And thy faire Eve; Heav'n is for thee too high To know what passes there; be lowlie wise: Think onely what concernes thee and thy being; Dream not of other Worlds, what Creatures there
It’s is very interesting how Milton’s Raphael tells Eve not to dream of other worlds, only to think of her and Adam. While on the other hand he informs Adam of everything he is curious about. This emphasizes Adam’s superiority once again.
THE Angel ended, and in Adams Eare So Charming left his voice, that he a while Thought him still speaking, still stood fixt to hear; Then as new wak't thus gratefully repli'd. What thanks sufficient, or what recompence [ 5 ] Equal have I to render thee, Divine Hystorian, who thus largely hast allayd The thirst I had of knowledge, and voutsaf't
I’m the original story we don’t hear much or get the sense that Adam is curious about his creation and how the world was formed. I think Milton did a great job explaining Adams thirst for knowledge giving us new insight.
Let ther be Light, said God, and forthwith Light
Here Milton references the beginning of creation in Genesis, with the same words used by God when forming the world.
r staid, but on the Wings of Cherubim Uplifted, in Paternal Glorie rode Farr into Chaos, and the World unborn; [ 220 ] For Chaos heard his voice: him all his Traine Follow'd in bright procession to behold Creation, and the wonders of his might. Then staid the fervid Wheeles, and in his hand
I find it quite interesting about Milton’s idea of chaos. On how he believes it is the median part between heaven and hell. It’s something that’s never been heard before, it gives insight onto Milton’s view of Heaven and hell.
Mean while the Son On his great Expedition now appeer'd, Girt with Omnipotence, with Radiance crown'd Of Majestie Divine, Sapience and Love
Milton also includes that the Som drove the fallen angels out of heaven which has never really been heard before in the original story.
Say Goddess, what ensu'd when Raphael, [ 40 ] The affable Arch-Angel, had forewarn'd Adam by dire example to beware Apostasie, by what befell in Heaven To those Apostates, least the like befall In Paradise to Adam or his Race,
I really like how Milton emphasizes on Raphael being such a prominent character in his poem that he is even sent by God to warn Adam about Satan and Adam’s potential fall. This is very contrary to the original story in the Bible however it gives insight into why the fall could have been so terrible for the human race because Adam was warned of this very potential fall.
Sword of Michael smote,
I find it very interesting how Milton places emphasis on Michael’s sword and it’s power. Something not thoroughly described in the original story.
Abdiel
In Milton’s story Abdiel is a major character in the book a foe of Satan, an angel whereas in the Bible there is a small mention of him. I believe as a writer Milton wanted to bring the Minor characters in the Bible, and portray them as Major characters to give different perspectives.
High in the midst exalted as a God Th' Apostate in his Sun-bright Chariot sate [ 100 ] Idol of Majesty Divine, enclos'd
I find it very interesting how Milton describes him as an apostate with “Majesty”, and “Glorious Divine”, seared on a chariot during the war. This is not really mentioned in the Bible and Satan being portrayed this way is a technique I think Milton used very well to show, a non conventional form of Satan.
Coverd with thick embatteld Squadrons bright, Chariots and flaming Armes, and fierie Steeds Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view: Warr he perceav'd, warr in procinct, and found Already known what he for news had thought [ 20 ] To have reported: gladly then he mixt Among those friendly Powers who him receav'd With joy and acclamations loud, that one That of so many Myriads fall'n, yet one Returnd not lost: On to the sacred hill [ 25 ] They led him high applauded, and present Before the seat supream; from whence a voice From midst a Golden Cloud thus milde was hea
Milton goes into much more detail about the war in heaven to explain to the reader the battle fought and to help us understand that Raphael is trying his best to make sure Adam understands the entire “ history “ of heaven and his role.
Affects me equally;
Eve’s dream affects Adam equally, emphasizing on the fact that though they are different they are equally different and dependent on one another.
Best Image of my self and dearer half, [
An interesting thing about Milton’s Adam and Eve, is that though Adam is superior to her, the words he uses to describe her, are words that show he adores her, and that she is the best image of himself, just as Jesus is to the father. I like how Milton’s compares and draws the two relationships together by how one being sees the other.
O Sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, My Glorie, my Perfection
I think another interesting thing about Adam and Eve’s relationship here is that she refers to him as her “Perfection”. This implies that she is incomplete without him, and she is very respectful of his superiority.
Yet happie pair; enjoy, till I return, Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed. [ 535 ]
Satan is implying that Adam and Eve should enjoy the Garden while they have it, because with his plan everything they in the garden that they are enjoying right now is going to be taken away when he returns.
