Name: Marjorie Princess C.

Abulog Date: June 17, 2023

A Critique on “Paradise Lost”

by John Milton

Themes:

Redemption- One of the most encouraging themes throughout Paradise Lost is that of
redemption and salvation. Milton argues that there is still hope for salvation and redemption
even though humanity has fallen from grace. When Milton refers to the birth of Jesus Christ as a
"new kind of birth" that will dispel the darkness of the earth, he uses strong language and
imagery to communicate this message. Humans can return to God and attain eternal life by
exercising faith and obedience.

Free Will and Predestination- Paradise Lost's core theme is the tension between free will and
predestination. By examining the conflict between these two ideas, Milton attempts to discover
whether or not people have free will or whether everything is predetermined by God. In the
end, Milton argues that both free will and predestination are significant ideas that can coexist
together. God has a plan for humanity, but people still have free will and the power to direct
their own life. Milton's use of strong language and vivid imagery to describe Adam and Eve's
choice to eat from the forbidden tree as a "fatal trespass" is one example of how this concept is
communicated.

Obedience (in God’s will)- Milton portrays the fall of man as a tragic event, but also as a
necessary step in God's plan. Through their disobedience, Adam and Eve gain knowledge and
experience, and ultimately come to appreciate the value of obedience and faith in God. This
theme is conveyed through powerful imagery and language, such as when Milton describes the
angels guarding the gates of Eden with "flaming swords".

Literary Traditions:

Lost Paradise is a poem inspired from the Book of Genesis. It tells us the story of Adam and Eve,
the Fall of Satan, the temptation in the Garden of Eden, and other biblical events in the book of
Genesis. Therefore, the literary traditions present in this piece relates to biblical traditions as
well. For example, the belief to God, the superiority of a man to a woman, the role of women in
the society, etc. It also relates to traditions about politics. So, whether read as a religious allegory
or a political critique, it reflects the historical and cultural context in which it was created, while
also drawing on literary traditions that have shaped Western civilization.

Historical events:

The Lost Paradise was written during a time of great political and social upheaval in England.
Milton was a supporter of the Puritan Revolution, which aimed to replace the monarchy with a
republic based on religious principles. The poem reflects Milton's political beliefs and his views
on the role of religion in society. It also draws on classical literature and biblical stories to create
a work that is both timeless and relevant to its historical context. For example, The Fall of Satan,
 from a historical perspective, Satan's rebellion can be seen as a commentary on the political
situation in England at the time. Many people were questioning the legitimacy of the monarchy
and the divine right of kings, and Milton's portrayal of Satan as a rebel against an unjust ruler
would have resonated with many readers. Another is the role of women in the society, the
portrayal of women in Paradise Lost can be seen as reflective of the patriarchal society in which
Milton lived. Women were often relegated to secondary roles in society, and Milton's portrayal
of Eve can be seen as an attempt to challenge this idea.

Economic events:

The rise of capitalism and the growth of trade and commerce led to changes in the way people
thought about wealth and power. These changes are reflected in the poem, particularly in the
character of Satan, who is driven by a desire for power and domination. The poem can be seen
as a critique of the greed and materialism that were becoming more prevalent in Milton's time.

The Garden of Eden represents a utopian society where everything is provided for and there is
no need for labor or trade. The land is fertile, and the fruits and vegetables grow abundantly.
There is no scarcity, and everyone has access to all they need. This idyllic setting provides an
excellent example of what a perfect economy might look like. However, as we will see, this
paradise cannot last forever.

The fall of man represents a turning point in the economic system of the world. When Adam and
Eve eat from the forbidden fruit, they are cast out of the Garden of Eden and forced to labor for
their survival. This marks the beginning of scarcity and the need for trade. The fall of man also
introduces the concept of sin, which is a fundamental economic problem. People are no longer
perfect, and their self-interest can lead to greed and corruption.

The expulsion from paradise has significant economic consequences. Adam and Eve are forced to
leave behind the abundance of the Garden of Eden and enter a world where resources are
scarce. They must work hard to survive and provide for themselves. This event also marks the
beginning of inequality. Some people have more resources than others, and this leads to
competition and conflict.