Paradise lost Book 4 by John Milton

Paradise lost Book 4 by John Milton

Title and Author

• Title: Paradise Lost
• Author: John Milton

Publication

• First Published: 1667
• Format: Originally published in ten books, later revised and expanded to twelve books in 1674.

Genre and Style

• Genre: Epic Poetry
• Style: Written in blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter)

Plot Overview

• Subject: The biblical story of the Fall of Man.
• Main Characters:
• • Satan: The antagonist who rebels against God and tempts Adam and Eve.
  • Adam and Eve: The first humans, whose disobedience leads to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
  • God: The omnipotent, omniscient creator.
  • Jesus (The Son): Acts as the mediator and savior.

Themes

• Major Themes:
• • Free Will and Predestination: The tension between fate and free will.
  • Obedience and Rebellion: The consequences of defying divine authority.
  • Good vs. Evil: The struggle between God's goodness and Satan's evil.
  • The Nature of Sin and Redemption: The fall and potential for salvation.

Influence and Legacy

• Influence: "Paradise Lost" has had a significant impact on English literature and has inspired countless adaptations, interpretations, and works of art.
• Legacy: Considered one of the greatest works of English literature. It has influenced writers, poets, and thinkers over the centuries.

Interesting Facts

• Blindness: John Milton was completely blind by the time he composed "Paradise Lost." He dictated the entire poem to scribes, including his daughters.
• Political Context: Milton was a staunch supporter of the Commonwealth and wrote the epic in a period of political turbulence in England.

Satan's Approach:

Satan, contemplating Eden, prepares for his audacious mission against God and Man, battling doubts and passions. Resolved in evil, he enters Paradise and perches as a cormorant on the Tree of Life to observe. He marvels at Adam and Eve's form and happiness but plots their downfall after hearing about the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. Uriel warns Gabriel of an evil spirit in Paradise. Night falls, Adam and Eve retire, and Gabriel sets a watch. Satan attempts to tempt Eve in her dream but is discovered by Gabriel's angels and forced to flee Paradise by a heavenly sign.

Summary of Book 4

Oh, for that warning voice heard in Heaven during the Apocalypse! When the Dragon was defeated and descended furiously to seek revenge on mankind, woe to the inhabitants of Earth! If only our first parents had been warned and escaped Satan's snare. Satan, burning with rage, came down to tempt mankind, aiming to avenge his defeat in the first battle and his exile to Hell. Yet, he is not joyous in his speed; his heart boils with tumultuous emotions. Doubt, horror, and despair stir within him, making him realize that Hell is not a place but within himself.

Satan's conscience awakens despair and bitter memories of what he once was, what he is now, and what he must become. He laments his fall from Heaven's glory, caused by pride and ambition. He calls out to the Sun, not with a friendly voice, but to express his hatred for its beams that remind him of his fall. He regrets rebelling against Heaven's matchless King, recognizing that God's goodness should have been met with praise and gratitude, not malice and rebellion.

He questions why he was not made an inferior angel, which might have kept him happy and free from boundless ambition. He acknowledges that he had free will and chose to rebel, cursing both Heaven's love and his own miserable existence. He realizes that no matter where he goes, he carries Hell within him. Even repentance seems impossible, as his pride and fear of shame among the fallen angels prevent him from seeking pardon.

Satan despairs at the thought of never being able to reconcile with Heaven, knowing that any attempt at submission would be insincere and lead to a worse relapse. He resigns himself to his fate, bidding farewell to hope, fear, and remorse. He resolves to make evil his good and shares his despair with the new world, knowing that his actions will bring misery and suffering.

As he speaks, his face reveals his inner turmoil, changing with pale, ire, envy, and despair. He hides his true nature with outward calm, practicing falsehood under a saintly guise. Uriel, who had warned of Satan's presence, sees through his disguise and marks his mad demeanor. Satan continues towards Eden, marveling at its beauty and lush surroundings, yet determined to corrupt God's new creation with his malicious intent.

On the Mozambic sea, northeast winds carried the fragrant scents from Araby's blessed shores. The pleasant aroma cheered the old Ocean and delighted even the Fiend, though it concealed his evil intent.

Satan, journeying up a steep hill slowly and thoughtfully, found his path blocked by dense undergrowth and bushes. Disdaining the gate, he leaped over the highest walls and landed within, like a prowling wolf or a thief breaking into a secure place. He climbed a tree of life, resembling a cormorant, and plotted death, ignoring the tree's true virtue.

