Persuasion is a very powerful tool, and if it is used wisely, the most stubborn of people can be convinced to do the unthinkable. For instance, in Paradise Lost by John Milton, Eve was tempted by Satan, disguised as a serpent, to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. God placed Adam and Eve in paradise, with only one simple rule: they could not eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Unfortunately, Eve still ate the fruit. Why did this happen? What could the serpent have possibly said to sway Eve's judgment into eating the forbidden fruit?
             The serpent first started with flattering Eve. He told her how beautiful she was and that every creature admired her. Even today, a method such as this is used to catch the attention of women. He then added the fact that she was beautiful, but only one man was able to admire her. Why only one, when she should be seen as a "Goddess among God"(547)? The serpent's deceptive motive had progressed from Eve is very beautiful, to Eve is a Goddess. Now, who wouldn't be overwhelmed to hear something like that?
             Eve, who had not yet been totally swayed by the snake's flattering words, realized an important fact: the snake could talk. She asked the snake how he was able to speak, as she was aware that on creation day, God had made all beasts "mute to all articulate sound"(557). Eve's question alone helped to set up the snake's argument. First, the serpent swooned Eve once more by reminding her of how beautiful she was. His persuasive words gave Eve reason to believe that the snake truly thought she was " Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame"(612). Then the serpent reminded Eve that she was royalty and since he was below her, he would answer her questions as she wished. Eve was lead to believe that she was in control of the situation, and all of her questions were to be answered. This false logic stuck with Eve throughout Satan's argument,...