Mother of human Race: what could I doe, [ 475 ] But follow strait, invisibly thus led? Till I espi'd thee, fair indeed and tall, Under a Platan, yet methought less faire, Less winning soft, less amiablie milde, Then that smooth watry image; back I turnd, [ 480 ] Thou following cryd'st aloud, Return faire Eve, Whom fli'st thou? whom thou fli'st, of him thou art, His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent Out of my side to thee, neerest my heart Substantial Life, to have thee by my side [ 485 ] Henceforth an individual solace dear; Part of my Soul I seek thee, and thee claim My other half: with that thy gentle hand Seisd mine, I yielded, and from that time see How beauty is excelld by manly grace [
I believe another thing that surprises me about Adam and Eve in Milton’s book is because he emphasizes so much on Eve being submissive and how Adam is in a sense “superior” to her because he’s closer to God. However he shows that Adam doesn’t see her that way he sees her as glorious and far more superior to him, and he respects her equally to him.
That day I oft remember, when from sleep I first awak't, and found my self repos'd [ 450 ] Under a shade of flours, much wondring where And what I was, whence thither brought, and how.
I believe this aspect of Eve surprises me the fact that we see that Eve talks about how she was formed. We see a new perspective on which she even recalls how she was made, implying that it is something she strongly remembers. Thsi is a new perspective because I personally haven’t heard of Eve recalling how she was made from Adam. I believe it gives more insight into Eve as a character of the book.
His fair large Front and Eye sublime declar'd [ 300 ] Absolute rule; and Hyacinthin Locks Round from his parted forelock manly hung Clustring, but not beneath his shoulders broad: Shee as a vail down to the slender waste Her unadorned golden tresses wore [ 305 ] Disheveld, but in wanton ringlets wav'd As the Vine curles her tendrils, which impli'd Subjection,
You can tell the contrast between Adam and Eve in the way Milton describes their physical appearance. Through Milton’s eyes Adam is broad has long locks, and appears a bit firm. However Eve is fair, has a vail and through her long hair, she appears to be submissive.
For softness shee and sweet attractive Grace, Hee for God only, shee for God in him:
An interesting thing about Milton’s Adam and Eve, is that Adam is viewed as closer to God, and Eve is close to God however, close to him through Adam.
The image of thir glorious Maker shon, Truth, wisdome, Sanctitude severe and pure,
Milton then reveals that the reason this Garden is so beautiful is because the image of God shows through it. It is as pure, glorious, and majestic as it’s maker.
Southward through Eden went a River large, Nor chang'd his course, but through the shaggie hill Pass'd underneath ingulft, for God had thrown [ 225 ] That Mountain as his Garden mould high rais'd Upon the rapid current, which through veins Of porous Earth with kindly thirst up drawn, Rose a fresh Fountain, and with many a rill Waterd the Garden; thence united fell [ 230 ] Down the steep glade, and met the neather Flood, Which from his darksom passage now appeers, And now divided into four main Streams, Runs divers, wandring many a famous Realme And Country whereof here needs no account, [ 235 ] But rather to tell how, if Art could tell, How from that Saphire Fount the crisped Brooks, Rowling on Orient Pearl and sands of Gold, With mazie error under pendant shades Ran Nectar, visiting each plant, and fed [ 240 ] Flours worthy of Paradise which not nice Art In Beds and curious Knots, but Nature boon Powrd forth profuse on Hill and Dale and Plaine, Both where the morning Sun first warmly smote The open field, and where the unpierc't shade [ 245 ] Imbround the noontide Bowrs: Thus was this place, A happy rural seat of various view; Groves whose rich Trees wept odorous Gumms and Balme, Others whose fruit burnisht with Golden Rinde Hung amiable, Hesperian Fables true, [ 250 ] If true, here only, and of delicious taste: Betwixt them Lawns, or level Downs, and Flocks Grasing the tender herb, were interpos'd, Or palmie hilloc, or the flourie lap Of som irriguous Valley spred her store, [ 255 ] Flours of all hue, and without Thorn the Rose: Another side, umbrageous Grots and Caves Of coole recess, o're which the mantling vine Layes forth her purple Grape, and gently creeps Luxuriant; mean while murmuring waters fall [ 260 ] Down the slope hills, disperst, or in a Lake, That to the fringed Bank with Myrtle crownd, Her chrystal mirror holds, unite thir streams. The Birds thir quire apply; aires, vernal aires, Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune [ 265 ] The trembling leaves, while Universal Pan
I believe it’s truly remarkable how Milton goes into great detail about the garden. From the trees, to the birds, and the mountains, you can really tell Milton wanted to paint a great picture of this garden. He wanted the readers to know and comprehend how beautiful this amazing garden was.
