Evaluate the Concept of Sin and Evil

Milton's Theodicy in Paradise Lost


Milton states that Paradise Lost is not simply an epic poem but is a theodicy, a "defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil". These two objectives required him to highlight both the worlds of the poem and the argument based on theology.



William Blake's Perspective


William Blake states in his book that: "The reason Milton wrote in letters when he wrote of Angels & God, and at liberty when of Devils & Hell, is because he was a true Poet and of the Devil's party without knowing it". His poem does not focus on the roles of God or Adam and Eve, but on the actions of Satan.



Milton's Portrayal of Satan


Milton's Satan is portrayed as the hero who never seems to realize that he will lose in his battle against God. Milton's Satan is turned into a metaphor for the sinner, who acts on his own will and refuses the offer of forgiveness and salvation from God.



God's Argument for Free Will


God gave both man and angels the freedom of choosing between good and evil, obedience and disobedience. God's argument for free will is made in the context of Satan's Temptation and Adam and Eve's fall before they occur. Consequently, Milton's God does not appear to be omnipotent, but the one who denies the blame posed to him.



Satan as a Hero and a Negative Depiction of God


Satan is the origin of sin and evil, but Milton makes him appear in his poem as a hero. He creates a negative picture of God as he tries to justify Him. Milton claims to be inspired in writing his poem by his heavenly muse. However, he is confused about how it would be right to describe God in his poem, which resembles the dilemma of Raphael the archangel, of how to relate to a human. Milton seems to be struggling to make his God appear less wicked than that of Genesis. Satan has doubts about God's authority that seem to be based on values that Milton strongly believes in, but he deliberately undermines them when he places them in Satan's mouth.



Adam and Eve in Paradise Lost


Milton's poetry places human relationship at its center as Adam decides to disobey God, choosing Eve instead. In Genesis, the story of Adam and Eve's fall is told in a single line: "she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6). In Paradise Lost, Adam eats the fruit of knowledge long after Eve. Adam disobeys God to secure his relationship with Eve. In Genesis, Adam sins as a result of eating the apple, whereas in Paradise Lost he sins because of his expectations from Eve.



Heaven and Hell in Paradise Lost


The physical changes and deformation that occurs to all the fallen angels reflects the changes in their souls. Hell is not a result of rebelling against God, but instead of repenting, Satan is filled with grief and turmoil. Heaven is a place where all things are good and are created to please and obey God, whereas hell is a place of evil deeds turned away from God.



Reflections of Good and Evil in Paradise Lost


With each of the demon's proposals to fight heaven, a reflection of a number of different worldly concepts of good and evil is seen in heaven and hell. Heaven and goodness will always be more powerful than evil. Evil will never go away as long as the fallen angels exist. There can be no peace between heaven and earth. Hell will exist, but it will not be an equal empire to heaven. Evil will exist, but it will never become equal to good. The human soul will always be an eternal battlefield between good and evil. The fallen angels will seek revenge on man, though Milton states that in the end good will win over evil.



Chaos and Creation in Paradise Lost


In Paradise Lost, famine, floods, and fires are events that were caused by the creation of hell and evil after Satan's fall. Milton compares Chaos to a nation embroiled in a civil war. In chaos, there is no order and a dark ocean of nothingness. Chaos is not evil. It is from this Chaos, as is told in the Genesis story, that heaven and earth were created, and where God created light.

Deadline is approaching?

Wait no more. Let us write you an essay from scratch

Receive Paper In 3 Hours
Calculate the Price
275 words
First order 15%
Total Price:
$38.07 $38.07
Calculating ellipsis
Hire an expert
This discount is valid only for orders of new customer and with the total more than 25$
This sample could have been used by your fellow student... Get your own unique essay on any topic and submit it by the deadline.

Find Out the Cost of Your Paper

Get Price