Try This Knowledge Evaluator | FreshNote

Overview of paradise lost 

Paradise Lost is an epic poem by John Milton, first published in 1667. It tells the story of the Fall of Man, drawing heavily on biblical themes, particularly from the Book of Genesis. The poem explores the rebellion of Satan and his followers, their expulsion from Heaven, and the subsequent temptation of Adam and Eve that leads to their fall and expulsion from Eden.

Join Milton's paradise lost is a Renaissance poem, you can check out the characteristics of Renaissance literature here and how paradise lost align to the convention.

In paradise lost, who is the true hero?

Some argue that Satan can be viewed as a tragic hero due to his internal struggles, his downfall despite his initial strength, and the audience's sympathy for his plight. He is portrayed as a complex character grappling with his own internal demons and the consequences of his choices. 

Milton's poem, however, focuses on the triumph of good over evil. While Satan's epic qualities are explored, the true heroes are characters like God, Christ, and potentially even Adam and Eve, who ultimately choose obedience and redemption. To clear the air, God or the Son is the true hero thereof. 

Themes in paradise lost

1. Theme of disobedience and revolt 

The theme of disobedience and revolt in Paradise Lost centers on Satan’s rebellion against God in Heaven and Adam and Eve's defiance in Eden. Satan’s pride leads to his expulsion from Heaven, while Adam and Eve’s desire for knowledge prompts them to disobey God’s command, resulting in their fall from grace. Both acts of disobedience disrupt the divine order and bring suffering, illustrating the destructive consequences of revolting against divine authority.

Instances of disobedience and revolt in the poem 

A. Satan’s Rebellion in Heaven:

Satan leads a revolt against God’s authority, refusing to accept His supremacy, which results in his fall from Heaven.

Excerpt: "Hail holy Light, offspring of Heaven firstborn, / Or of the Eternal coeternal beam!" (Book 3) – Satan rejects God’s will, wanting to challenge His authority

B. Satan’s Speech on Free Will: 

Satan declares that it’s better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven, asserting his independence and defiance.

  Excerpt: " Here At lest/ We shall be free, the Almighty hath not built/Here his envy will not drive us hence/ Her we may reign secure and in my choice/To reign worth the ambition though in hell"

C. Eve’s Disobedience: Eve disobeys God’s command by eating the forbidden fruit, after being tempted by Satan. Her quest for knowledge created room for her to be deceived by Santa.

Excerpt: "So saying, her rash hand / In that forbidden tree whose mortal taste / Brought death into the World, and all our woe." (Book 9)

D. Adam’s Disobedience: Adam knowingly follows Eve’s lead and eats the fruit, defying God’s command to avoid it. Excerpt: "But of this tree we may not taste nor touch; / God so commanded, and left that command / Sole daughter of his voice." (Book 9)

F. Satan’s Rebellion Against God’s Will: Satan gathers his followers in Hell and plans further rebellion against God’s creation, refusing to repent.

Excerpt: “What though the field be lost? All is not lost; / The unconquerable will, and study of revenge, immortal hate.” (Book 1).

2. Theme: the importance of obedience to God.

In Paradise Lost, John Milton emphasizes that true happiness and harmony come from obedience to God’s will. Disobedience leads to chaos, suffering, and separation from divine grace. The poem contrasts the downfall of Satan, Adam, and Eve with the steadfast obedience of the Son (Jesus), who willingly submits to God’s plan for salvation.

Key Instances:

A. Satan’s Disobedience:

His rebellion leads to his fall and eternal damnation.

Excerpt "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven." (Book 1)

B. Adam and Eve’s Disobedience:

Their act of eating the forbidden fruit brings death and sorrow to humanity.

Excerpt "Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat / Sighing through all her works gave signs of woe." (Book 9)

C. The Son’s Obedience:

He offers himself to redeem mankind, showing perfect submission to God.

"Behold me, then: me for him, life for life / I offer." (Book 3)

3. Theme: The Hierarchical Nature of the Universe in Paradise Lost

In Paradise Lost, Milton presents the universe as a strict hierarchy established by God. Every being has a designated place—God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, and nature. Obedience within this order ensures harmony; rebellion disrupts it and causes chaos.

Key Examples:

A . Satan’s Rebellion:

Satan rejects his lower position beneath God and seeks equality, leading to his fall.

"To reign is worth ambition though in Hell: / Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven." (Book 1)

B. Eve’s Desire for Equality or Superiority:

Eve questions her role beneath Adam, leading to vulnerability and eventual disobedience.

Excerpt "Render me more equal, and perhaps, / A thing not undesirable, sometime / Superior." (Book 9)

C. The Son’s Obedience:

The Son accepts his place under God’s authority and becomes the model of perfect submission.

"Thy will be done: I go to do thy will." (Book 3)

4. Theme: Justification of God’s Ways in Paradise Lost

One of Milton’s main goals in Paradise Lost is to “justify the ways of God to men.” He explains that God’s justice, mercy, and governance are perfect—even when allowing sin and suffering—because they stem from divine wisdom and the gift of free will.  God's justice is righteous—He gives free will, allows choice, and offers mercy to the repentant, proving His ways are perfect and fair. (As a Renaissance poem, this theme captures humanism- pursuing your interest, doing your wishes. etc. Individualism: being free from control,

Key Examples:

A. Free Will and Responsibility:
God grants angels and humans free will, making their obedience meaningful and their rebellion their own choice.
“Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.” (Book 3)

B. Punishment and Mercy:
God punishes Satan and the fallen angels justly, while still offering redemption to mankind through the Son.
“Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will.” (Book 3)

5. Theme: The Fall as Partly Fortunate in Paradise Lost

Also known as the “Felix Culpa” (Latin for “happy fault”), Milton presents the idea that the Fall of Man, though tragic, leads to a greater good—the coming of Christ and the promise of redemption. Though the Fall brought sin and death, it also led to salvation and revealed the depth of God's love—making it, in a divine sense, a fortunate event.

Key Examples:

A. Redemption Through Christ:
The Fall creates the opportunity for God to show His grace and love through the Son’s sacrifice.
“O goodness infinite, goodness immense! / That all this good of evil shall produce.” (Book 12)

B. Adam’s Realization of Hope:
After hearing the prophecy of salvation, Adam recognizes that the Fall brought future glory.
“Full of doubt I stand, / Whether I should repent me now of sin / By me done and occasioned, or rejoice / Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring.” (Book 12)

Footnote: the symbol / markes the end of line of a poem and the beginning of another.

More themes are needed here, you can make a contribution to this post by summiting your work via our app.