establish the epic tone and connect the poem to biblical history and divine authority.

What is an epic simile?

A long, detailed comparison where the tenor (thing being described) is compared to a vehicle (something else), often with the vehicle dominating the imagery.

Give an example of an epic simile in Paradise Lost Book I.

Satan rising from Hell is compared to a giant whale (tenor: Satan; vehicle: whale), emphasizing his immense size and power.

Name other epic simile examples in Book I.

- Burning tornadoes/volcanoes representing chaos

- Greek armies or heroic battles reflecting the grandeur of the fallen angels

The catalog of demons in book 1 is an epic catalog. Who were they?

They were fallen angels (Examples include Beelzebub, Moloch, Chemos, Ashtaroth, Astoreth, and many more)

What are Satan's motives in Book I?

Pride, ambition, revenge, desire to corrupt God's creation, and to assert dominance and deceive others.

What are Eve's motives before the fall?

Obedience to God, love for Adam, curiosity about Paradise, and desire for companionship.

What are Adam's motives before the fall?

Obedience to God, protection of Eve, and love and unity with her.

Where does Satan display hubris in Book IX?

When he believes he can defy God and lead half of Heaven's angels in rebellion, thinking he can rival God's power. Satan also states that he can destroy God's creation in 1 day, where it took him 6 to create.

Where does Eve display hubris before the Fall?

When she thinks she can gain wisdom and autonomy by eating the forbidden fruit without consequences.

Why does Satan chose the snake?

Because it is cunning, subtle, and lowly, making it ideal for deception, and its lowly status highlights Satan's manipulation.

What is the catalogue of Earth's wonders in Book IX?

Satan observes rivers, mountains, fruits, and flowers, the beauty and abundance of God's creation.

How does the catalogue of Earth's wonders affect Satan?

He feels envy and resentment that humans enjoy what he cannot, motivating him to corrupt them.

What is meant by the "indignity of serving man"?

Fallen angels, once mighty, are now degraded and serve humans, creatures they once considered inferior.

What is the pre-fall snake like?

Innocent, lowly, and harmless, symbolizing potential corruption once Satan uses it.

What are the seven cardinal sins?

Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride.

According to Eve, why can't they get any work done?

They are distracted by each other's beauty and love, enjoying companionship more than labor.

According to Adam, why did God create them for each other and give them reason?

Reason allows them to enjoy each other; love and smiles flow from reason, which animals lack, making love come from reasoning.

What is the purpose of long speeches in epic poetry?

To express characters' thoughts, motivations, and moral reasoning, and to highlight epic themes for the reader.

What two relationships is Satan trying to destroy in Book IX?

1. Humans' relationship with God

2. Adam and Eve's relationship with each other

And what is Faith, Love, Vertue unassaid [335]

Alone, without exterior help sustaind?

Let us not then suspect our happie State

Left so imperfect by the Maker wise,

As not secure to single or combin'd.

Fraile is our happiness, if this be so, [340]

And Eden were no Eden thus expos'd.

Who is speaking this quote?

Eve

And what is Faith, Love, Vertue unassaid [335]

Alone, without exterior help sustaind?

Let us not then suspect our happie State

Left so imperfect by the Maker wise,

As not secure to single or combin'd.

Fraile is our happiness, if this be so, [340]

And Eden were no Eden thus expos'd.

What is Eve saying in the lines about Faith, Love, and Virtue?

Eve is questioning whether Faith, Love, and Virtue alone are enough to sustain them without external help. She wonders if God would have left them vulnerable or incomplete in their happy state, and concludes that if their happiness can be so easily threatened, then Eden would not truly be Eden, making their joy fragile.

within himself The danger lies, yet lies within his power: Against his will he can receave no harme. [350] But God left free the Will, for what obeyes Reason, is free, and Reason he made right But bid her well beware, and still erect, Least by some faire appeering good surpris'd She dictate false, and misinforme the Will [355] To do what God expresly hath forbid, Trial will come unsought

Who is speaking this quote?

Adam

within himself The danger lies, yet lies within his power: Against his will he can receave no harme. [350] But God left free the Will, for what obeyes Reason, is free, and Reason he made right But bid her well beware, and still erect, Least by some faire appeering good surpris'd She dictate false, and misinforme the Will [355] To do what God expresly hath forbid, Trial will come unsought

What is Adam saying about free will in the passage about danger lying within?

Adam explains that danger lies within each person but can be resisted. God gave humans free will guided by Reason, but Reason must stay alert, because temptation can mislead the Will, and trials will come unexpectedly.

If we are given the wrong information at the beginning, we can lead into false information, such as Eve believing that if she ate the Forbidden fruit, she would die, which was not stated specifically, she inferred it.