From his perch, Satan marveled at Paradise, a Heaven on Earth, filled with nature's wealth. God had planted this garden in the east of Eden, with all noble trees for sight, smell, and taste. The tree of life and the tree of knowledge, bearing both life and death, stood prominently.

A large river flowed southward through Eden, passing under a hill, forming a fresh fountain that watered the garden. The river divided into four main streams, enriching many lands. The brooks from a sapphire fountain ran with nectar, feeding flowers worthy of Paradise, beautifully arrayed by nature.

The garden was a happy rural seat with groves of odorous trees and golden fruits, level lawns with grazing flocks, and blooming valleys. Cool grots and caves were adorned with vines and purple grapes, while murmuring waters united in a crystal-clear lake.

Birds sang, leaves trembled, and nature danced in eternal spring. This Paradise was unrivaled, with its pure air, lush vegetation, and divine beauty. Satan, undelighted by all the joy, saw two noble beings, Adam and Eve, who seemed the lords of all.

Adam and Eve, clad in naked majesty, reflected their Creator's image. They embodied truth, wisdom, and pure sanctitude. Adam, formed for contemplation and valor, and Eve, for softness and grace, walked hand in hand, united in love and innocence.

Under a whispering shade by a fountain, they rested after their gardening labor and enjoyed nectarine fruits, savoring the sweetness. Around them, all beasts of the earth played, including lions, bears, and elephants, creating a scene of harmony.

As the sun set, Satan observed them, filled with grief and envy. He lamented their bliss, knowing their happiness would soon turn to woe, as his evil plans unfolded.

Satan, seeking to enter Paradise and corrupt Adam and Eve, pretends to offer them a choice: join him in Hell or face his revenge. He rationalizes his actions, claiming that conquering this new world justifies his deeds.

From his perch on a high tree, Satan observes Adam and Eve, transforming into different animals to get closer. He watches them, like a predator stalking its prey. Adam speaks to Eve, praising the Creator for their happiness and warning her not to eat from the tree of knowledge, the only prohibition in their paradise.

Eve responds, recalling her first moments of awareness and the guidance that led her to Adam. She expresses gratitude for their love and unity, acknowledging Adam's wisdom and grace. As they share a tender moment, Satan, filled with envy, watches them.

Satan laments the blissful life Adam and Eve enjoy, contrasting it with his own torment in Hell. He overhears their discussion about the forbidden tree and realizes that it could be the key to their downfall. He questions why knowledge is forbidden and plans to exploit their curiosity to lead them to sin.

Determined to bring about their ruin, Satan decides to explore the garden further, seeking opportunities to tempt them. He sneaks around, observing every corner of Paradise. Meanwhile, the sun sets, casting its rays on the eastern gate of Paradise. Gabriel, chief of the angelic guards, prepares for the night watch, aware of the potential threat.

As Satan roams the garden, he plots to deceive Adam and Eve, knowing that their short-lived happiness will be followed by long-lasting woes. The scene is set for the impending temptation and the fall of mankind.

In Heaven, the youth engaged in heroic games surrounded by celestial armory of shields, helms, and spears. Uriel, gliding on a sunbeam like a shooting star, arrived swiftly. He urgently told Gabriel that at noon, he spotted a spirit seeking knowledge, whose suspicious demeanor raised alarms. Uriel feared it was a banished spirit causing new troubles and asked Gabriel to find him.

Gabriel assured Uriel that no unknown creature had entered through the gate and promised to identify the intruder by dawn. Uriel returned on the sunbeam as evening fell, and silence accompanied the twilight. The nightingale sang, and the firmament glowed with stars. Adam suggested to Eve that it was time to rest, as God set labor and rest in succession for mankind. He spoke of their work in the garden and the need to rise early to tend to the plants.

Eve agreed, expressing her obedience and gratitude for their blessed life. She reminisced about her first moments of awareness, the guidance that led her to Adam, and their shared happiness. As they conversed, Satan watched them with envy and hatred. He lamented their blissful life, contrasting it with his own torment in Hell. He overheard their discussion about the forbidden tree and saw it as the key to their downfall. He planned to exploit their curiosity and lead them to sin.

As evening fell, Adam and Eve admired the beauty of nature around them. Eve questioned the purpose of the stars and moon shining all night, and Adam explained that they were part of the universe's order, providing light and heat. He told her about the millions of spiritual creatures that walked the earth, praising God's works day and night.

Together, Adam and Eve continued to their blissful bower, a place chosen by the sovereign Planter for their delight. The bower was covered with thick shade from laurel, myrtle, and fragrant leaves. Odorous bushes and beautiful flowers, like irises, roses, and jasmine, adorned the verdant walls, creating a mosaic of colors. The violet carpeted the ground beneath their feet.

