Satan Tempting Eve in Book IX in Milton's Paradise Lost

 

Satan Tempting Eve in Book IX

Satan enters the body of a serpent and comes close to Eve. The Serpent head is held high and his eyes are glimmering. It crawls smoothly and cautiously on the grass in a Zig-Zag way. The Serpent tries to draw Eve’s attention. But Eve does not pay any attention to the Serpent.

The Serpent stands amazed to see the beauty of Eve.it moves its sleeky and gold-colored neck sideways, licking the ground. Eve notices the Serpents playful movements.

Satan begins to tempt Eve. He addresses Eve as a sovereign mistress. Serpent claims Eve not to express emotions like hatred and annoyance. Eve has an awful and majestic look. She resembles God and has a divine air. All the creatures of God gaze at her admiringly. She is universally admired by the creatures around her. They are God’s gift to her.

In Eden garden even the animals admire her. They look at her but cannot orally express their appreciation pf her beauty. But Eve is left all alone in the garden to have company with only Adam.

Satan says Eve is adored only by one man (Adam). She deserves to be adored by Goddess and number of angels. She must be taken to the position of Goddess and placed among Gods. In this way Satan flatters Eve. His words attract Eve. She wonders at the Serpent. It speaks like human being.

Eve wonders at the speaking Serpent expressing human thoughts and feelings through human language. She knows that God has created all beasts dumb and without the ability to articulate. Eve tells Serpent is an evil creature. She asks about the miracle. She becomes friendly with Satan.

The Serpent tempts Eve by calling her the Empress of the World. He speaks about the heavenly tree which bore plenty of ruddy fruits. It kindled his appetite. The branches were high above the ground. Satan plucked the fruit and ate. As soon as he finished eating strange changes came upon him. Satan says that soon after eating the fruit power of reasoning increased and he also got the power to speak.

 

 

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