Thus earlie, thus alone; her Heav'nly forme Angelic, but more soft, and Feminine, Her graceful Innocence, her every Aire Of gesture or lest action overawd [460] His Malice, and with rapine sweet bereav'd His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought: That space the Evil one abstracted stood From his own evil, and for the time remaind Stupidly good, of enmitie disarm'd, [465] Of guile, of hate, of envie, of revenge; Then let me not let pass Occasion which now smiles, behold alone [480] The Woman, opportune to all attempts, Her Husband, for I view far round, not nigh, Whose higher intellectual more I shun,

What does Satan notice about Eve in Book IX when he first sees her alone?

He is struck by her angelic form, grace, and innocence, which temporarily disarm his malice, envy, hate, and desire for revenge.

Thus earlie, thus alone; her Heav'nly forme Angelic, but more soft, and Feminine, Her graceful Innocence, her every Aire Of gesture or lest action overawd [460] His Malice, and with rapine sweet bereav'd His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought: That space the Evil one abstracted stood From his own evil, and for the time remaind Stupidly good, of enmitie disarm'd, [465] Of guile, of hate, of envie, of revenge; Then let me not let pass Occasion which now smiles, behold alone [480] The Woman, opportune to all attempts, Her Husband, for I view far round, not nigh, Whose higher intellectual more I shun,

Why does Satan decide to tempt Eve instead of Adam?

Eve is alone and unguarded, while Adam is farther away and intellectually stronger, making her more vulnerable to temptation, Eve is also being stressed out over the Garden and the duties, so she is easier to tempt.

Thus earlie, thus alone; her Heav'nly forme Angelic, but more soft, and Feminine, Her graceful Innocence, her every Aire Of gesture or lest action overawd [460] His Malice, and with rapine sweet bereav'd His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought: That space the Evil one abstracted stood From his own evil, and for the time remaind Stupidly good, of enmitie disarm'd, [465] Of guile, of hate, of envie, of revenge; Then let me not let pass Occasion which now smiles, behold alone [480] The Woman, opportune to all attempts, Her Husband, for I view far round, not nigh, Whose higher intellectual more I shun,

What does "stupidly good" mean in this passage?

Satan experiences a brief moment of being almost pacified by Eve's purity, though it is only temporary and doesn't stop his plan to tempt her.

Thenceforth to Speculations high or deep

I turnd my thoughts, and with capacious mind

Considerd all things visible in Heav'n,

Or Earth, or Middle, all things fair and good; [605]

But all that fair and good in thy Divine

Semblance, and in thy Beauties heav'nly Ray

United I beheld; no Fair to thine

Equivalent or second, which compel'd

Mee thus, though importune perhaps, to come [610]

And gaze, and worship thee of right declar'd

Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame.

So talk'd the spirited sly Snake; and Eve

Yet more amaz'd unwarie thus reply'd.

Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt [615]

The vertue of that Fruit, in thee first prov'd

How does Satan praise Eve in Book IX as the Tempter?

He admits contemplating all things in Heaven, Earth, and the Middle, then claims nothing compares to her divine beauty, calling her the "Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame." He is flattering Eve to get her into a better position to tempt.

Thenceforth to Speculations high or deep

I turnd my thoughts, and with capacious mind

Considerd all things visible in Heav'n,

Or Earth, or Middle, all things fair and good; [605]

But all that fair and good in thy Divine

Semblance, and in thy Beauties heav'nly Ray

United I beheld; no Fair to thine

Equivalent or second, which compel'd

Mee thus, though importune perhaps, to come [610]

And gaze, and worship thee of right declar'd

Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame.

So talk'd the spirited sly Snake; and Eve

Yet more amaz'd unwarie thus reply'd.

Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt [615]

The vertue of that Fruit, in thee first prov'd

How does Satan use flattery to manipulate Eve?

He appeals to her vanity and sense of superiority, making her feel uniquely exalted and admired.

Thenceforth to Speculations high or deep

I turnd my thoughts, and with capacious mind

Considerd all things visible in Heav'n,

Or Earth, or Middle, all things fair and good; [605]

But all that fair and good in thy Divine

Semblance, and in thy Beauties heav'nly Ray

United I beheld; no Fair to thine

Equivalent or second, which compel'd

Mee thus, though importune perhaps, to come [610]

And gaze, and worship thee of right declar'd

Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame.

So talk'd the spirited sly Snake; and Eve

Yet more amaz'd unwarie thus reply'd.

Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt [615]

The vertue of that Fruit, in thee first prov'd

How does Eve respond to Satan's praise?

