What is the role of women in Paradise Lost?

Question

A substantial 4-5 paragraph response would be nice. PLEASE

Answer 1

Open the link read the words and write 4 - 5 paragraphs or read the book. That is the only way for you to learn. If I write the paragraphs then I get the grade.

http://www.mcgoodwin.net/pages/otherbooks/jm_paradiselost.html
Book IX
Satan succeeds in tempting Eve, and she corrupts Adam
Milton again invokes his muse. Satan returns, after seven days of hiding behind the other side of the earth--he arrives concealed in a mist. He admires the beautiful earth but is tormented by this beauty. He boasts about the destruction he will cause. He enters the hapless serpent.

We return to Eve, who now proposes to Adam to divide their labors--she wants to work away from Adam (is she restless, prideful like Satan, chafing under his constant domination, implanted already with the seeds of their destruction?) Adam argues she should stay by his side and do her role of promoting her husband--he fears for her safety. She interprets this as unkind, and responds with "sweet austere composure", saying he should not distrust her or her ability to fend for herself. He reminds her of the danger from the foe they have been warned about. But she is confident of her ability to resist temptation. She argues that their happiness in Paradise is illusory if they must live in such constant fear and confinement. Adam fears her free will and faulty reasoning. But finally he is worn down, and she overcomes his hesitation and concern. He consents to her leaving, though in a sentence (IX:370) which seems like irrational gibberish. Eve is pleased to leave with his permission, and says, in parting, the pride of their foe would prevent him from coming after the weaker of the two humans. By now, Eve has assumed somewhat of the role of the epic hero, like Satan--irrational, defiant, interesting compared to the rational but somewhat unexciting Adam. Milton laments: "O much deceived, much failing, hapless Eve, / Of thy presumed return! event perverse! / Thou never from that hour in Paradise / Foundst either sweet repast, or found repose; / Such ambush hid among sweet flow'rs and shades / Waited with hellish rancor imminent / To intercept thy way, or send thee back / Despoiled of innocence, of faith, of bliss."

When she is alone, Satan seeks her out, shunning her husband's higher intellect. He again notes her angelic beauty and is temporarily awed by her. He appears to her as a lovely serpent, and addresses her with flattery, saying she is like a goddess. She marvels that the serpent can talk. He attributes this ability to the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, and leads her to it. She offers resistance, saying it is forbidden, but he is more clever, and says she will become goddess-like, that even death is not bad if it leads to this, that God wanted to keep the animals ignorant of the fruit's real benefit. He has eaten yet has not died. She sees how he has benefited and desires the same for herself, and eats her fill of the uniquely delicious fruit. Nature immediately gives off ominous rumblings and portents. She makes an idolatrous soliloquy to the tree, then debates whether to tell or involve Adam. But if she is to die, she does not want Adam to have a new Eve, instead wanting him to die with her. Thus she resolves to have him eat too.

Adam has become worried and seeks her out, finding her near the Tree. She tells Adam that the fruit is not harmful after all and extols its merits, wanting him to eat as well. She appears flushed, intoxicated. Adam is stunned, drops the garland he has made for her, knows he cannot live without her or undo her deed, believes she is lost, deflowered, and that she has ruined him as well. But he is tightly bound to her by love, and though expressing his deep regret at her action, rationalizes the act he must do through his love for her. He reasons that the threat of death must have been exaggerated, that they will benefit more from the fruit than they were told, and will become more godlike. He doubts God would destroy his prize creation, mankind, or let Satan triumph. Finally he is resigned to his fate with her as one flesh, and she views his compliance as a kind of test or trial of his love. At last he eats his fill, and she has more as well.

As if intoxicated, they are overwhelmed with carnal lust for each other and take their fill of love's disport on a bank of flowers in the afternoon (obviously sinful). They awaken the next morning from troubled sleep, their innocence lost, overcome with remorse and shame at their nakedness, filled with turmoil. Adam wants to hide and to cover their sexual parts. They sew fig/banyan leaves together to cover themselves. They blame each other and argue, exhibiting increasing discord and distrust. Their appetites have usurped reason. Eve claims the serpent would have as easily deluded Adam, and demands to know why he did not simply command her not to go to work alone. Adam resents the lack of gratitude she shows at the supreme sacrifice he has made for her. He had too much confidence in her. They each blame the other but accept no self-responsibility.