My sole complacence! well thou know'st how dear, To me are all my works, nor Man the least Though last created, that for him I spare Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save, By loosing thee a while, the whole Race lost. [ 280 ] Thou therefore whom thou only canst redeem, Thir Nature also to thy Nature joyn; And be thy self Man among men on Earth, Made flesh, when time shall be, of Virgin seed, By wondrous birth: Be thou in Adams room [ 285 ] The Head of all mankind, though Adams Son. As in him perish all men, so in thee As from a second root shall be restor'd, As many as are restor'd, without thee none. His crime makes guiltie all his Sons, thy
This line definitely fuffils the God I expected. The God who loves his son, and is very proud of him, for this brave deed. The line also shows and explains God’s plan to bring his son into the world.
The first sort by thir own suggestion fell, Self-tempted, self-deprav'd: Man falls deceiv'd [ 130 ] By the other first: Man therefore shall find grace, The other none: in Mercy and Justice both,
This line also shows how God fulfilled my expectations because he shows that, this is not the end for his beloved mankind. He will grant them grace and mercy die to the fact that they did not fall out of their own volition. The fallen angels, however, will be granted no mercy because they fell on their own will.
Thir freedom, they themselves ordain'd thir fall.
This also backs the fact that God is a just God, because just as he gave man free will to make choices, certain choices man makes can lead to his fall, which it ultimately did. So in all truth we ordain our failures or success based on our choices.
Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell. Not free, what proof could they have givn sincere Of true allegiance, constant Faith or Love, Where onely what they needs must do, appeard, [ 105 ] Not what they would? what praise could they receive? What pleasure I from such obedience paid,
Here God also fuffils my expectations because it shows that when creating man, he intended to create them with free will. This sense of free will was to show that man would have had sincere, true allegiance to god, not one that was bought or insincere, hence why man can make his own choices in life.
And Man there plac't, with purpose to assay [ 90 ] If him by force he can destroy, or worse, By some false guile pervert; and shall pervert For man will heark'n to his glozing lyes, And easily transgress the sole Command, Sole pledge of his obedience: So will fall, [ 95 ] Hee and his faithless Progenie: whose fault? Whose but his own? ingrate, he had of mee All he could have; I made him just and right, Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.
In this part of the passage I believe God does fuffil my expectations of him, because I believe is characteristics are rational and very fair. When God mentions that it is Adam’s fault he has fallen, I don’t necessarily believe that is an attempt to portray, a scenario of “victim blame” , I believe God was very right in the sense that he told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree, and they did so. By them doing so it lead to the fall of man, which all goes back to it being mans fault, when he was tempted my the serpent and disobeyed God.
Satan exalted sat, by merit rais'd [ 5 ] To that bad eminence; and from despair Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue Vain Warr with Heav'n, and by success untaught His proud imaginations thus displaid. [ 10 ]
I’m this passage specifically we see that Satan exhibits behavior that could be deemed, “ridiculous”. He Sits “ by “his merit rais’d” and aspires to pursue success in his war quietly heaven. This could be deemed ridiculous regarding to the fact that Satan is exalted by his ironic merit, which merits punishment rather than glory, contrasting to the Messiah’s merits. This could be also deemed ridiculous because he has remained unttauhht by his banishment to hell and still urges to wage this war against heaven.
Of Thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend With awful reverence prone; and as a God Extoll him equal to the highest in Heav'n:
There is a comparison between satan and God because, satan is also surprisingly revered by his demons, however with what Milton describes as an “awful reverence”.
Deliverance for us all: this enterprize [ 465 ] None shall partake with me.
Here Satan exhibits signs of an epic hero by offering to deliver the demons from their current life in hell.
World, the happy seat Of some new Race call'd Man, about this time To be created like to us, though less In power and excellence, but favour'd more [ 350 ] Of him who rules above; so was his will Pronounc'd among the Gods, and by an Oath, That shook Heav'ns whol circumference, confirm'd. Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn What creatures there inhabit, of what mould, [ 355 ] Or substance, how endu'd, and what thir Power, And where thir weakness, how attempted best, By force or suttlety: Though Heav'n be shut, And Heav'ns high Arbitrator sit secure In his own strength, this place may lye expos'd [ 360 ] The utmost border of his Kingdom, left To their defence who hold it: here perhaps Som advantagious act may be achiev'd By sudden onset, either with Hell fire To waste his whole Creation, or possess [ 365 ] All as our own, and drive as we were driven, The punie habitants, or if not drive, Seduce them to our Party, that thir God May prove thir foe, and with repenting hand Abolish his own works. This would surpass [ 370 ] Common revenge, and interrupt his joy In our Confusion, and our Joy upraise In his disturbance; when his darling Sons Hurl'd headlong to partake with us, shall curse Thir frail Original, and faded bliss, [ 375 ] Faded so soon
Belezebub however brings up a better solution for how the demons can gain revenge over God, through his new race called... Man. He asks the demons to look at “Man”and see how best they can manipulate this creature into turning on God, and clinging to their side. This has proven to be the most thought out revenge plan so far.