She becomes awed and unwarily curious, questioning the virtue of the Forbidden Fruit because of the serpent's overpraising.

Thenceforth to Speculations high or deep

I turnd my thoughts, and with capacious mind

Considerd all things visible in Heav'n,

Or Earth, or Middle, all things fair and good; [605]

But all that fair and good in thy Divine

Semblance, and in thy Beauties heav'nly Ray

United I beheld; no Fair to thine

Equivalent or second, which compel'd

Mee thus, though importune perhaps, to come [610]

And gaze, and worship thee of right declar'd

Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame.

So talk'd the spirited sly Snake; and Eve

Yet more amaz'd unwarie thus reply'd.

Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt [615]

The vertue of that Fruit, in thee first prov'd

What tactic is Satan using in this interaction?

He uses psychological manipulation through flattery, subtly leading Eve toward temptation.

Queen of this Universe, doe not believe

Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die: [685]

How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life

To Knowledge, By the Threatner, look on mee,

Mee who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,

And life more perfet have attaind then Fate

Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot.

knowledge of Good and Evil;

Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil

Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd?

God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; [700]

Mean while the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd

An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell [740]

How does Satan flatter Eve in Book IX when tempting her?

He calls her "Queen of this Universe" to appeal to her vanity and make her feel special and exalted.

Queen of this Universe, doe not believe

Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die: [685]

How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life

To Knowledge, By the Threatner, look on mee,

Mee who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,

And life more perfet have attaind then Fate

Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot.

knowledge of Good and Evil;

Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil

Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd?

God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; [700]

Mean while the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd

An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell [740]

What false claim does Satan make about the Forbidden Fruit?

He claims it will not cause death but grant knowledge of Good and Evil, giving her a "more perfect" life.

Queen of this Universe, doe not believe

Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die: [685]

How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life

To Knowledge, By the Threatner, look on mee,

Mee who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,

And life more perfet have attaind then Fate

Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot.

knowledge of Good and Evil;

Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil

Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd?

God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; [700]

Mean while the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd

An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell [740]

How does Satan use himself as an example?

He says he has tasted the fruit and survived, suggesting that disobedience is safe and rewarding.

Queen of this Universe, doe not believe

Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die: [685]

How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life

To Knowledge, By the Threatner, look on mee,

Mee who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,

And life more perfet have attaind then Fate

Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot.

knowledge of Good and Evil;

Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil

Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd?

God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; [700]

Mean while the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd

An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell [740]

How does Satan challenge God's authority in this passage?

He implies that God cannot justly punish them for seeking knowledge, questioning the fairness of God's command.

Queen of this Universe, doe not believe

Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die: [685]

How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life

To Knowledge, By the Threatner, look on mee,

Mee who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,

And life more perfet have attaind then Fate

Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot.

knowledge of Good and Evil;

Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil

Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd?

God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; [700]

Mean while the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd

An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell [740]

What role does physical temptation play in this scene?

The smell of the fruit awakens Eve's appetite, increasing her desire and making her more susceptible to Satan's arguments.

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour [780]

Forth reaching to the Fruit, she pluck'd, she eat:

Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat

Sighing through all her Works gave signs of woe,

That all was lost.

Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint, [791]

O Sovran, vertuous, precious of all Trees [795]

This may be well: but what if God have seen

And Death ensue? then I shall be no more,

And Adam wedded to another Eve,

Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct;

A death to think. Confirm'd then I resolve, [830]

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe:

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths

I could endure, without him live no life.

What action marks the Fall in this passage?

Eve reaches for and eats the Forbidden Fruit, beginning humanity's disobedience.

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour [780]

Forth reaching to the Fruit, she pluck'd, she eat:

Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat

Sighing through all her Works gave signs of woe,

That all was lost.

Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint, [791]

O Sovran, vertuous, precious of all Trees [795]

This may be well: but what if God have seen

And Death ensue? then I shall be no more,

And Adam wedded to another Eve,

Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct;

A death to think. Confirm'd then I resolve, [830]

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe:

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths

I could endure, without him live no life.

How does Nature respond when Eve eats the fruit?

The Earth and all creation sigh and show signs of woe, signaling the loss of innocence and harmony.

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour [780]

Forth reaching to the Fruit, she pluck'd, she eat:

Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat

Sighing through all her Works gave signs of woe,

That all was lost.

Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint, [791]

O Sovran, vertuous, precious of all Trees [795]

This may be well: but what if God have seen

And Death ensue? then I shall be no more,

And Adam wedded to another Eve,

Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct;

A death to think. Confirm'd then I resolve, [830]

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe:

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths

I could endure, without him live no life.

What fears does Eve have after eating the fruit?

