Paradise Lost Book-1 Introduction

 John Milton's Paradise Lost is one of the greatest epic poems in English literature. It deals mainly with the fall of Adam and Eve and the loss of Paradise. Milton explains how human beings disobeyed God and how sin, suffering and death entered the world. Book I contains 798 lines and is written in blank verse. It is mainly concerned with Satan, his fall from Heaven, his arrival in Hell, his meeting with the other fallen angels, and his plan to take revenge against God.

Book I has six sections.

1          1–26    Invocation and purpose of the poem

2          27–83  Fall of Satan and description of Hell

3          84–282 Conversation between Satan and Beelzebub

4          283–621 Gathering and description of fallen angels

5          622–669 Satan's speech to the fallen angels

6          670–798 Construction of Pandemonium

Section 1: Invocation and Purpose of the Poem Lines 1–26

The poem begins with the famous words: “Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit/ Of that forbidden tree…” Milton immediately tells us what the poem is about. His subject is man's first disobedience to God. God had given Adam and Eve everything they needed. They lived happily in the Garden of Eden. However, God had forbidden them to eat the fruit of one particular tree—the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve later disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit. As a result, they lose Paradise. Sin, suffering and death enter human life. Milton also looks beyond the Fall. He knows that, according to Christian belief, Christ will later provide salvation for humanity. Like a traditional epic poet, Milton begins by asking for divine inspiration. He calls upon the Heavenly Muse. For Milton, the true source of inspiration is not an ordinary Greek or Roman Muse. His Muse is connected with God and the Holy Spirit. He asks the divine Spirit to give him wisdom and understanding: “What in me is dark /Illumine, what is low raise and support.” In simple words, Milton says: “Remove the darkness from my mind and give me the wisdom and strength to write this great poem.” Milton clearly explains why he is writing the poem: “And justify the ways of God to men.” This means that Milton wants to explain God's justice and wisdom to human beings. He wants readers to understand why God allowed human beings to have free will, why the Fall happened, and how God's larger plan eventually brings salvation. In Simple Words, the first section tells us the poem is about the Fall of Man. Adam and Eve disobey God. Their disobedience brings sin and death. Milton asks God for inspiration. Milton wants to explain God's justice to human beings.

Section 2: The Fall of Satan and Hell Lines 27–83

After introducing the Fall of Man, Milton goes back to an event that happened before Adam and Eve sinned. This event is the rebellion of Satan against God. Satan was originally a beautiful and powerful angel. He was known as Lucifer. But he became extremely proud. He wanted to become equal to God. Satan and his followers rebelled against God. A great war took place in Heaven. Satan and his followers were defeated by God and thrown out of Heaven. They fell into Hell. Milton describes Hell as a terrible place filled with fire, darkness, pain, suffering, loneliness, and despair. Satan and his followers remain in the fiery lake for nine days before Satan recovers consciousness. Milton calls Hell a “dungeon horrible”.  He also describes the “fiery Gulfe” The description creates a frightening picture of Hell. An important point is that Satan does not feel sorry for his rebellion. He has lost Heaven, but he has not lost his pride. Instead of saying, “I was wrong,” he thinks about how he can continue his fight against God. This is important because it shows Satan's character from the beginning. Satan has lost the battle, but he has not accepted defeat in his mind. He wants to continue his struggle against God.

Section 3: Satan and Beelzebub Lines 84–282

Satan sees his close companion Beelzebub lying near him in Hell. Beelzebub was once a powerful angel. Satan remembers his former beauty and glory. He says: “O how fall'n! how chang'd…” Satan is shocked by how much they have changed after their fall from Heaven. However, Satan does not repent. Instead, he says that although they have lost Heaven, they have not lost their courage and determination. One of the most important lines is: “What though the field be lost?/ All is not lost…” Satan believes that his mind and will are still free. He says: “The mind is its own place, and in itself/ Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.” This means that a person's mental attitude can change how he experiences his situation. Satan believes that if he remains mentally strong, even Hell cannot completely defeat him. “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven” This is probably the most famous quotation from Book I. Beelzebub is more pessimistic than Satan. He understands that they are suffering and that God has defeated them. But Satan remains determined. He tells Beelzebub that they should find another way to fight God. He says: “To do ought good never will be our task,/ But ever to do ill…” This reveals Satan's determination to oppose God at every stage. The conversation between Satan and Beelzebub shows that Satan is proud. Beelzebub is more fearful and hopeless. Satan refuses to surrender. Satan wants revenge. He begins thinking of a new way to fight God.

Section 4: The Fallen Angels Gather Lines 283–621

After speaking with Beelzebub, Satan looks at the other fallen angels. They are lying exhausted in Hell. Satan becomes angry and calls them to rise: “Awake, arise, or be forever fall'n.” The fallen angels immediately respond to Satan's command. They gather around their leader. Milton then gives a long description of the important fallen angels. Some of the names mentioned are Moloch, Chemos, Astarte, Thammuz, Dagon, Rimmon, Osiris, Isis, Orus, and Belial. These figures are associated with the false gods worshipped by different ancient peoples. Milton wants us to see that the fallen angels are not ordinary creatures. They are powerful supernatural beings. However, despite their power, they have already been defeated by God. Satan wakes his followers and gathers them together. Milton then describes the large army of fallen angels and gives the names of their important leaders.

Section 5: Satan's Speech to the Fallen Angels Lines 622–669

Now all the fallen angels are gathered around Satan. Satan addresses them and tries to increase their confidence. He calls them: “Myriads of immortal Spirits” This means countless immortal spirits. Satan tells them that they should not lose hope. He reminds them that they are still powerful and that they can continue their struggle against God. But Satan understands one important thing: they cannot defeat God through direct war. Therefore, they must use a different method. He decides to use “fraud” and “guile” In simple words, this means deception and trickery. Satan's New Plan: Satan hears that God is going to create a new creature called Man. This gives Satan a new idea. He decides: “If we cannot defeat God directly, we can attack His new creation.” Therefore, Satan plans to corrupt human beings. This plan eventually leads him to Adam and Eve.

Section 6: Construction of Pandemonium Lines 670–798

After Satan's speech, the fallen angels begin to prepare a meeting place. They are led by Mammon, who represents a strong desire for material wealth. The demons dig into the earth and discover valuable materials such as gold, precious metals, and other treasures. Using their supernatural powers, they construct a magnificent palace. This palace is called Pandemonium. The word Pandemonium means approximately “the place of all demons.” It becomes the capital or meeting place of the fallen angels. Milton describes the building in grand and magnificent language. Thousands of demons enter the palace. Because they are supernatural beings, they can change their size and become small enough to enter the enormous building. Finally, all the demons gather inside. Milton ends Book I by saying: “The great consult began.” This means that the great council or meeting of the demons begins. They are now ready to discuss their plans against God.