In Heav'n, this our delight; how wearisom Eternity so spent in worship paid To whom we hate. Let us not then pursue By force impossible, by leave obtain'd [ 250 ] Unacceptable, though in Heav'n, our state Of splendid vassalage, but rather seek Our own good from our selves, and from our own Live to our selves, though in this vast recess, Free, and to none accountable, preferring [ 255 ] Hard liberty before the easie yoke Of servile Pomp. Our greatness will appeer
Hear we here from another demon named Mammon. Mammon proposed that instead of fighting a war to regain a place in heaven, to worship and praise someone that they don’t like, they should rather make the best out of what they have have. They should try to make good out of their situation in hell, which could possibly bring some “peace”.
exasperate
To exasperate means to “intensely infuriate”. By this we understand that Belial’s plan is to exasperate God to his ultimate limit of rage so that he takes it “out on the demons”, and in turn they “perish”and are put out of their misery instead of waging a war which he believes they are going to lose.
As not behind in hate; if what was urg'd [ 120 ] Main reason to persuade immediate Warr, Did not disswade me most, and seem to cast Ominous conjecture on the whole success: When he who most excels in fact of Arms, In what he counsels and in what excels [ 125 ] Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair And utter dissolution, as the scope Of all his aim, after some dire revenge. First, what Revenge? the Towrs of Heav'n are fill'd With Armed watch, that render all access [ 130 ] Impregnable; oft on the bordering Deep Encamp thir Legions, or with obscure wing Scout farr and wide into the Realm of night, Scorning surprize. Or could we break our way By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise [ 135 ] With blackest Insurrection, to confound Heav'ns purest Light, yet our great Enemy All incorruptible would on his Throne Sit unpolluted, and th' Ethereal mould Incapable of stain would soon expel [ 140 ] Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire Victorious.
Here we see the contrast between Belial and Moloc. Moloc strongly believes that the war should take place in order to seek revenge. He believes that after all they have nothing to lose and even if they do not wage this war, it will at least be a sign of revenge taken. Belial however believes that this war shouldn’t be waged, and that it could be quit impossible as he believes the “demons” do not have power to win a war against such a huge, miraculous, and powerful being such as God
Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heav'n, For since no deep within her gulf can hold Immortal vigor, though opprest and fall'n,
This line of Book Two,May seem ridiculous regarding the fact that though Satan and his followers ( demons), are cast into hell, and are “dammned” they are still immortal and are still deities of heaven.
Bullion
Gold or silver in a bunch.
Phalanx
Here we see that Milton uses Greek heroic army terms to describe satan's army giving us the notion that satan is this hero of the epic, and is being packed up by his "heroic perfect phalanx", which is a body of troops moving in Unison. He also uses many other heroic adjectives to describe the army.
wanton
A deliberate and unprovoked action.
Vale.
A valley
O Prince, O Chief of many Throned Powers,That led th' imbattelld Seraphim to WarrUnder thy conduct, and in dreadful deeds [ 130 ]Fearless, endanger'd Heav'ns perpetual King;And put to proof his high Supremacy,
With Satan being describes as a "Prince" and "Chief" who lead great battles, it starts to fill the readers mind with thoughts about Satan being perceived as the hero in this epic, since Miton hasn't specifically narrowed down on a specific hero...yet.
eternal Warr
The "Eternal Warr" being referred to here is the battle between good, and evil, heaven and hell. This shows some characteristics of an epic because it brings the mention of a war. Which is in a sense an attribute associated with heroism.
ignominy
Public shame or disgrace
If thou beest he; But O how fall'n! how chang'dFrom him, who in the happy Realms of Light [ 85 ]Cloth'd with transcendent brightness didst out-shineMyriads though bright:
Here the author makes a reference to the Bible when he says "Oh how fall'n!" This is referenced in the book of Isaiah where it describes Satan's fall and how much he had changed from being such a respected Angel, to being thrown down into the lake of fire, and becoming the leader of other fallen angels like himself. Here you can also feel a wave of emotion from he author where he puts himself into the story to describe Satan's transformation.