Learner Resource 7
The Fall and Sin
Look at Lines 990-1189
Lines 990-1015: Explore the way Adam’s fall is presented here.
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How far does the language suggest that Eve is to blame?

How far is sinfulness linked with unrestrained sensuality?

Do you see anything heroic in his behaviour here?
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Lines 1016-1065: Explore the way Adam’s attitude to Eve shifts in these lines. Look at the biblical
allusions in lines 1059-1062.

What does this comparison suggest about Adam?

Explore the way sin is linked with fallen sexuality.
Lines 1067-1185: Explore the way Adam treats Eve in these lines.
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Do you see a difference between pre and post lapsarian Adam?

How far do you feel Eve defends herself convincingly?
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Extension work, A level: Here we see Adam and Eve in a state of discord. Compare the way
their argument is presented with scenes of disagreements in your dramatic text.

Do your writers encourage you to sympathise with one side of the argument?
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Extension work, A level: Compare the way sexual relationships are presented here and in
scenes from your dramatic text.
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Extension work, A level: How far do you feel that in this extract Milton is exploring the gender
debates of his day?
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