John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” has captivated readers for centuries with its exploration of free will and its consequences. This timeless work delves into the complex relationship between divine will and human choice, offering profound insights into the nature of freedom and responsibility. The concept of free will in Paradise Lost serves as a central theme, shaping the actions and fates of its characters.
The poem’s treatment of free will raises thought-provoking questions about human agency and moral accountability. Through the fall of Adam and Eve, as well as Satan’s rebellion, Milton examines the power and limitations of individual choice. This article will analyze the portrayal of free will in Paradise Lost, exploring its role in the fall of man and Satan’s exercise of autonomy. By examining these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of Milton’s perspective on free will and its implications for human existence.
The Concept of Free Will in Paradise Lost
Milton’s Definition of Free Will
In “Paradise Lost,” John Milton presents free will as a cornerstone of his theological argument. He defines it as the ability for individuals to make choices without interference or limitation. This concept serves as the foundation for Milton’s defense of God’s actions and the fall of man. In Milton’s view, God bestows free will upon his creations, allowing them to exercise their own judgment and make decisions independently.
The Balance Between Choice and Predestination
Milton’s portrayal of free will in “Paradise Lost” grapples with the complex interplay between individual choice and divine predestination. God, as depicted by Milton, possesses both omnipotence and omniscience, yet chooses not to intervene in human decisions. This non-intervention stems from God’s inherent goodness and desire to honor humanity’s free will. The poem explores how this balance allows for the coexistence of divine foreknowledge and human agency.
Also Read: Who is the Hero in Paradise Lost by Milton?
Milton’s approach to free will draws inspiration from various Protestant thinkers, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Jacob Arminius. While Luther believed that actions affected faith rather than fate, and Calvin emphasized God’s role in both salvation and damnation, Milton’s perspective aligns more closely with Arminian theology. This view suggests that God invites humans to participate in shaping their future, rather than predetermining their fate without regard for individual actions.
Free Will as a Divine Gift
Milton portrays free will as a divine gift that enables true obedience and love towards God. As expressed in God’s speech, “What pleasure I from such obedience paid / When Will and Reason (Reason also is choice) / Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled / Made passive both, had serv’d necessity / Not mee”. This passage underscores the idea that genuine devotion can only arise from the exercise of free will.
However, Milton’s concept of free will is not without its complexities. The poem suggests that the ideal exercise of free will should be informed by a sense of obligation towards God and a fear of divine punishment. This raises questions about the extent of freedom within such a framework. Additionally, the hierarchical structure presented in “Paradise Lost,” with God at the top and Eve at the bottom, further complicates the notion of equal capacity for independent decision-making among all beings.
Free Will and the Fall of Man
Adam and Eve’s Choices in Eden
In “Paradise Lost,” John Milton portrays Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit as an exercise of free will rather than an inevitable outcome. The couple had dominion over everything on Earth, with the sole restriction being this particular fruit 3. God expected them to obey this rule as a sign of their loyalty. Despite having the power to choose, both Adam and Eve ultimately succumbed to temptation.
Eve’s decision to eat the fruit stemmed from a complex mix of motivations. Satan exploited her love for God and her fear of punishment, twisting these virtues to serve his malicious intent. Eve’s pride and desire for knowledge also played a role, as she pondered, “Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise?”. Adam, on the other hand, chose to eat the fruit out of love for Eve, demonstrating how even positive emotions can be manipulated to lead to sin.
The Role of Temptation
Satan’s role in tempting Adam and Eve was crucial to their fall. His motivation was revenge against God for his banishment. Satan employed various tactics to seduce Eve, including flattery and appealing to her curiosity. He attacked her weakness for knowledge, presenting the forbidden fruit as a means to gain wisdom and power.
The serpent’s eloquence amazed Eve, who had never encountered such intellect in the Garden before. Satan’s deception went beyond mere persuasion; he manipulated Eve’s perception, granting her a false vision that expanded her understanding of God’s work. This vision, ostensibly “loaned” from Satan, only amplified Eve’s love and belief in God, making her see eating the apple as a reward.
Consequences of Disobedience
The fall of Adam and Eve had far-reaching consequences. It brought death into the world and led to their expulsion from Eden. God meted out punishments: Adam was condemned to toil in backbreaking labor to grow food, while Eve was sentenced to experience pain in childbirth.
The ultimate consequence of their disobedience was the introduction of mortality to humankind. However, the fall also set in motion the possibility of redemption. As Milton writes, “Of man’s first disobedience, and the fruit / Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste / Brought death into the world, and all our woe, / With loss of Eden, till one greater man / Restore us, and regain the blissful seat”. This passage hints at the eventual coming of Christ to redeem humanity.
Satan’s Exercise of Free Will
Satan’s Rebellion Against God
Satan’s rebellion against God in “Paradise Lost” stems from his pride and ambition. He conspires to reign over Heaven, leading to his overthrow and banishment to Hell. Satan’s original sin, according to Genesis A, was his desire to partition Heaven, setting aside a throne for himself in the northern part of the kingdom. This secessionist wish ironically results in God forming a home for Satan in Hell.
In Milton’s version, Satan’s jealousy of Christ the Son, who replaces him as God’s favored child, triggers his initial straying from God. Satan resents the Son’s “newness” and his higher rank in the celestial hierarchy. He declares, “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven”, emphasizing his refusal to submit to God’s authority.
The Fallen Angel’s Internal Struggle
Satan’s internal struggle is evident in his conflicting emotions and rationalizations. He views himself as an innocent victim, overlooked for an important promotion. This perception reveals his tremendous vanity and pride. Satan’s ability to think selfishly in Heaven, where all angels are equal and happy, is surprising.
As Satan reaches Earth in Book IV, he shares his pain and alienation, evoking some sympathy. However, he continues to devote himself to evil, giving fraudulent speeches and telling lies. Satan’s character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the poem, from a strong, imposing figure to a degraded serpent.
Satan’s Influence on Other Characters
Satan’s influence extends to other characters, particularly in his temptation of Eve. He invades Eve’s dream as a pre-temptation, introducing thoughts of the good of knowledge and subtly pushing her to want to know more. Satan appeals to Eve’s vanity, calling her “empress of this fair world”. He manipulates her by suggesting that knowledge would make her more perfect, and that God keeps them ignorant out of jealousy.
Satan’s persuasive words, “impregned with reason (to her seeming) and with truth”, successfully mislead Eve. His ability to present sin as seductive and provide a carefully constructed rationale for disobedience demonstrates his cunning influence. This manipulation ultimately leads to the fall of Adam and Eve, causing them to lose their freedom and be forced out of the garden.
Conclusion
Milton’s exploration of free will in “Paradise Lost” has a profound impact on our understanding of human agency and moral responsibility. The poem delves into the complex interplay between divine will and individual choice, highlighting the consequences of our decisions. By examining the fall of Adam and Eve and Satan’s rebellion, Milton paints a vivid picture of the power and limitations of free will, prompting readers to reflect on their own choices and their broader implications.
The themes presented in “Paradise Lost” continue to resonate with modern audiences, offering valuable insights into the human condition. Milton’s portrayal of free will as both a gift and a burden challenges us to consider the weight of our decisions and their potential consequences. In the end, the poem serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of exercising our free will wisely, while acknowledging the complexities and challenges that come with this fundamental aspect of human existence.