Conflict and Innocence in Paradise Lost
In Book 4 of Paradise Lost, John Milton presents a powerful contrast between Satan’s inner torment and the pure, peaceful life of Adam and Eve in Eden. This part of the poem explores the themes of inner conflict, envy, and the nature of true innocence. Milton uses powerful language to show how far Satan has fallen, also describing the perfect harmony of the first humans before sin.
The book begins with Satan arrival in Eden and seeing its beauty. At first, he feels regret and pain for what he has lost:
“Me miserable! which way shall I fly
Infinite wrath, and infinite despair?”
Satan’s inner conflict : Satan questions himself and even seems to feel sorry for what he has done,he quickly turns away from repentance, saying:
“So farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear,
Farewell remorse; all good to me is lost.”
Satan fully commits to evil. He refuses to ask for forgiveness, choosing instead to embrace pride and revenge. This decision shows that Satan’s suffering comes not just from punishment, but from his own choices. He chooses hatred over humility.
Paradise : When Satan sees Adam and Eve, he is filled with envy and bitterness. They are living in peace, enjoying the beauty of Eden and walking with God. Milton describes Eve:
“She, as a veil down to the slender waist
Her unadorned golden tresses wore
Disheveled, but in wanton ringlets waved
As the vine curls her tendrils.”
Eve; woman lives in Grace and harmony : Eve is shown as beautiful, natural, and innocent. She and Adam live in perfect harmony with each other and with nature. They love one another purely and freely, with no shame or sin.
“For contemplation he and valour formed,
For softness she and sweet attractive grace.”
Adam and Eve were made to complement each other, both different but equal in value. Their relationship is full of respect and balance, something Satan cannot withstand.As Satan hides and watches them, he begins to plot their destruction. His jealousy pushes him to destroy what he cannot have. He says:
“Sight hateful, sight tormenting!”
Eden’s beauty is not a joy to Satan but a torment, because it reminds him of what he lost. His bitterness turns into a plan to ruin Adam and Eve’s happiness by leading them into sin.Milton also introduces the idea of free will. Even though Adam and Eve are innocent, they are not ignorant. They know what is right and wrong, and they must choose to obey God. This freedom is important because it makes their eventual fall meaningful—it is a choice, not a trick.
Conclusion: Book 4 of Paradise Lost is full of emotional power and deep meaning. Milton shows Satan as a tragic figure—once great, now fallen, filled with regret but too proud to change. At the same time, Adam and Eve are shown as pure and loving, enjoying a paradise that is fragile because it depends on their free choice to obey. The contrast between Satan’s torment and their innocence makes Book 4 a powerful moment in the poem, full of tension, beauty, and warning.
Key Themes
Satan’s Inner Struggle – He begins to regret his rebellion but refuses to repent.
Envy of Adam and Eve – Satan sees their happiness and purity and becomes more bitter.
Innocence of Adam and Eve – They are shown in harmony with nature, each other, and God.
Free Will vs Obedience – Eve and Adam are free to choose, which is important for the Fall.
Foreshadowing the Fall – Satan begins plotting to corrupt humanity.
 - John Milton ){kind=link}
0 Comments