Paradise Lost
John Milton
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Satan
Why is Satan so compelling in the first books, and does Milton intend him to be?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of 'Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven'?
- How does Satan change as the poem goes on?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
Why is Satan so compelling in the first books, and does Milton intend him to be?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of 'Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven'?
- How does Satan change as the poem goes on?
What does the debate in Pandemonium show about the fallen angels?
Keep the conversation going
- Whose argument, Moloch's, Belial's, Mammon's or Beelzebub's, struck you most?
- How does Satan steer the council?
Does the poem succeed in 'justifying the ways of God to men'?
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- What did you make of God's speeches in Book III?
- Is the Son a convincing figure?
How does Milton make Paradise feel real?
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- What does work mean in Eden?
- How do Adam and Eve's conversations shape their love?
How does the poem present Eve, and how do you respond to that today?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does she want to work apart from Adam that morning?
- How does Satan persuade her?
Why does Adam eat the fruit, knowing what it means?
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- Is his choice love or weakness?
- Who bears more responsibility for the Fall?
How do Adam and Eve treat each other after eating, and how do they reconcile?
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- What does Eve's offer to take all the blame show?
- What does Michael's vision of the future give Adam?
How did you feel about the ending, as Adam and Eve leave Eden hand in hand?
Keep the conversation going
- Is it a tragedy or a beginning?
- What does 'The world was all before them' suggest to you?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.