Hand in hand, they passed into their sanctuary, unaware of the lurking threat. Satan, consumed by envy and hatred, plotted their ruin, knowing their short-lived happiness would soon be replaced by long-lasting sorrow.

As Adam and Eve continued their stroll through Paradise, they admired the beautiful crocus and hyacinth flowers, which adorned the ground with rich colors. The creatures in the garden, be they birds, beasts, insects, or worms, dared not enter, such was their awe of humanity. Even mythical beings like Pan or Sylvanus never rested in this sacred, secluded place.

Eve, surrounded by flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs, decorated her nuptial bed. On the day she was brought to Adam in her natural beauty, heavenly choirs sang hymns, celebrating their union. Eve was considered more adorned and lovely than Pandora, who had ensnared mankind with her beauty.

Upon arriving at their shady lodge, Adam and Eve stood together, under the open sky, and adored the God who created everything. They thanked Him for their mutual help, love, and the large, abundant paradise they inhabited. They praised God for the promise of future generations who would continue to extol His goodness.

After their adoration, they entered their bower and shed their disguises. Adam and Eve lay side by side, embracing their love without any shame, knowing that their union was pure and blessed by God. They found joy in their wedded love, which was the foundation of human relationships and the source of happiness in Paradise.

The night had progressed, and the Cherubim stood armed at their posts for the night watch. Gabriel spoke to Uzziel, instructing him to divide the guard and ensure strict watch over the southern and northern parts of the garden. He called upon Ithuriel and Zephon, two strong and subtle spirits, to search the garden and keep an eye on Adam and Eve.

As they searched, they found Satan, disguised as a toad, trying to whisper illusions and dreams into Eve's ear. Ithuriel touched him with his spear, revealing his true form. Startled, Satan stood up, and the angels confronted him.

Zephon scornfully addressed Satan, noting his diminished brightness and the loss of his former glory. The Cherub warned him that he would have to account for his actions to the one who sent them to protect the garden.

Feeling the weight of goodness and virtue, Satan stood abashed, recognizing the loss of his former splendor. Despite his rage, he went on, haughty and defiant, as the angels led him to their chief, Gabriel.

Gabriel called out to his friends, informing them of the approaching angels and the intruder. As the group arrived, Gabriel sternly questioned Satan about his transgressions and his presence in Paradise. The scene was set for a confrontation between the forces of good and the Prince of Hell, as the night watch continued their vigil.

Satan, having entered Paradise, confronts Gabriel, who questions his bold intrusion. Satan scornfully replies, arguing that anyone would seek to escape Hell and find relief from torment. He claims to have sought ease and delight in this place, something incomprehensible to Gabriel, who only knows good and not evil.

Gabriel, half-smiling with disdain, retorts that Satan's escape from Hell shows folly. Gabriel questions why Satan came alone, without bringing all of Hell with him. He accuses Satan of cowardice and mocks him for fleeing pain. Satan, frowning sternly, responds that he does not shrink from pain and reminds Gabriel of their past battles. He claims to be a faithful leader who dared to explore the new world created by God, hoping to find a better abode for his followers.

Gabriel calls Satan a liar and a hypocrite, accusing him of being unfaithful to both Heaven and his rebellious crew. He condemns Satan for his attempts to overthrow Heaven's King and for posing as a patron of liberty. Gabriel warns Satan that if he appears within the hallowed limits of Paradise again, he will be dragged back to Hell in chains.

Satan, undeterred by Gabriel's threats, retorts that only when he is captured will he talk of chains. He warns Gabriel to expect a heavy load from his prevailing arm, even if Heaven's King rides on Gabriel's wings. As Satan speaks, the angelic squadron surrounding him turns fiery red, and they prepare to attack with their spears.

Satan, alarmed, gathers his might and stands tall like a mountain, with horror plumed on his crest. The scene is tense, with the potential for a catastrophic conflict that could disrupt Paradise and the elements of Heaven. However, the Eternal intervenes by displaying golden scales in Heaven. These scales weigh the outcomes of parting and fighting, with the scale of fighting quickly rising.

Gabriel, noticing the scales, addresses Satan, acknowledging their mutual strength, which is given by Heaven. He advises Satan to look at the scales, which show how weak he is in comparison. Realizing his situation, Satan looks up, sees his scale rising, and understands his defeat. He flees, murmuring, and with him, the shades of night retreat. The confrontation ends without a battle, as Satan retreats in frustration and anger.