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Celestial Entertainment in Eden: Book V of Paradise Lost

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 June 2011

Jason P. Rosenblatt
Jason P. Rosenblatt
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania, Pheladelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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Extract

Although the relationship between the Biblical figures Abraham and Adam underlies episodes in Books V, VIII, XI, and XII of Paradise Lost, only the significance of the parallels in the last two books has been explored fully. Barbara Kiefer Lewalski finds that the transition from vision to narration in Michael's presentation of history, coinciding with the story of Abraham, symbolizes Adam's initial revelation through faith of a covenantal relationship with God. Stressing the similarities between Abraham's departure from Ur and Adam's from Eden, Mother Mary Christopher Pecheux believes that this association “enriches and universalizes Milton's theme, helps to emphasize the virtues of the Christian hero, and reinforces the paradox of the fortunate fall.” Moreover, the topic of Abraham's departure from his homeland affords Milton the opportunity of incorporating the epic-journey motif into his poem.

Type
Research Article
Information
Harvard Theological Review , Volume 62 , Issue 4 , October 1969 , pp. 412 - 427
Copyright
Copyright © President and Fellows of Harvard College 1969

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References

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