She worries about death, God's punishment, and Adam marrying another, imagining separation from him.

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour [780]

Forth reaching to the Fruit, she pluck'd, she eat:

Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat

Sighing through all her Works gave signs of woe,

That all was lost.

Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint, [791]

O Sovran, vertuous, precious of all Trees [795]

This may be well: but what if God have seen

And Death ensue? then I shall be no more,

And Adam wedded to another Eve,

Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct;

A death to think. Confirm'd then I resolve, [830]

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe:

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths

I could endure, without him live no life.

Why does Eve decide Adam must share in her fate?

Out of love and devotion, she resolves that Adam should share in bliss or woe, because she cannot live fully without him.

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour [780]

Forth reaching to the Fruit, she pluck'd, she eat:

Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat

Sighing through all her Works gave signs of woe,

That all was lost.

Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint, [791]

O Sovran, vertuous, precious of all Trees [795]

This may be well: but what if God have seen

And Death ensue? then I shall be no more,

And Adam wedded to another Eve,

Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct;

A death to think. Confirm'd then I resolve, [830]

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe:

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths

I could endure, without him live no life.

What does this passage reveal about Eve's character?

Eve shows passion, love for Adam, and emotional reasoning, but also disobedience and susceptibility to temptation.

Adam the while

Waiting desirous her return, had wove

Of choicest Flours a Garland to adorne [840]

Her Tresses, and her rural labours crown,

As Reapers oft are wont thir Harvest Queen.

Thus Eve with Countnance blithe her storie told;

But in her Cheek distemper flushing glowd.

On th' other side, Adam, soon as he heard

The fatal Trespass don by Eve, amaz'd,

Astonied stood and Blank, while horror chill [890]

Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;

From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for Eve

Down drop'd, and all the faded Roses shed:

Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length

First to himself he inward silence broke. [895]

What is Adam doing while waiting for Eve?

He is making a garland of flowers to adorn her, symbolizing love, harmony, and celebration.

Adam the while

Waiting desirous her return, had wove

Of choicest Flours a Garland to adorne [840]

Her Tresses, and her rural labours crown,

As Reapers oft are wont thir Harvest Queen.

Thus Eve with Countnance blithe her storie told;

But in her Cheek distemper flushing glowd.

On th' other side, Adam, soon as he heard

The fatal Trespass don by Eve, amaz'd,

Astonied stood and Blank, while horror chill [890]

Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;

From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for Eve

Down drop'd, and all the faded Roses shed:

Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length

First to himself he inward silence broke. [895]

How does Eve appear when she returns?

She is happy but disturbed, with a flush on her cheek, indicating guilt and inner turmoil.

Adam the while

Waiting desirous her return, had wove

Of choicest Flours a Garland to adorne [840]

Her Tresses, and her rural labours crown,

As Reapers oft are wont thir Harvest Queen.

Thus Eve with Countnance blithe her storie told;

But in her Cheek distemper flushing glowd.

On th' other side, Adam, soon as he heard

The fatal Trespass don by Eve, amaz'd,

Astonied stood and Blank, while horror chill [890]

Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;

From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for Eve

Down drop'd, and all the faded Roses shed:

Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length

First to himself he inward silence broke. [895]

How does Adam react to Eve's disobedience?

He is shocked, horrified, and astonished; his body reacts physically—he drops the garland, pales, and becomes speechless.

Adam the while

Waiting desirous her return, had wove

Of choicest Flours a Garland to adorne [840]

Her Tresses, and her rural labours crown,

As Reapers oft are wont thir Harvest Queen.

Thus Eve with Countnance blithe her storie told;

But in her Cheek distemper flushing glowd.

On th' other side, Adam, soon as he heard

The fatal Trespass don by Eve, amaz'd,

Astonied stood and Blank, while horror chill [890]

Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;

From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for Eve

Down drop'd, and all the faded Roses shed:

Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length

First to himself he inward silence broke. [895]

What does Adam's reaction reveal about the Fall?

The Fall impacts Adam emotionally and physically, highlighting the serious consequences of Eve's action and the shared fate of humanity.

Adam the while

Waiting desirous her return, had wove

Of choicest Flours a Garland to adorne [840]

Her Tresses, and her rural labours crown,

As Reapers oft are wont thir Harvest Queen.

Thus Eve with Countnance blithe her storie told;

But in her Cheek distemper flushing glowd.

On th' other side, Adam, soon as he heard

The fatal Trespass don by Eve, amaz'd,

Astonied stood and Blank, while horror chill [890]

Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;

From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for Eve

Down drop'd, and all the faded Roses shed:

Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length

First to himself he inward silence broke. [895]

How does this moment affect Adam and Eve's relationship?

