Themes: The Omnipotence and Omniscience of God
From the very beginning of Paradise Lost, Milton is determined to explain that Satan’s plans are and have always been doomed to failure, though God will allow him temporary success in order to defeat him more fully in the future. In book 3, God the Father and the Son see Satan flying across the abyss towards the new world, and God explains that Adam and Eve will listen to his lies, leading to the Fall of Man. Long after this, mankind will be redeemed by the sacrifice made willingly by the Son.
Milton’s God is constantly surrounded by blinding light. His supreme power and wisdom are most often conveyed to the reader through the other characters. This occurs, for instance, when Raphael gives an account of the war in heaven and the creation of the world to Adam in Books 6 and 7. However, it most often happens when the poet describes Satan and his schemes. The central paradox of Satan’s character—how he can be so low and vicious at the same time as he is magnificent and compelling—is best understood as an indirect illustration of the glory of God. Satan’s splendor is appropriate for God’s chief adversary. He is a match for even such a powerful and brilliant archangel as Michael. The only beings in the universe with whom he cannot be compared are God the Father and the Son. Next to them, he is equivalent to the lowest creatures, a toad or a serpent. This is because Satan, though powerful, is limited, whereas God’s power and wisdom are limitless.
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of these lines from Paradise Lost: "What in me is dark Illume, what is low raise and support; . . . And justify the ways of God to men."?
These lines from "Paradise Lost" signify Milton's invocation to the Christian God, akin to ancient poets' invocation of the muse, for divine aid in his narrative. He seeks illumination for his spiritual darkness and support for his human frailties to justly recount the divine providence. This is a prayer, reflecting Milton's humility and fear of not adequately portraying God's ways to mankind. Furthermore, his life's suffering and physical blindness add a literal layer to his plea for illumination and elevation.
In Paradise Lost, why does God allow Satan to leave hell?
God allows Satan to leave hell to fulfill His divine plan. Although hell cannot physically restrain Satan, it is ultimately God's will that permits Satan's freedom. This permission serves two purposes: it leads Satan to further damnation through his own evil actions, and it ultimately demonstrates the power of divine goodness, grace, and mercy through Jesus Christ. Satan's attempts to spread evil will only result in his own failure and increased rage.
The justification of God's ways to man in "Paradise Lost"
In Paradise Lost, John Milton seeks to justify God's ways to man by portraying the fall of Adam and Eve as a necessary part of God's greater plan for humanity. Through their disobedience and subsequent redemption, Milton illustrates themes of free will, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
What is Milton's view based on the Invocation of Paradise Lost?
Milton's invocation in Paradise Lost reveals his belief in the Biblical creation story and the fall of Adam and Eve. He invokes the Holy Spirit, not a traditional Greek Muse, to guide his writing on the epic conflict between good and evil. Milton's purpose is to "justify the ways of God to men," indicating his view that his work is a righteous endeavor rooted in Judeo-Christian philosophy.
How is God depicted as good and generous in Paradise Lost?
In Paradise Lost, God's goodness and generosity are depicted through his creation of Earth and Paradise, acts of divine love offering Adam and Eve a bountiful existence. God's rules are clear and fair, with free will presented as a generous gift. Despite their disobedience, God offers leniency by expelling rather than destroying them, allowing them a chance at redemption. Ultimately, God's greatest act of love is sending Jesus to save humanity, reinforcing hope and divine generosity.
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