Themes in Paradise Lost Question solved
Hierarchy and Order:
Milton spends a significant portion of “Paradise Lost” describing the universal hierarchy and order that the events of the “Fall of Man” and the war in Heaven upset1. In his 17th-century view of the cosmos, Heaven exists above, Earth below, and Hell and Chaos below that1. The most important hierarchy of Heaven is that of God as the supreme monarch, the creator and ruler of the universe, and his “only begotten” Son as equal in rank.
Disobedience and Revolt:
The poem is about the fall of humanity and the rebellion of Satan and his angels. The plot and conflict almost entirely come from acts of revolt against the hierarchy of God’s universe. Satan grows jealous of God honoring the Son so highly, leading to a civil war in Heaven.
Sin and Innocence:
“Paradise Lost” is a dramatization of the “original sin,” the explanation of how evil entered a world that began as God’s perfect creation. The original sin of Adam and Eve is the ultimate fall from innocence, as their act introduces sin into the world.
Free Will and Predestination:
Milton argues that though God foresaw the Fall of Man, he still didn’t influence Adam and Eve’s free will. Milton’s God exists outside of time and so sees all times at once, and thus can see the future without actively affecting it.
Love and Marriage:
Love is one of the Christian God’s most important attributes, and Heavenly love also takes center stage early in the poem. When Adam and Eve are created, the poem partly shifts its focus to mortal love and the idea of marriage.
The Importance of Obedience to God:
The first words of “Paradise Lost” state that the poem’s main theme will be “Man’s first Disobedience.” Milton narrates the story of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, explains how and why it happens, and places the story within the larger context of Satan’s rebellion and Jesus’ resurrection.
The Hierarchical Nature of the Universe:
“Paradise Lost” is about hierarchy as much as it is about obedience6. The layout of the universe—with Heaven above, Hell below, and Earth in the middle—presents the universe as a hierarchy based on proximity to God and his grace.
More Information:
Disobedience
Milton highlights obedience and disobedience within a hierarchical universe, where disobeying God disrupts order and leads to calamity, as seen in Adam and Eve's fall. The poem underscores the importance of obeying superiors and maintaining hierarchy, drawing parallels with societal structures and moral obligations.
Eternal Providence
Milton delves into eternal providence, exploring how Adam and Eve's disobedience allows for the demonstration of God's love and mercy, ultimately leading to salvation. He argues that despite the fall's consequences, it serves a greater purpose in God's plan, showcasing divine justice and providence.
Justification of God's Ways
The sacrifice of the Son offers redemption for humanity, revealing the justice behind God's actions despite the sinful nature of humanity. Milton portrays the fall as a transformative event, turning evil into good and highlighting the intricacies of divine mercy and justice. Through these themes, Milton seeks to convey the complexities of human nature and divine intervention.
The Importance of Obedience to God
The central theme of Paradise Lost is introduced with the declaration of "Man’s first Disobedience." Milton explores the consequences of disobedience through the story of Adam and Eve, contrasting it with Satan's rebellion and Jesus’ redemption. The poem presents disobedience as a choice between spiritual decline, embodied by Satan, and the path to redemption, embodied by Adam and Eve.
Satan's Rebellion:
Satan is the first to disobey God, acting independently without persuasion. His continued rebellion ensures his eternal damnation. In contrast, Adam and Eve choose repentance, understanding the consequences of their disobedience and seeking forgiveness.
The Hierarchical Nature of the Universe:
Paradise Lost emphasizes hierarchy, portraying the universe as structured with Heaven above, Hell below, and Earth in between. This spatial hierarchy reflects a social hierarchy of angels, humans, animals, and devils, with obedience to God reinforcing this order.
Satan's Challenge to Hierarchy:
Satan challenges God's hierarchy by refusing to acknowledge the Son as his superior. He leads a rebellion to overthrow God's order but is ultimately defeated and banished to Hell, where he continues his defiance.
Human Disobedience:
Adam and Eve's disobedience disrupts the hierarchical order established by God. Eve challenges Adam's authority, and Adam defies God's command by yielding to her. However, the Son's sacrifice offers redemption, restoring the hierarchy and providing hope for humanity.
The Fall as Partly Fortunate
Adam views his sin as a "happy fault," suggesting that despite its consequences, the fall brings about positive outcomes. God's mercy and providence are revealed through the punishment and redemption of humanity.
God's Mercy and Providence:
The fall allows God to demonstrate his mercy and providence through the Son's sacrifice, offering salvation to humanity. While humanity faces suffering and death, they also experience mercy, salvation, and grace.
Redemption Through Obedience:
Individuals can redeem themselves through continued obedience to God, leading to salvation and eventual restoration to their former state. The Son's sacrifice initiates the process of restoring humanity and justifies God's plan for redemption.
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