Learner Resource 8
Heaven and Judgement; God and the Son
Look at Lines 1-228
Lines 1-33: Explore the way Milton presents Heaven’s reaction to the fall in these lines.

How does the narrator’s language shape a reader’s response to the fall?
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
1
Copyright © OCR 2015
Lines 34-62: Explore the way Milton’s God is presented in these lines. Do you find him a just
figure or a tyrant?

Justify your response with direct references to the text.
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
2
Copyright © OCR 2015
Lines 63-91: Now look at the way Milton presents the Son of God in these lines. In what ways do
you find him different to God the Father?

Why do you think Milton has presented him in this way?
Lines 92-156: Explore the way Adam responds to God the Son’s questions.

What do you notice about his attitude to Eve in his replies?

How does the Son reply to his excuses?

What is your response to Adam here?
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
3
Copyright © OCR 2015
Lines 157-162: Eve’s response to God the Son is briefer and more direct. What does Milton’s
portrayal of her here suggest about her in comparison to Adam at this point in the poem?
Lines 163-228: Explore the way Milton presents God’s judgements.

How far do you find evidence of justice tempered with mercy?
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
4
Copyright © OCR 2015
Extension work, A level: Compare the way the Adam and Eve face the consequences of their
actions here with a scene from your drama text where characters have to face consequences.
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
5
Copyright © OCR 2015
Extension work, A level: Compare the way that figures of authority are presented here and in
your drama text.
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
6
Copyright © OCR 2015
Extension work, A level: How far do you feel this extract reveals the attitudes and values of the
context in which it was produced?
OCR Resources: the small print
OCR’s resources are provided to support the teaching of OCR specifications, but in no way constitute an endorsed teaching method that is required by the Board, and the decision to use them
lies with the individual teacher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content, OCR cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions within these resources.
© OCR 2015 - This resource may be freely copied and distributed, as long as the OCR logo and this message remain intact and OCR is acknowledged as the originator of this work.
OCR acknowledges the use of the following content:
Please get in touch if you want to discuss the accessibility of resources we offer to support delivery of our qualifications: resources.feedback@ocr.org.uk
Version 1
John Milton Paradise Lost books 9 and 10
7
Copyright © OCR 2015