It marks a tragic shift from joy to despair, showing the break in harmony and innocence between them.

So forcible within my heart I feel [955]

The Bond of Nature draw me to my owne,

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine;

Our State cannot be severd, we are one,

One Flesh; to loose thee were to loose my self.

So Adam, and thus Eve to him repli'd. [960]

O glorious trial of exceeding Love,

Illustrious evidence, example high!

he scrupl'd not to eat

Against his better knowledge, not deceav'd,

But fondly overcome with Femal charm.

Earth trembl'd from her entrails, as again [1000]

In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan,

Skie lowr'd, and muttering Thunder, som sad drops

Wept at compleating of the mortal Sin

Original;

How does Adam describe his bond with Eve?

He feels a powerful natural and emotional bond, saying they are one flesh and losing her would be like losing himself.

So forcible within my heart I feel [955]

The Bond of Nature draw me to my owne,

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine;

Our State cannot be severd, we are one,

One Flesh; to loose thee were to loose my self.

So Adam, and thus Eve to him repli'd. [960]

O glorious trial of exceeding Love,

Illustrious evidence, example high!

he scrupl'd not to eat

Against his better knowledge, not deceav'd,

But fondly overcome with Femal charm.

Earth trembl'd from her entrails, as again [1000]

In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan,

Skie lowr'd, and muttering Thunder, som sad drops

Wept at compleating of the mortal Sin

Original;

Why does Adam eat the Forbidden Fruit?

Out of love and devotion to Eve, not deception—he knowingly shares in her fate.

So forcible within my heart I feel [955]

The Bond of Nature draw me to my owne,

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine;

Our State cannot be severd, we are one,

One Flesh; to loose thee were to loose my self.

So Adam, and thus Eve to him repli'd. [960]

O glorious trial of exceeding Love,

Illustrious evidence, example high!

he scrupl'd not to eat

Against his better knowledge, not deceav'd,

But fondly overcome with Femal charm.

Earth trembl'd from her entrails, as again [1000]

In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan,

Skie lowr'd, and muttering Thunder, som sad drops

Wept at compleating of the mortal Sin

Original;

How does Milton frame Adam's choice?

As an "illustrious example of love", showing his willing sacrifice of obedience for companionship.

So forcible within my heart I feel [955]

The Bond of Nature draw me to my owne,

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine;

Our State cannot be severd, we are one,

One Flesh; to loose thee were to loose my self.

So Adam, and thus Eve to him repli'd. [960]

O glorious trial of exceeding Love,

Illustrious evidence, example high!

he scrupl'd not to eat

Against his better knowledge, not deceav'd,

But fondly overcome with Femal charm.

Earth trembl'd from her entrails, as again [1000]

In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan,

Skie lowr'd, and muttering Thunder, som sad drops

Wept at compleating of the mortal Sin

Original;

How does nature respond to Adam's disobedience?

The Earth trembles, Nature groans, the skies thunder, reflecting the gravity of the original mortal sin and its universal consequences.

Soon as the force of that fallacious Fruit,

That with exhilerating vapour bland

About thir spirits had plaid, and inmost powers

Made erre, was now exhal'd, and grosser sleep

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams [1050]

Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose

As from unrest, and each the other viewing,

Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds

How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile

Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,

O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give eare

To that false Worm, of whomsoever taught

To counterfet Mans voice, true in our Fall,

False in our promis'd Rising; since our Eyes [1070]

Op'nd we find indeed, and find we know

Both Good and Evil, Good lost, and Evil got,

Bad Fruit of Knowledge, if this be to know,

Which leaves us naked thus, of Honour void,

Of Innocence, of Faith, of Puritie, [1075]

What effect does the Fruit have on Adam and Eve?

It initially pleases and excites them, but soon leaves them exhausted and troubled, as the "exhilarating vapour" fades.

Soon as the force of that fallacious Fruit,

That with exhilerating vapour bland

About thir spirits had plaid, and inmost powers

Made erre, was now exhal'd, and grosser sleep

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams [1050]

Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose

As from unrest, and each the other viewing,

Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds

How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile

Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,

O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give eare

To that false Worm, of whomsoever taught

To counterfet Mans voice, true in our Fall,

False in our promis'd Rising; since our Eyes [1070]

Op'nd we find indeed, and find we know

Both Good and Evil, Good lost, and Evil got,

Bad Fruit of Knowledge, if this be to know,

Which leaves us naked thus, of Honour void,

Of Innocence, of Faith, of Puritie, [1075]

How does Adam describe the loss of innocence?

Their eyes and minds are darkened, and the innocence that shielded them from knowing evil is gone.

