Milton’s Paradise Lost Study Questions

1. Which “disobedience” is Milton referring to in the 1st line of the Introduction to Paradise
Lost?
2. What kind of fruit was the Fruit of the Forbidden Tree?
3. Milton calls its taste “mortal” in line 2. Why?
4. What did the first act of disobedience bring to the world, according to the poem? (lines
3,4)
5. Who is Milton addressing in the first part of the Introduction? (line 6)
6. Who, according to Milton, was inspired by the same source? (line 8)
7. Do you know the name of the shepherd from line 8 who first taught “the chosen seed”
(the people of Israel)?
8. Find out the name of the figure of speech that Milton uses in line 8; this figure of speech
usually makes reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary or
political significance.
9. Milton calls his song “adventurous” (line 13). How is this further elaborated in lines 14-
16?
10. Whose aid (assistance) is Milton asking for in line 13?
11. Milton wants “no middle flight” for his poem (line 14). What does it mean?
12. How big is Milton’s ambition for this poem? (line 16)
13. Keeping in mind Milton’s background, explain why it was essential for him to create a
poem like that.
14. What, according to Milton, is even more important than any temple (lines 17-18)?
15. Who is Milton appealing to in lines 19, 22, 23 when he pleads: “ Instruct me,… what in
me is dark illumine, what is low raise and support”?
16. The purpose of this poem, as stated in line 26, is to “justify the ways of God to men.”
How do you understand this statement?

Answers:
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1. In the 1st line of the Introduction to "Paradise Lost," Milton refers to the
disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Specifically, he is
talking about their act of eating the fruit from the Forbidden Tree, an act that
led to the loss of paradise and humanity's fall from grace.
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 2. The fruit of the Forbidden Tree is not explicitly named in the poem. While it
is traditionally associated with an apple, the poem itself does not specify the
type of fruit.
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3. Milton calls the taste of the Forbidden Fruit "mortal" in line 2 to emphasize
that it brings death to those who consume it. This fruit's consumption by
Adam and Eve led to their mortality and the introduction of death into the
world, a significant consequence of their disobedience.
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4. The first act of disobedience, as described in lines 3 and 4, brought death
into the world. It signifies the loss of the perfect and immortal state that
existed in paradise before Adam and Eve's disobedience.
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5. In the first part of the Introduction, Milton is addressing his poem to the
"Heav'nly Muse," seeking divine inspiration for his epic work.
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6. According to Milton in line 8, the same source that inspired him also
inspired "that shepherd who first taught the chosen seed," referring to a
biblical figure who instructed the people of Israel. However, the specific name
of the shepherd is not mentioned in this line.
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7. The name of the shepherd from line 8 who first taught "the chosen seed" is
not provided in the poem itself. This reference likely alludes to figures like
Moses or other biblical teachers.
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8. The figure of speech that Milton uses in line 8 is known as an allusion. An
allusion is a literary device that makes reference to a person, place, thing, or
idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. In this case,
Milton is alluding to a biblical figure and the chosen people of Israel.
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9. In lines 14-16, Milton elaborates on his "adventurous song" by stating that
he intends to "Soar(ing) above th' Aonian Mount," which means he aims to
surpass the achievements of previous poets and create a grand and
extraordinary work.
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10. In line 13, Milton is asking for the aid and inspiration of the "Heav'nly
Muse," a divine source of inspiration and creativity.
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11. When Milton says he wants "no middle flight" for his poem in line 14, he
means that he doesn't want his work to be mediocre or average. He aspires
to achieve greatness and produce a literary masterpiece.
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12. Milton's ambition for this poem is grand, as stated in line 16. He aims to
"justify the ways of God to men," which means he intends to provide a
profound and comprehensive explanation of God's actions and purposes to
humanity.
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13. It was essential for Milton to create a poem like "Paradise Lost" due to his
deeply religious beliefs and his desire to explore theological and
philosophical themes. Additionally, Milton's own experiences, including his
struggles with blindness and political views, influenced his writing of this
epic.
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14. According to Milton in lines 17-18, obedience to God's will is even more
important than any physical temple. This reflects his belief in the spiritual
significance of obedience and faith over outward religious structures.
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 15. In lines 19, 22, and 23, when Milton pleads, "Instruct me,... what in me is
dark illumine, what is low raise and support," he is appealing to the
"Heav'nly Muse" for guidance and enlightenment, asking for divine
assistance in understanding and expressing his thoughts.
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16. The purpose of this poem, as stated in line 26, is to "justify the ways of
God to men." This means that Milton aims to provide a comprehensive
explanation and defense of God's actions and intentions in a way that can be
understood by humanity, addressing questions and doubts about the divine
plan.
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