Paradise Lost, not just an old story, outdated material,but a contemporary celebration of the potential to fall and the potential to recover.

Milton writing in the sexist tradition: centuries of anti-feminists behind him, but he makes Eve the center of the action. Fall of Eve is the central moment in the poem. Creates an Eve who is worthy not to fall; this vindicates God. If she were a silly goose she would be doomed to fall and this would make God look bad. Reconciliation centers on Eve. Eve was tricked but Adam knew what he was doing.

One third of the angels rebel because for these angels heaven was hell. Why? Very important to Milton is the exercise of reason in the face of temptation. ("Aereopagitica,"written in defense of freedom of the press)

Book X -- Adam is vicious to Eve. Eve is the most Christ-like after the fall: "Reject me not." She answers him with love; she's not ego-wounded. She doesn't answer anger with anger. They take responsibility for their actions. They stop blaming: moral regeneration as a result.

Metaphor of the Fall Book I -- Satan Book III -- God and the Son Book IV -- Satan alights in the Garden. Sees Adam and Eve.