Andrew Schwefler

Period 2
12/13/16

Paradise Lost Last Three Books

1.
While the Fall is in many ways the crucial episode of the poem, the story doesn't end
there. Why does Milton choose to continue for three more books? What does the rest of the
poem accomplish?
Milton chooses to continue for the poem for three more books in order to tell how Adam, Eve,
and the devils are punished. These last three books act as an aftermath or epilogue to the
poem that tie up loose and as a way to explain why some things are the way they are today.
2.
In Book 10, the Son defines Adam's offense. From God's point of view, what is Adam's
fault?
From Gods point of view, it is Adams fault that Sin and Death are now in Paradise and that
Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge. When God created man, he made Adam more intelligent
Eve, thus making Adams responsibility to guide Eve away from evil. Adam should have taught
Eve to not listen to evil.
3.
In Book 10, Satan typically and almost comically misinterprets what has happened to
Adam and Eve, and to him. How does this instance help to develop Satan's character?
Satans misinterpretation of what happened to Adam, Eve, and him helps add egotism and
arrogance to his character. He over exaggerates of what to Adam and Eve and says that his
plan was a great success. This shows that Satan is full of pride and wants to show everyone
he is perfect.
4.

How does Book 12 resolve the issues raised by Milton earlier in the poem?

Book 12 solves issues raised by him earlier in the poem by resolving and going over the issue
of free will. Milton describe the free will has benefitted mankind because so much more was
accomplished that benefited humanity after the Fall.
5.
Are there ways in which God, Adam and Eve reveal their finest natures only after the
Fall? Think about the connection between disaster and virtue in Milton's version of
Christianity.
Yes, there are ways in which God, Adam, and Eve have revealed their finest nature after the
Fall. For example, God would be forgiving and merciful to them and all of humanity after
hearing the confession of Adam and Eve, but will still have to punish them. This shows that
God can be loving and forgiving, but still needs to punish those who did wrong.
6.
The last lines provide a memorable example of one of Milton's most admired effects:
the "quiet ending." What is your reaction to the last image?
This last image reminded me of the movie cliche where two characters, most of the time in
love, stand next to each other and look of into the distance reflecting on what has happened
and thinking about what is in store for them. They stand next to each other and say goodbye
to their past and welcome their future with hope.

7.
Book 12 has much to say on the theme of liberty. How is liberty an appropriate goal or
end for the poem?
Liberty is an appropriate end for the poem because this liberty and free will has been a major
goal throughout the books. Humanity now has liberty for the ties between Heaven and Earth
has be broken. Earth and Adam and Eve have been liberated from God from when they ate
from the Tree of Knowledge. By following sin, humanity can be free from God.