11/19 Paradise Lost (#12b)

Devil’s Consult

John Milton expands the story of the fallen angel’s plot against God in Book 2 of “Paradise Lost.” In Milton’s telling the angel’s do not all agree on one plan of action in dealing with their sinful states, but debate the issue amongst themselves. First, their is the question should they seek to regain God’s favor? The majority decide not to. Second, how should they go about their revenge on God. They could create a heaven in hell or rise up in a war like battle. They decide to torture and turn God’s creation against him.

Parallels can be seen between the thoughts and actions of the devils and that of humans. Humans must decide first to follow God or not. If, the decision is made not to follow God it may be because they seek a heaven on earth and there is no need for God when you already have a heaven. Other times human’s are angry with God and will seek to rebel as the fall angels did.

The scene Milton creates gives further insight into the Biblical account by making it easier to imagine. Describing the devils as holding regret for there actions humanizes them. Giving the devils as a group a level of indecision and as individuals unique personalities it is easier to envision the devils as more of a fallen people or even lost humans.

God vs. Milton

Milton amplifies the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis by adding details to the story no included in the Biblical telling. Milton sets up the scene with the the serpent, more than the Bible, by showing how Adam and Eve interacted as a couple and giving them personalities.

One of the facts Milton included in his telling is Adam and Eve’s knowledge of the devils. In the Bible the fact the couple knew or did not know of the devils is omitted. Milton made it clear that Adam was away from Eve when she was tempted. While in the Bible the couple is together. Milton explains the reason that Adam took the fruit. The Bible just tells of him taking the fruit without an explanation of Adam’s motivation.

Milton’s telling of Genesis was entertaining, that is all. Much of what Milton added we can not know is true or false because the Bible simply does not go into further detail. As far as stories go Milton’s was a pretty good one.