Soon as the force of that fallacious Fruit,

That with exhilerating vapour bland

About thir spirits had plaid, and inmost powers

Made erre, was now exhal'd, and grosser sleep

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams [1050]

Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose

As from unrest, and each the other viewing,

Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds

How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile

Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,

O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give eare

To that false Worm, of whomsoever taught

To counterfet Mans voice, true in our Fall,

False in our promis'd Rising; since our Eyes [1070]

Op'nd we find indeed, and find we know

Both Good and Evil, Good lost, and Evil got,

Bad Fruit of Knowledge, if this be to know,

Which leaves us naked thus, of Honour void,

Of Innocence, of Faith, of Puritie, [1075]

Who does Adam blame for the Fall?

He blames Eve for listening to the serpent, the source of false knowledge and deception.

(God dang it woman, why did you not listen to me --> Eve says "you didn't protect me from Satan's protection" even though Adam did, fighting occurs SOON!)

Soon as the force of that fallacious Fruit,

That with exhilerating vapour bland

About thir spirits had plaid, and inmost powers

Made erre, was now exhal'd, and grosser sleep

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams [1050]

Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose

As from unrest, and each the other viewing,

Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds

How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile

Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,

O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give eare

To that false Worm, of whomsoever taught

To counterfet Mans voice, true in our Fall,

False in our promis'd Rising; since our Eyes [1070]

Op'nd we find indeed, and find we know

Both Good and Evil, Good lost, and Evil got,

Bad Fruit of Knowledge, if this be to know,

Which leaves us naked thus, of Honour void,

Of Innocence, of Faith, of Puritie, [1075]

What do Adam and Eve now truly know?

They now know both Good and Evil, but at the cost of losing Good, leaving them naked of honour, innocence, faith, and purity.

Soon as the force of that fallacious Fruit,

That with exhilerating vapour bland

About thir spirits had plaid, and inmost powers

Made erre, was now exhal'd, and grosser sleep

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams [1050]

Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose

As from unrest, and each the other viewing,

Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds

How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile

Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,

O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give eare

To that false Worm, of whomsoever taught

To counterfet Mans voice, true in our Fall,

False in our promis'd Rising; since our Eyes [1070]

Op'nd we find indeed, and find we know

Both Good and Evil, Good lost, and Evil got,

Bad Fruit of Knowledge, if this be to know,

Which leaves us naked thus, of Honour void,

Of Innocence, of Faith, of Puritie, [1075]

What does this passage emphasize about the Fall?

The passage highlights the psychological, moral, and spiritual consequences of disobedience, beyond just the physical act.

Those Leaves [1110]

They gatherd, broad as Amazonian Targe,

And with what skill they had, together sowd,

To gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide

Thir guilt and dreaded shame; O how unlike

To that first naked Glorie. Such of late [1115]

Columbus found th' American so girt

With featherd Cincture, naked else and wilde

Among the Trees on Iles and woodie Shores.

They sate them down to weep, nor onely Teares

Raind at thir Eyes, but high Winds worse within

Began to rise, high Passions, Anger, Hate,

Mistrust, Suspicion, Discord, and shook sore

Thir inward State of Mind, calm Region once [1125]

And full of Peace, now tost and turbulent:

For Understanding rul'd not, and the Will

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now

To sensual Appetite, who from beneathe

Usurping over sovran Reason claimd [1130]

Superior sway:

What do Adam and Eve do to cover themselves after the Fall? Why?

They gather broad leaves and sew them together to gird their waists, trying to hide guilt and shame, but it is a vain attempt compared to their original naked glory. (THEY MAKE CLOTHES TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM THE GUILT THEY HIDE)

Those Leaves [1110]

They gatherd, broad as Amazonian Targe,

And with what skill they had, together sowd,

To gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide

Thir guilt and dreaded shame; O how unlike

To that first naked Glorie. Such of late [1115]

Columbus found th' American so girt

With featherd Cincture, naked else and wilde

Among the Trees on Iles and woodie Shores.

They sate them down to weep, nor onely Teares

Raind at thir Eyes, but high Winds worse within

Began to rise, high Passions, Anger, Hate,

Mistrust, Suspicion, Discord, and shook sore

Thir inward State of Mind, calm Region once [1125]

And full of Peace, now tost and turbulent:

For Understanding rul'd not, and the Will

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now

To sensual Appetite, who from beneathe

Usurping over sovran Reason claimd [1130]

Superior sway:

How does Milton compare Adam and Eve's covering to Columbus's observation?

He compares it to Columbus seeing the indigenous peoples wearing minimal coverings, highlighting the contrast between innocence and later shame or artifice. (Epic Smilie!)

