*note* this paper sucks-I wrote it 1 hour before I had to hand it in. Use w/ caution.
In John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost , the issue of who is to blame
fall of man is one that for the most part can be interpreted from a
reading of book IX. Based on the text, Eve played a larger role in the
to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and Adam's
more passive in that he simply followed the wishes of Eve. When
sorted out later in the story, it becomes clear that Adam and Eve were
After an extended visit from the angel Raphael at which time he
explained in great detail to Adam the dangers of falling into temptation
disobeying God's will, Adam is faced with a problem. The problem is that
wants to split up for the day and Adam knows that this is a bad idea,
particularly after the dream that she has described to him. They argue
length, but in the end Adam allows Eve to do as she wishes even though
she is making a very bad decision. Adam also knows that his ability to
is inherently stronger than Eve's, yet in his love for her is so strong
consents to her will. This yielding is very similar to EveÕs yielding to
serpentÕs deception because Adam is aware of the probable outcome of
decision. In his final plea for her to remain pious he says to Eve:
O woman, best are all things as well
Of God ordained them; his creating hand
Of all he had created, much less man,
Or aught that might his happy state secure,
Secure with outward force. Within himself
The danger lies, yet lies within his power;
Against his will he can receive no harm.
But God left free the will, for what obeys
Reason is free, and reason he made right,
Lest by some by fair appearing good surprised,
...