Paradise Regained is an epic poem by John Milton that was published in 1671, along with his closet drama Samson Agonistes. The poem is a sequel to his earlier and more famous work, Paradise Lost, which narrates the story of the fall of Adam and Eve and the rebellion of Satan against God. Paradise Regained, however, focuses on the temptation of Christ by Satan in the wilderness, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The poem aims to show how Christ, the second Adam, restores the paradise that was lost by the first Adam, and how he resists the temptations that Satan offers him.
The poem consists of four books, each containing about 500 lines of blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter. The poem begins with an invocation to the Holy Spirit, who inspires the poet to tell the story of “man’s first disobedience” and “the fruit / Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste / Brought death into the world, and all our woe” (Book I, lines 1-3). The poet then introduces the main characters of the poem: Satan, the leader of the fallen angels who have been cast out of heaven after a war against God; Jesus, the Son of God who has been baptized by John the Baptist and is about to begin his ministry; and the Father, who watches over his Son and sends his angels to assist him.
The poem then shifts to the action, which begins with Satan and his followers in hell, where they suffer from the fire and darkness. Satan rallies his troops and proposes to continue their rebellion against God by corrupting his new creation, Earth. He volunteers to go himself and find a way to enter Paradise, where Jesus is fasting for 40 days and nights. He meets his offspring, Sin and Death, who guard the gates of hell, and they agree to help him. He then flies through the chaos and night, until he reaches the sun, where he disguises himself as a cherub and tricks the archangel Uriel into showing him the way to Earth.
Meanwhile, in heaven, the Father sees Satan’s plan and predicts that Jesus will overcome his temptations, but he also declares that he will not interfere with his free will. He also foretells that Jesus will sacrifice himself to redeem humanity from sin and death. The Son offers himself willingly and is praised by the heavenly host.
Satan arrives at Earth and is amazed by its beauty and variety. He finds Jesus in the wilderness and tries to tempt him with various offers, such as food, fame, power, and wealth. He also questions his identity and mission, and challenges him to prove his divinity by performing miracles. Jesus, however, recognizes Satan and rebukes him for his lies. He also quotes the scriptures and relies on his faith and reason to resist his temptations. He also reveals his knowledge and understanding of God’s plan and purpose for him and for humanity.
Satan, frustrated and angry, tries one last time to tempt Jesus by taking him to a high mountain and showing him all the kingdoms of the world. He promises to give them to him if he worships him. Jesus, however, rejects his offer and commands him to leave. He then calls upon the Father, who sends his angels to minister to him. Satan, defeated and humiliated, returns to hell, where he is mocked and tormented by his demons.
The poem ends with Jesus returning to his disciples, who rejoice to see him. He then begins his public ministry, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and performing miracles. He also prepares for his passion, death, and resurrection, which will complete his victory over Satan and sin, and restore the paradise that was lost.
Aesop blog bloganuary book-review books classic-literature dailyprompt education English Classics English Literature English poems English stories Fables fiction happiness happystoriesretold-com health history inspiration life lifestyle literature love mental-health mindfulness motivation personal-development personal-growth philosophy poem poems poetry resilience self-care self-improvement Shakespeare Short Stories Short Story sonnet Sonnets spirituality The Merchant of Venice travel william-shakespeare writing