Those Leaves [1110]

They gatherd, broad as Amazonian Targe,

And with what skill they had, together sowd,

To gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide

Thir guilt and dreaded shame; O how unlike

To that first naked Glorie. Such of late [1115]

Columbus found th' American so girt

With featherd Cincture, naked else and wilde

Among the Trees on Iles and woodie Shores.

They sate them down to weep, nor onely Teares

Raind at thir Eyes, but high Winds worse within

Began to rise, high Passions, Anger, Hate,

Mistrust, Suspicion, Discord, and shook sore

Thir inward State of Mind, calm Region once [1125]

And full of Peace, now tost and turbulent:

For Understanding rul'd not, and the Will

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now

To sensual Appetite, who from beneathe

Usurping over sovran Reason claimd [1130]

Superior sway:

How do Adam and Eve feel emotionally after the Fall?

They weep, and inner emotions become turbulent—anger, hate, mistrust, suspicion, and discord disrupt their formerly peaceful state.

Those Leaves [1110]

They gatherd, broad as Amazonian Targe,

And with what skill they had, together sowd,

To gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide

Thir guilt and dreaded shame; O how unlike

To that first naked Glorie. Such of late [1115]

Columbus found th' American so girt

With featherd Cincture, naked else and wilde

Among the Trees on Iles and woodie Shores.

They sate them down to weep, nor onely Teares

Raind at thir Eyes, but high Winds worse within

Began to rise, high Passions, Anger, Hate,

Mistrust, Suspicion, Discord, and shook sore

Thir inward State of Mind, calm Region once [1125]

And full of Peace, now tost and turbulent:

For Understanding rul'd not, and the Will

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now

To sensual Appetite, who from beneathe

Usurping over sovran Reason claimd [1130]

Superior sway:

How has the Fall affected their reason and will?

Understanding no longer rules, and the Will is no longer guided by virtue; sensual appetite gains control, usurping reason.

Emotions control our decisions now, not reasoning, we had free will for a brief moment before we did not.

Those Leaves [1110]

They gatherd, broad as Amazonian Targe,

And with what skill they had, together sowd,

To gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide

Thir guilt and dreaded shame; O how unlike

To that first naked Glorie. Such of late [1115]

Columbus found th' American so girt

With featherd Cincture, naked else and wilde

Among the Trees on Iles and woodie Shores.

They sate them down to weep, nor onely Teares

Raind at thir Eyes, but high Winds worse within

Began to rise, high Passions, Anger, Hate,

Mistrust, Suspicion, Discord, and shook sore

Thir inward State of Mind, calm Region once [1125]

And full of Peace, now tost and turbulent:

For Understanding rul'd not, and the Will

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now

To sensual Appetite, who from beneathe

Usurping over sovran Reason claimd [1130]

Superior sway:

What broader theme does this passage illustrate?

It shows the loss of harmony within themselves, between each other, and with nature, highlighting the psychological and moral consequences of sin.

Would thou hadst heark'nd to my words, and stai'd

With me, as I besought thee, when that strange [1135]

Desire of wandring this unhappie Morn,

I know not whence possessd thee; we had then

Remaind still happie, not as now, despoild

Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable.

hadst thou been there,

Or here th' attempt, thou couldst not have discernd

Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake; [1150]

...

Was I to have never parted from thy side?

As good have grown there still a liveless Rib.

Being as I am, why didst not thou the Head [1155]

Command me absolutely not to go,

Going into such danger as thou saidst?

...

Hadst thou bin firm and fixt in thy dissent, [1160]

Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with mee.

What does Adam rebuke Eve for in this passage?

He rebukes her for leaving his side and wandering alone, suggesting that if she had stayed, they would have remained happy and avoided sin.

Would thou hadst heark'nd to my words, and stai'd

With me, as I besought thee, when that strange [1135]

Desire of wandring this unhappie Morn,

I know not whence possessd thee; we had then

Remaind still happie, not as now, despoild

Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable.

hadst thou been there,

Or here th' attempt, thou couldst not have discernd

Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake; [1150]

...

Was I to have never parted from thy side?

As good have grown there still a liveless Rib.

Being as I am, why didst not thou the Head [1155]

Command me absolutely not to go,

Going into such danger as thou saidst?

...

Hadst thou bin firm and fixt in thy dissent, [1160]

Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with mee.

How does Adam reflect on unity in resisting temptation?

He believes that being together might have helped resist the serpent, showing the importance of mutual support and vigilance.

Would thou hadst heark'nd to my words, and stai'd

With me, as I besought thee, when that strange [1135]

Desire of wandring this unhappie Morn,

I know not whence possessd thee; we had then

Remaind still happie, not as now, despoild

Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable.

hadst thou been there,

Or here th' attempt, thou couldst not have discernd

Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake; [1150]

...

