Milton explores the political ramifications of the Fall through Michael's preview of human history in Book XII. Examine this depiction in the context of the Restoration of the monarchy in England and the political debates about the pros and cons of monarchy versus republic.

Consider Raphael's warning to Adam about the limits of human knowledge and his discouragement of Adam's curiosity regarding the movements of the heavenly spheres in Book VIII. Reflect on this in relation to the scientific advancements and emerging "scientific" attitudes towards knowledge in the seventeenth century.

Investigate the philosophical shift towards rationalism in the seventeenth century. Then, analyze Milton's interpretation of the Fall as a failure of reason and obedience, rather than merely the pursuit of "forbidden knowledge."

Book I partially describes the construction of Pandemonium, while Book IX depicts the care of Eden and the environmental consequences of the Fall. Both passages link sin and the Fall with a disrupted natural harmony and introduce an apathy towards the earth, resulting in its "wounding." Discuss this in the context of modern arguments for humanity's duty to protect the environment.