Paradise Lost Book 1 Summary Quiz

Paradise Lost - Summary of Books

• Book 1

  • Chaos is introduced in a universe created by Milton.
  • A globe hangs from heaven, connected by a golden chain.
  • Beelzebub, introduced as Satan’s primary companion, symbolizes the fallen.
  • Fallen angels retain their wings.
  • Different types of beasts inhabit the narrative.
  • Satan delivers a pivotal speech, expressing morale despite his tears.

• Book 2

  • Opens with Satan on a throne, addressing his legions about regaining Heaven.
  • Features speeches from Moloch, Belial, Mammon, and Beelzebub on strategies against God.
  • Satan resolves to seek out Paradise alone.
  • While he is gone, the fallen angels create chaos and sing songs in Hell.
  • Gates of Hell are described with three distinct entrances: brass, iron, and adamantine rock.
  • Two significant figures appear: Sin (female, snake-like from the waist down) and Death (male, shapeless, also known as 666), highlighting a disturbing family tree.

• Book 3

  • God observes Adam and Eve, promising to guide them.
  • Describes Heaven with elaborate gates made of precious materials and stairs leading up.
  • Satan enters through a portal from the universe to Heaven.

• Book 5

  • Eve shares her troubling dream about eating fruit and interacting with an angel.
  • Raphael visits Adam and Eve, explaining the nature of Heaven and its creations.
  • Abdiel urges Satan to repent before it's too late.

• Book 4

  • Satan infiltrates the Garden of Eden, observing the innocent Adam and Eve.
  • The couple enjoys their intimacy, encouraged by God.
  • Eve hears a whisper, provoking doubt and discomfort.
  • Five angels attempt to rally against Satan, emphasizing his fall from grace.

• Book 6

  • The battle against Satan begins, led by Abdiel advocating for worshipping God.
  • Michael strikes Satan, causing a significant outpouring.
  • Rebel angels, in fear, drop their weapons when faced with the heavenly army.

• Book 7

  • Adam inquires more about Heaven; Raphael compares knowledge to food needing rationing.
  • Describes the seven days of creation, detailing the process and the outcomes at each stage.

• Book 8

  • Eve seeks reassurance about creation from Adam.
  • Adam's solitary existence was a test, highlighting themes of companionship and vulnerability.
  • Adam and Eve share an intimate moment.

• Book 9

  • Satan adopts the form of a serpent.
  • Adam and Eve negotiate their responsibilities, challenging gender norms.
  • The serpent persuades Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge, promising enlightenment.
  • Eve eats the fruit, and despite initial anger, Adam chooses to join her in the fall.
  • Their newfound awareness leads to embarrassment over their nakedness.

• Book 10

  • Adam and Eve face consequences for their fall, having had the agency to resist temptation but failing to do so.
  • The Son confronts them; Adam hides after realizing his nakedness.
  • Punishments are assigned: Eve will suffer in childbirth and Adam will have diminished fertility.
  • They are provided clothing, marking a shift in their state of existence.
  • Sin and Death begin their scheme to create a bridge between Hell and Earth, continuing the cycle of consequence and temptation.