Paradise Lost

The final book of Paradise Lost tells the stories of the Bible as a history of sinners and saviors, and through this unveiling of biblical history, Milton structures his last book with many important, lasting messages.

Adam sees that kings will rule over men, something Adam identifies as a sin, because instead of accepting God as their one true ruler, these men are being forced to accept the king. Milton himself believed that monarchy was tyrannical and unnatural in the hierarchy of Christian religion. Antimonarchism was a serious crime during Milton’s time, and when he finished writing Paradise Lost, he was imprisoned for conspiring against the king. At the time there was much debate in England about the correct institution of Christianity, but Milton was of the unpopular opinion that all kings are essentially false gods. Milton has Adam say this almost explicitly to solidify his message that mankind can and should praise only one ruler: God.

The stories Adam witnesses also share a similar theme in war versus sacrifice. Instead of fighting another civil war like the one Satan waged in Heaven, the final battle between God and Satan is a quieter one based in sacrifice and individual suffering. This echoes Milton’s own opinions about the futility of war. Under a monarchy, war is a common way of seeking revenge and political power, but Milton advocated for a republican style of government in which war would be largely unnecessary. Milton did not believe men should die in battle for their king, an opinion stemming from his conviction that the monarchy was not more important than or as powerful as God.

Adam poses an interesting question in Book 12. When he learns about Judgment Day, Adam rejoices, saying,

That all this good of evil shall produce, and evil turn to good; more wonderful than that which by creation first brought forth light out of darkness! Full of doubt I stand, whether I should repent me now of sin by me done and occasion’d, or rejoice much more, that much more good thereof shall spring (590).

The implication that Adam’s fall is not a terrible thing after all because it leads to such glory for God is an interesting idea, one that goes essentially unanswered by both Michael and Milton. It also poses a deeply disturbing philosophical question about God: Is God really so petty that he requires centuries of suffering and destruction before granting mankind mercy? That Adam can see the silver lining here shows how important faith in God’s ultimate mercy is, but it is jarring to see Adam rejoice over his fall and the horrors that will come.

Milton ends his epic with the final lesson learned by Adam: to be content with your life and to not seek more knowledge than you need. To serve in simple but unconditional obedience to God is Milton’s ultimate message and Adam’s path back to grace. As Adam and Eve leave Paradise in tears, Michael encourages them to consider their own inner Paradise, a thought Milton uses to leave his readers with hope and faith that every person is capable of seeking inner Paradise. That humans can turn inner turmoil into inner peace is important to their individual worship of God and their belief that as long as they serve the one true God, they will find real Paradise.