Was I to have never parted from thy side?

As good have grown there still a liveless Rib.

Being as I am, why didst not thou the Head [1155]

Command me absolutely not to go,

Going into such danger as thou saidst?

...

Hadst thou bin firm and fixt in thy dissent, [1160]

Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with mee.

What does Adam question about Eve's actions?

He questions why she did not follow his guidance or refuse to go into danger, highlighting tension between love, authority, and responsibility.

Would thou hadst heark'nd to my words, and stai'd

With me, as I besought thee, when that strange [1135]

Desire of wandring this unhappie Morn,

I know not whence possessd thee; we had then

Remaind still happie, not as now, despoild

Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable.

hadst thou been there,

Or here th' attempt, thou couldst not have discernd

Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake; [1150]

...

Was I to have never parted from thy side?

As good have grown there still a liveless Rib.

Being as I am, why didst not thou the Head [1155]

Command me absolutely not to go,

Going into such danger as thou saidst?

...

Hadst thou bin firm and fixt in thy dissent, [1160]

Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with mee.

What conclusion does Adam reach about responsibility?

He concludes that had Eve been firm in dissent, neither of them would have transgressed, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their choices and consequences.

Is this the Love, is this the recompence

Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, exprest

Immutable when thou wert lost, not I, [1165]

Who might have liv'd and joyd immortal bliss,

Yet willingly chose rather Death with thee:

And am I now upbraided, as the cause

Of thy transgressing?

...perhaps

I also err'd in overmuch admiring

What seemd in thee so perfet, that I thought

No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue [1180]

That errour now, which is become my crime,

And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall

Him who to worth in Women overtrusting

Lets her Will rule; restraint she will not brook,

And left to her self, if evil thence ensue, [1185]

Shee first his weak indulgence will accuse.

Thus they in mutual accusation spent

The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning,

And of thir vain contest appeer'd no end.

What is Adam's initial complaint to Eve after the Fall?

Despite choosing to share her fate out of love, he is upbraided for her transgression, feeling it unfair.

Is this the Love, is this the recompence

Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, exprest

Immutable when thou wert lost, not I, [1165]

Who might have liv'd and joyd immortal bliss,

Yet willingly chose rather Death with thee:

And am I now upbraided, as the cause

Of thy transgressing?

...perhaps

I also err'd in overmuch admiring

What seemd in thee so perfet, that I thought

No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue [1180]

That errour now, which is become my crime,

And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall

Him who to worth in Women overtrusting

Lets her Will rule; restraint she will not brook,

And left to her self, if evil thence ensue, [1185]

Shee first his weak indulgence will accuse.

Thus they in mutual accusation spent

The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning,

And of thir vain contest appeer'd no end.

How does Adam reflect on his admiration for Eve?

He overtrusted and overly admired Eve, believing no evil could harm her, and now regrets that error as part of their misfortune.

Is this the Love, is this the recompence

Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, exprest

Immutable when thou wert lost, not I, [1165]

Who might have liv'd and joyd immortal bliss,

Yet willingly chose rather Death with thee:

And am I now upbraided, as the cause

Of thy transgressing?

...perhaps

I also err'd in overmuch admiring

What seemd in thee so perfet, that I thought

No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue [1180]

That errour now, which is become my crime,

And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall

Him who to worth in Women overtrusting

Lets her Will rule; restraint she will not brook,

And left to her self, if evil thence ensue, [1185]

Shee first his weak indulgence will accuse.

Thus they in mutual accusation spent

The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning,

And of thir vain contest appeer'd no end.

What general lesson does Adam suggest about men and women?

If a man overtrusts a woman and lets her will rule, she may blame him first if evil ensues.

Is this the Love, is this the recompence

Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, exprest

Immutable when thou wert lost, not I, [1165]

Who might have liv'd and joyd immortal bliss,

Yet willingly chose rather Death with thee:

And am I now upbraided, as the cause

Of thy transgressing?

...perhaps

I also err'd in overmuch admiring

What seemd in thee so perfet, that I thought

No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue [1180]

That errour now, which is become my crime,

And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall

Him who to worth in Women overtrusting

Lets her Will rule; restraint she will not brook,

And left to her self, if evil thence ensue, [1185]

Shee first his weak indulgence will accuse.

Thus they in mutual accusation spent

The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning,

And of thir vain contest appeer'd no end.

How do Adam and Eve spend their time after the Fall in this passage?

They engage in mutual accusation, blaming each other without self-condemnation, showing the breakdown of harmony and innocence.