Additionally, the work focuses on the idea of "hunger", both in a literal and in a spiritual sense. Thus, antonyms are often found next to each other, reinforcing the idea that everything that was lost in the first epic will be regained by the end of this "brief epic". As implied by its title, Milton sets out to reverse the "loss" of Paradise. One major concept emphasized throughout Paradise Regained is the idea of reversals. Angels help Jesus, singing of his victory over the devil, feeding Him, and returning him to Mary.įrontispiece of Paradise Regained, circa 1671. Jesus quotes back, "Tempt not the Lord thy God". Satan, frustrated, takes Christ to Jerusalem and tells him to throw himself off the pinnacle of the Jewish Temple, quoting a Psalm. Satan angrily returns Christ to the wilderness and forces him to spend a cold night in the middle of a Tempest amid hellish furies. But Jesus rejects this in favour of the Psalms and the Prophets. Satan, realizing he is defeated, makes an attempt to interest Christ in the wisdom of Ancient Greece. Christs rebukes him for this blasphemy, quoting Exodus chapter 20. Satan says all the kingdoms of the world are his to bestow if only Christ will bow the knee. Satan next shows Christ Rome, and offers it to Him.
SPARKNOTES PARADISE LOST FREE
Christ refuses Satan's suggestion to free the Ten Tribes, leaving it to Divine providence. He suggests He will need an alliance with the Parthians if He is to resist Rome successfully. Satan then takes Christ to a high mountain, showing Him the kingdoms of the world. But Jesus sees suffering as the path he must tread.
Satan next tries goading him with duty, saying Judas Maccabeus gained glory for God by fighting the pagans. Jesus rejects gaining glory by violent means. Satan flatters Christ, praising His wisdom, then taunts Him with his lack of achievement, saying Alexander the Great had conquered half the world at 30. Satan next tries to tempt with money, but Jesus reminds him that King David started as a mere shepherd. Waking, he finds a fair man and a banquet waiting for Him, but He again resists. Jesus, hungry, dreams of Elijah being fed by ravens. Belial advises using a honey trap, but Satan knows this will not work, thinking pride a stronger test. Satan returns to his demons, warning them this temptation is going to be far more difficult than the Fall of man. Mary too wonders what has become of her Son, remembering that she lost him once before when He was 12. Simon and Andrew saw Jesus baptized and realize He is Messiah, but lose Him and search for him. Jesus says he can do whatever the Father in heaven allows. Satan pretends to be delighted to hear truth and begs permission to stay. Jesus, recognizing Satan, rebukes him for his lies. A seeming old man of the desert asks him as Son of God to turn stones into bread. Jesus enters the wilderness and fasts there for 40 days, pondering His past and future.
Meanwhile God tells the angels Satan is overconfident, and they sing God's praise.
Satan, seeing this, calls a meeting of demons to plot against him, confident he can fool Christ as he fooled Adam.
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